Counselling is a skilled way of helping individuals with personal issues and difficulties. Counsellors are trained to listen, to have a theoretical understanding of a wide range of personal issues and to help individuals make the changes they wish for in their lives. It is not something that is done to you but something you do with your counsellor. You need to be willing and able to make the commitment to attend on a regular basis and engage in the process with your counsellor. Counselling can be demanding and sometimes, facing certain issues can make you feel temporarily worse before you feel better.
I am able to offer what is known as person-centred counselling. This therapy is based on the theory that worries and difficulties can prevent individuals from functioning fully and having the life they want. It seeks to help the client to reach their potential and become more confident. My counselling approach aims to be non-judgemental and to look at issues from your point of view.
Counselling is not about giving you advice or telling you what to do. I believe that you are your own best expert. Remember that this is not about changing other people’s behaviour or attitude, we can only change our own including how we respond to other people and situations.
Counselling online via video link
Zoom is a way for you to see me face-to-face from your computer, whilst engaging in counselling at a time that we have previously arranged. Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for your online therapy, as by using Zoom, this has encryption software to protect your confidentiality and security. I will take security precautions, but no technology is 100% secure. Together we will discuss a ‘back up’ plan should the internet fail such as trying to reconnect three times and if no success using the telephone instead.
The call quality on Zoom is usually very good. It can be improved by you using an Ethernet connection as opposed to Wi-Fi, however, Wi-Fi or 3G/4G will usually work well too. Usually, if your internet is good enough to stream YouTube or Netflix, it is good enough for video conferencing. I recommend closing all other browser windows and programmes running in the background, to make the call quality as good as possible.
Telephone counselling
This is like video counselling but takes place over the phone and without the use of a camera. Video and telephone 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
- Counselling from your the comfort of your own home
- Secure inscription software offers confidentiality and peace of mind
- No chance that you may be seen entering the counsellor’s practice
- Counselling at a time, place, and pace that suits you
- Access to counselling may be more immediate
- Flexibility to choose the technology you feel is best for you
Some things you may enjoy about counselling online or via telephone are:
- You can create a comfortable and private space in your own home from which to attend
- You may find it easy to talk, focus, and express yourself
- You may enjoy wearing comfortable clothes, bringing a cup of tea and avoiding a commute after a counselling session
- We may be able to be more flexible about scheduling
- Research shows that online / telephone therapy is as effective as in-person therapy
Things to consider
- Are you comfortable using internet technology? Do you have any auditory, speech or hearing loss?
- Would you prefer to see your counsellor face-to-face?
- Do you feel you can express your feelings effectively online?
- Is there a space that you can use privately without interruption?
- Does your broadband data plan support the use of the data required to use Zoom, or is it capped?
- If using your mobile phone, do you have a good signal for a conversation to take place for the session?