Video and Telephone Therapy Sessions
I provide therapy sessions via video and over the telephone from my base in Richmond-upon-Thames helping you to stay well, calm and connected at a difficult time. Telephone or video sessions provide you with understanding, support, calm, and a safe space to explore your anxieties.
I have completed a Counselling Online course which has been jointly developed by the Open University and the BACP, and am currently completing an 80 hour Certified Online and Telephone Counselling Training mapped to the BACP Core competence for Online and Telephone Counselling.
Recent research shows that receiving therapy from a therapist via traditional telephone or Skype and Zoom has just as much therapeutic value as face to face therapy, and in some instances, even more so. It is also a valuable way of helping people who do not have the means or opportunity to attend face-to-face sessions, to receive the help that they want to receive.
Video and Telephone therapy sessions provide you with a private window to talk one-to-one to help resolve mental health issues, beliefs, feelings and issues affecting your life. They are a great way of connecting to a professional therapist at a time that fits with your schedule and from a location that you prefer.
How do Video Therapy Sessions work
All you need for our online meetings is a computer, laptop, tablet or device with a webcam. Once you have booked a session I will email you the details of your booking with a secure link to access your session. I use Zoom, a reliable, secure and good quality software, though we can also use Skype or WhatsApp if you prefer.
We will be able to see each other. Remember to try and disconnect all your other devices from your Wifi network during the meeting, as this can sometimes affect the quality of your connection.
At the time of your appointment just click the link. If you have never used Zoom before, you may be asked to install the App. Follow the easy on-screen instructions and select ‘Run’ to install.
Your online safety and privacy matters
I use Zoom because:
It’s available to users with lower bandwidths.
You don’t need to download software or set up an account.
It meets a very high standard of confidentiality and data security.
Zoom will not collect your personal information and sessions are not recorded. Video calls take place using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to ensure they remain confidential.
When you make a booking you will be asked for an email address, if you want to keep these details private please use an email address that only you have access to.
Zoom uses cookies. However, these will not contain identifiable information about you or your counselling session.
If you want to delete all traces of Zoom you will need to:
Uninstall Zoom.
Delete your internet history for the day you had therapy.
Delete any cookies Zoom has left on your device. You can get more information about deleting cookies on the UK Information Commissioner’s Office website.
How do Telephone Therapy Sessions work?
Sometimes we will meet in person first for an assessment, alternatively we can have telephone sessions from the outset - for both assessment and talking through how it will work.
When arranging telephone counselling you need to ensure the conversation will be private and safe and that you have a have a suitable and private space from which to take the call.
During telephone therapy sessions you need a confidential and quiet space to speak from, where you won't be interrupted or overheard.
Also I will need your contact details and GP details.
Code of Conduct
I will not record our meetings, and ask you not to do so without my written permission.
Sessions will be stopped (at full cost) if you are under the influence of alcohol or other recreational drugs.