Webcam Counselling
An encrypted online platform such as Zoom is a way for you to work with me face to face from your computer whilst engaging in therapy. If you do wish to work this way I will guide you through setting up your own encrypted account and we will meet online at a time that we have previously arranged. Being able to see your counsellor gives you more of the benefits that you get from face to face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy.
Some people feel uncomfortable with seeing themselves on screen when talking to the counsellor. If you wish we can set the platform up so that you do not see yourself, only me, or alternatively so that the platform is used for audio only.
Email Counselling
Counselling using email offers you the opportunity to consider what you wish to say before you send the email, as well as allowing for time between exchanges for you to reflect upon the responses you receive from me. I aim to reply to all emails within 2 working days of receipt of your email. This method can work well for people who may find face to face counselling more challenging and prefer to write out their thoughts. However, consideration needs to be given to the time delay between you sending an email and receiving a response, as this is not a synchronous (immediate) method of counselling.
An encrypted email service will be offered to you and I will provide assistance in setting up a secure email account.
Sometimes email counselling can be used in between more structured sessions such as telephone or webcam counselling. If this would be something that you would be interested in just let me know.
Things to think about with Remote Counselling
- Are you comfortable using internet technology? If not, we can work out what the best option for you will be if you would like to discuss this with me
- Do you feel that you can express your feelings best when writing them down?
- Written therapeutic communication may sometimes be open to misunderstanding as there are no verbal cues (such as tone of voice) or body language to help to “read” the situation
- Do you have a computer terminal/tablet/phone which you can use privately and without interruption?
- Do you think that your situation is too complex to discuss via the internet? Remote counselling is not sufficient support if you feel that you are in crisis, for example if you are wanting to commit suicide. In this case please consider contacting your local accident and emergency department at your nearest hospital and as to speak to someone in the crisis team. There are a list of free support service below. You may wish to contact one of them if you need immediate assistance.
- The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or http://www.samaritans.org
- PAPYRUS is a national charity dedicated to he prevention of young suicide on 0800 068 4141 or http://www.papyrus-uk.org
- CALM is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide on 0800 585 858 or http://thecalmzone.net
- Childline on 0800 1111 or http://www.childline.org.uk