Online Counselling

Professional Counselling From a Place That Works for You

Online counselling offers a convenient and flexible way to access therapy without needing to travel to a counselling room.

For many people, meeting online can provide the same important elements of counselling as meeting face-to-face: a confidential space, time to talk openly and a supportive therapeutic relationship in which you can explore whatever has brought you to therapy.

You might choose online counselling because travelling is difficult, because it fits more easily around work or family commitments, or simply because you feel more comfortable talking from your own surroundings.

How Does Online Counselling Work?

Online counselling sessions take place by secure video call, allowing us to see and hear each other in real time.

Sessions work in much the same way as my face-to-face counselling. You will have dedicated time to talk about what is happening in your life, explore your thoughts and feelings and consider the changes you may want to make.

You can choose to continue meeting online or, where practical, move between online and face-to-face sessions. We can discuss what works best for you.

There is no requirement to commit to a particular number of sessions.

Why Choose Online Counselling?

There are several reasons why you might prefer to work online:

• Convenience — there is no travelling to and from appointments, making counselling easier to fit around your everyday commitments.
• Comfort — you can attend from your own home or another private place where you feel comfortable.
• Accessibility — online sessions can make counselling available when distance, travel or other circumstances make attending in person difficult.
• Flexibility — online counselling can fit more easily around work, family life and other responsibilities.
• A gentler first step — if the thought of attending counselling in person feels daunting, meeting online may feel like an easier way to begin.
• Continuity — online appointments can sometimes make it easier to maintain regular sessions when circumstances make attending in person difficult.

For some people, being in familiar surroundings can also make it easier to begin talking about thoughts, feelings or experiences that they have previously found difficult to discuss.

Is Online Counselling Right for Everyone?

Online counselling works well for many people, but it may not always be the most appropriate option.

You will need a reliable internet connection and a device that allows you to see and hear the session clearly. It is also important that you have access to a quiet and private space where you feel comfortable speaking without being overheard or interrupted.

Although video allows us to see many of the same expressions and responses that we would notice when meeting in person, communicating through a screen can feel different from being together in the same room.

There may also be circumstances where online counselling is not the most appropriate or safest form of support. If there are significant concerns about your immediate safety or wellbeing, we can discuss whether another type or level of support would better meet your needs.

Suitability can be considered together before we begin.

Online Counselling Using Zoom

Online counselling sessions are conducted using Zoom.

Before your appointment, you will receive the information you need to join the session. At the agreed time, we will both connect online and your counselling session will begin.

Using video means that we can see and hear one another, allowing conversation to flow naturally and helping us develop the therapeutic relationship in much the same way as we would when sitting together in the counselling room.

You don't need to be particularly confident with technology. If you are unfamiliar with online video calls, I can explain what you need to do before your first appointment.

Preparing for Your Online Session

To get the most from online counselling, it can help to treat the appointment in much the same way as you would a face-to-face session.

Try to find somewhere private and comfortable where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Allow yourself a little time before the appointment to settle and, where possible, avoid scheduling something immediately afterwards so that you have a few moments to reflect before returning to your day.

Using headphones can also provide additional privacy and may make it easier to hear each other clearly.

Taking the First Step

Whether you choose online or face-to-face counselling, what matters most is finding a way of working in which you feel comfortable, supported and able to talk openly.

If you are unsure whether online counselling would be right for you, please get in touch. We can discuss what you are looking for from counselling and decide together whether meeting online or face-to-face would best suit your circumstances.

Online and face-to-face appointments are available.