I am a qualified therapist and offer therapy via video and telephone.
If you think online or telephone counselling is a good choice for you, contact me for more information.
Online therapy is any support that is given to help individuals with mental health problems via the internet. This may be via video and telephone. Just knowing that there is someone there to respond to your problems without judgement can provide an enormous sense of comfort and support to anyone attempting to overcome a difficult period in their life. If you’re unsure as to whether online counselling is a suitable option for you, the best thing to do is to get in touch to discuss your concerns.
Before you make a decision, you might like to consider the information on this page before you decide if working online with a therapist is right for you. In all online therapy I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Video means that you will speak directly to your therapist online via a secure platform such as Zoom, and all interactions will be in real time. Essentially, although working from a distance, you will be able to see and hear your therapist and you will be seen and heard over the secure platform link. Webcam appointments are via secure platforms and don’t have to be downloaded prior to your appointment.
Voice means that you will be speaking to your therapist via a telephone. You will not be able to see each other although all interactions will be in real time. You will not be seen by your therapist and therefore, it is important that you are able to speak clearly and have a good clear voice connection, so you get the most benefit from your telephone counselling session.
Benefits:
Accessible
Online therapy provides accessibility to busy individuals who don’t have time to travel to an appointment. If you are away from home business trips can be stressful and isolating which makes seeking professional support more important than ever. Having an established relationship with an online counsellor means you can talk to them about the issues you’re facing from any hotel room, anywhere in the world. It’s accessible if you have mobility issues or are housebound. Individuals who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings. Time might be an issue and being able to access therapy online is time efficient and saves travelling to your therapist’s location.
Anonymous
If you are concerned about the stigma attached to mental health problems, or you are worried that someone may find out you are having treatment, online services offer you a high level of privacy.
Convenient
Online therapy is usually very convenient as you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home or area that you choose to access therapy from. You can schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you and make arrangements to have the same time slot each session. Provided you have a good internet connection and access to a mobile phone, tablet or computer online therapy can be very convenient.
Limitations
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Unreliable Technology
Keeping your personal information private is a high priority in psychotherapy, and online treatment adds an additional layer of complexity. Confidentiality is just as important in online therapy as it is in more traditional forms of treatment delivery. As information is being transmitted online, it makes privacy leaks more of a concern. However, a good online therapist will do everything possible to ensure your privacy is adequately protected as much as possible.
Technology problems can make it difficult to access treatment or treatment can sometimes be disrupted due to technology failure. Precautions are taken prior to a session to ensure there is an adequate plan in place should there be any technology issues.
Crisis Situations
Online therapists are distant from the client, it is difficult to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis happens. If a client is experiencing suicidal thoughts or has suffered a personal tragedy, it can be difficult for the therapist to provide direct assistance. Every effort is made to ensure the client has a plan should a crisis occur and can access the appropriate help and assistance. However, it may not be the most appropriate form of therapy if you are in crisis as it would be your responsibility to access the additional services you require.
Online Therapy is not appropriate for those with serious psychiatric illnesses.
Online-therapy can be useful for a variety of situations, however, with more serious psychiatric illnesses that require close and direct treatment online therapy is not an appropriate form of treatment. The scope of online therapy tends to be limited, so it is not considered effective for more complex presentations. Contact me to discuss further to see if online or telephone will be suitable for your needs.