Whilst face to face counselling is currently the most popular and conventional medium of treatment, there are a huge number of factors that may mean receiving counselling by way of another communication channel could be a more appropriate option for you. Online and telephone counselling offers you the same level of support and confidentiality as that of meeting face to face with me, but in addition can also offer suitable solutions to some of the difficulties associated with receiving treatment in a traditional therapeutic setting:
- Accesibility - Counselling slots can become full. This is especially true for appointments that are in high demand such as those in the evening and late at night. Online and telephone slots will often be the most flexible slots that I am able to give and will also sometimes operate ouside of my normal hours, offering a higher level of flexibility - therefore reducing the waiting time for treatment and making it more accessible.
- Anonymity - If you are concerned about the stigma attached to mental health problems or you are worried that someone may find out that you are having treatment - online and telephone counselling services offer an even higher level of privacy as well as leaving you the option to remain completely anonymous if you wish.
- Convenience - Online and telephone services mean that you are able to receive support from the comfort of your own home, or whereever it is that you are.
What is Online Counselling?
Simply explained, online counselling is any form of counselling that is conducted over the internet. This could be via an exchange of a series of emails, or it could be over an instant chat messenger or video messaging service such as Skype or Facetime that allows you to talk in real time. I offer both Skype and Facetime as a means of online counselling which is an ideal way for you to get the confidential and professional support you require if, for whatever reason, a traditional face to face setting does not suit your needs.
Skype & Facetime Counselling
Skype and Facetime are both computer programs that enable you to video chat in real time with other people over the Internet. The software itself is free and easy to download. If your computer does not have a webcam or microphone you will need to purchase these too but both are relatively inexpensive.
How does Skype or Facetime counselling work?Usually you will contact me via email or telephone in the first instance to arrange an initial consultation. At this point I will make an assessment of whether or not I feel that Skype or Facetime counselling is an appropriate method for you.
Before your first session you may want to ensure you are alone and won't be disturbed. It is also a good idea to make yourself comfortable and check you have good Internet connection before you start.
During your initial consultation you can check that the technology is working correctly and that you feel comfortable receiving counselling in this way. This is also your opportunity to get to know me and ensure that you are happy with my style of working.
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Telephone Counselling
Telephone counselling works in the same way as that of face to face counselling but is conducted over the telephone. This may also be offered as an additional avenue of support between face to face counselling sessions.
How does Telephone counselling work?
Usually you will contact me via email or telephone in the first instance to arrange an initial consultation. Together we will plan a suitable time for us to "meet" and discuss what you are seeking help with.
During our initial telephone call I will take the opportunity to discuss the areas that need to be addressed, to find out some background information about you, and to recommend and agree the time and frequency of future counselling sessions.
I will also outline my confidentiality and cancellation policies.
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Qualifications and Background
It is not unreasonable for you to want to check out that I am who I say I am, that I am accredited and registered with the appropriate bodies and that I have passed a police check. You are able to check my BACP accreditation through the BACP Register. To check my status please visit the BACP Register and enter one or more details about me in the fields required. My certificate number is 021340. Additionally, you may view my police check information here.
Payment Process
With all forms of Online and Telephone counseling that I offer, payment must be received before the counselling session begins. Payment may be pre-arranged such as a direct debit or bank transfer or it may be made by using the 'Buy Now' button on this page which will allow you to buy sessions using PayPal or a Credit Card. If payment is made using PayPal or a Credit Card I must receive confirmation of your payment before your counselling session can begin.
