Online Counselling
Online counselling is a way for you to engage in counselling using webcam technology. Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for your online counselling with end-to-end encryption software to protect your confidentiality.
Webcam counselling
I use Zoom or Microsoft Teams for online counselling which can be used from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer to have counselling face-to-face. I can guide you through setting up your own free account. I will videocall you for counselling at a time that we have previously arranged and send an invite (if the platform allows). Sessions are 60 minutes in length.
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Being able to see me gives you more of the benefits you get from face-to-face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy. You will be able to see my facial expressions and hear my tone of voice which is a way I convey understanding and empathy. A disadvantage of webcam counselling is that you need a private room where you will not be overheard and access to the internet to allow streaming of video and audio.
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Online counselling offers certain benefits but there are also limitations that are worth bearing in mind when deciding which type of therapy will best suit your needs.
Benefits
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Counselling from your own home
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No one will see you entering a counsellor’s practice
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You can wear comfortable clothes and have a cup of tea or coffee
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You can have counselling at a place that suits you
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Access to counselling may feel more immediate – you don’t need to travel
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End to end encryption offers confidentiality and privacy
Things to consider
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Are you comfortable using internet and video technology?
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Do you feel your situation is too complex to discuss via the internet?
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How do you feel seeing your own face during a video call?
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Do you have access to equipment that you can use privately without interruption?
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Do you have an adequate data plan that will allow video streaming? Will anyone else be accessing your internet which may slow down streaming?
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What will you do after your counselling session? Accessing online therapy may mean you finish counselling and go back to your life without having the chance to think about the session. How would you create a natural break? This could be making a drink, going into a different room, going for a walk, or writing down some thoughts.
Confidentiality
Online counselling therapy takes place using Zoom or Microsoft Teams that offers end-to-encrypted that keeps your conversation private and secure. You will need to change your settings in Zoom to ensure end-to-end encryption. I can help you with this.