How does online counselling work?
I offer online counselling sessions via Zoom, one hour long and usually weekly. I start with a 15-minute free introductory call (on Zoom) which can help consider if we work together and means you can ask any questions and see how you feel.
Once we’ve decided to work together, I’ll send you a contract and pre-counselling form for you to fill out before our first session. I’ll send a payment link approximately two days before the session, which is an easy way to pay without having to share bank details between us.
Once paid, I’ll send a Zoom link, which you simply just click into. It’ll take you to the waiting room where I’ll let you in. You’re welcome to test the link before or join early. For regular slots, if it’s easier for us I can set up a reoccurring meeting link, so it’s the same link for each session.
I offer online counselling sessions via Zoom, one hour long and usually weekly. I start with a 15-minute free introductory call (on Zoom) which can help consider if we work together and means you can ask any questions and see how you feel.
Once we’ve decided to work together, I’ll send you a contract and pre-counselling form for you to fill out before our first session. I’ll send a payment link approximately two days before the session, which is an easy way to pay without having to share bank details between us.
Once paid, I’ll send a Zoom link, which you simply just click into. It’ll take you to the waiting room where I’ll let you in. You’re welcome to test the link before or join early. For regular slots, if it’s easier for us I can set up a reoccurring meeting link, so it’s the same link for each session.
Guidelines for Zoom sessions
- Please ensure you are alone in a quiet, confidential space
- You’ll need reasonably good internet, enough to sustain your video on
- If having your video on is distracting, you can “hide self-view” by selecting the 3 dots in the top corner of your screen.
- Using a laptop or stable device is better if possible. A phone is ok, but it could get uncomfortable to hold and can be unstable so I recommend propping it up on something if you can.
- Earphones are ideal too, they make for better sound quality and provide a more immersive experience. I always wear earphones for confidentiality, and I also work from a confidential room.
- Please make sure your whole head and shoulders can be seen. I put my view on "speaker view" so I can see you better without looking at one side of the screen. This also helps feel a bit more like eye contact without the intensity of needing to stare into the camera which would lose my focus on you. You can look wherever you like but don't feel like you have to look into the camera - a soft gaze on me, and me on you, is fine. If you have any questions or concerns about this do please feel free to ask in our first meeting.
- Please also make sure your phone is on “do not disturb” or similar where possible as calls and notifications disrupt the sessions (even if not using your phone to access sessions). I go by the same rule.
- You may be more comfortable at home but please make sure you are fully dressed for the session, and not in pyjamas/in bed so you’re not tempted to nod off!
- Do not use drugs or consume alcohol before or during our sessions.
- I ask for your phone number to use as a back-up in case we lose connection
- If you have any adaptations you require, or there's anything else I can do to help you feel more comfortable, do let me know.
Online counselling and accessibility
Working as an online counsellor involves having specific training to do this, usually in the form of a short course or a module as part of counselling training. I did a BA (Hons) in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice, which had a module on online counselling. However, as I trained during COVID lockdowns, I had an array of online experience in groups, teachings and with clients in placement, as well as face-to-face and telephone counselling experience. I now run my private practice online, and really value online counselling for it's accessibility.
I believe counselling is just as effective online, and it allows me to work with people all over the UK, which is beneficial given my niche is working with eating disorders and disordered eating. For many people with disabilities, social anxiety, chronic illnesses, autism and other forms of neurodivergence (and for many more reasons) online counselling is a lifeline as they may otherwise not be able to access support. Other benefits of online counselling include:
- No transport costs
- Being in the comfort of your own home
- Easier to work around jobs, childcare and other aspects of life
- May feel safer for many people
- Having control over your own environment (eg lighting, seating)
- Free to move, use fidget tools or stim of needed
Online counselling does require a quiet, confidential space and a good internet connection (though we can arrange a back-up phone call where necessary if we have technical issues). I usually use Zoom but if you have difficulties with this platform, Teams is also an option.
If you have any questions or queries, or would like to book in for a 15-minute intro call, please get in touch with me via my contact page.