What Is Online Counselling?
Much like traditional face-to-face work, online counselling is a 50-minute conversation between client and therapist which takes place weekly at a set time. Held over Zoom, sessions offer the same support and confidentiality as in-person counselling but allow for flexibility as there’s no travel to a physical location.
Online counselling can be for the short term – 6, 8 or 12 sessions – or a longer-term arrangement.
What Can Online Counselling Help With?
Online counselling can help with a wide range of presenting issues, such as anxiety, stress, depression, isolation, addiction (including helping to offer additional support for those in recovery) and relationship issues. Counselling allows you to explore the root causes of your issues in addition to helping with the problem today, either by offering practical advice and techniques or having the opportunity to voice feelings you might otherwise have bottled up. Online counselling can be an invaluable resource to those in areas where in-person counselling isn’t available, or on NHS waiting lists.
Many people are reporting increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, loss of routine, and struggling to balance the demands of work and being a full-time parent while working from home due to COVID-19. I am offering clients online counselling to support them during this time, including practical advice about maintaining a routine and things which can be done to help relieve some of the stress during this difficult time. In some cases, just the opportunity to talk to someone outside of your immediate family can have enormously positive benefits.
What Does It Cost?
Initial consultations cost £50 and last 50 minutes. It’s during this initial session that rates are discussed, agreed and set for the duration of your sessions. Costs will remain the same online or if we meet in person at the appropriate time.
My standard charge is £50 but some concessionary rates are available, for which there are limited spaces. I am endeavouring to offer low-cost sessions for those on limited incomes or those who have been furloughed due to COVID-19.
I am currently offering free online counselling to NHS staff and frontline workers where I am able.
How Do I Start and What Happens?
Like with face-to-face counselling, please call 07901 99 22 06 or send an enquiry using the contact form below. Within 24 hours (although usually much quicker) I will respond to offering a time for an initial consultation via Zoom. I am also able to offer sessions via Skype or Microsoft Teams.
During this initial consultation, you will be able to tell me what’s made you seek counselling and be able to determine if I am someone you’d feel comfortable working with. This initial meeting also gives me the chance to ensure that my skill-set is appropriate to your presenting issues. Sessions are for 50 minutes and are paid for either by bank transfer or via payment link sent at the conclusion of each session if requested.
What Are The Drawbacks?
In the first instance, it’s important to check your online counsellor is registered with an appropriate governing body, which will indicate your counsellor is not only fully trained but continues to develop their learning through the required continued professional development. I am registered with the BACP. UKCP is the other major body.
Online counselling can offer many of the same benefits as in-person sessions but there are some important distinctions. Non-verbal communication (body language) is an important component of counselling and that can be difficult when each party only see each other from the shoulders up. It’s also important to ensure you have a private area in which to have your sessions – is there noise from other members of the family? Are you going to be interrupted by the front door or the phone? Having a private, confidential space is crucial to counselling work and that isn’t something everyone has at home.
Be sure to set yourself up for your online counselling session too. It can be tempting to check that notification on your phone or an email that pops up on your laptop while you’re talking to someone but it might disrupt your attention to the point where something important is missed.