Online and telephone Counselling Appointments (audio or audio + video) – You will meet with me for regular sessions at an agreed time either via phone (I will ring you at an agreed time on an agreed UK number). This is ideal for those who have poor internet coverage and want to speak about their concerns rather than writing them down. Video Conferencing is offered using Zoom. You will be guided through setting up an encrypted Zoom account on your computer (or phone) and you will need a secure internet connection and either a smart phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone. Using headphones means our conversation can be kept more private.
You will need to have a private space where we can talk together. It is ideal for those preferring to speak to someone rather than writing down their concerns. Video conferencing enables you to ‘see’ the person you are talking with.

E-therapy synchronous messaging – We will agree a regular appointment time and you will be able to join me in a secure Zoom chat-room to communicate via text. This is excellent for people who would prefer not to be visible on the screen – or have concerns regarding being overheard, and those who prefer to express themselves through the written word. Your text conversation can be viewed and re-viewed at a later date. You will need an internet connection and a smart phone, tablet or computer.

E-therapy through email conversation - You will be guided as to how to set up an encrypted email account, from which you can email me. I will respond within a set time frame (usually 2-3 working days). Usually I will suggest that you take about an hour to compose an email, and I will usually spend an equal amount of time responding. This is ideal for those who prefer to express themselves through the written word and/or are not able to easily commit to a fixed time each week. It enables you to engage with therapy at a time appropriate for you.

Benefits of online or telephone counselling
• You can speak from your own home at a time that suits you
• Secure encription software offers confidentiality and peace of mind
• No need for travel, or for you to be seen entering my premises
• When using email or online chat, you are able to review what you are saying before sending
• Therapy at a time, place and pace that suits you
• Some people find it easier to express their feelings by writing it down e-therapy via messaging or email is ideal for this
• Access to counselling may be more immediate
• Flexibility to chose the technology you feel is best for you: telephone, email,
telephone, live chat or video call.

Things to consider
• Are you comfortable using internet technology?
• Would you prefer to see your counsellor face-to-face?
• Do you feel you can express your feelings effectively using words?
• Do you feel your situation is too complex to discuss via the internet or phone?
• Is there a computer terminal (or smart phone) that you can use privately without interruption which has an internet connection, microphone and camera?
• Text communication can sometimes be open to misunderstanding
• There are no nonverbal cues or body language for you or the counsellor to read within text based therapy - this can sometimes lead to misunderstanding
• Having therapy online can be disinhibiting – this can be good in that it is not so difficult to explain how you are feeling, but can lead you to saying more than you planned
Confidentiality

Video sessions take advantage of the encrypted services offered by Zoom and your counsellor will guide you through setting up a free account for your therapy and will offer further tips on how to get the best out of video counselling sessions.
Text based online therapy takes place either within Zoom, or for Email correspondence is encouraged through a secure mail server and you will be instructed on how to set up a confidential free email account or messaging account.
Audio calls can either be made through Zoom encrypted services, or from my landline to another UK landline or mobile.

I will give you further information about privacy, data protection and any limits to confidentiality before we meet.