How online video sessions work

Overview of Online Counselling

Online counselling is a form of therapy that takes place over the internet, allowing you to connect with me from the comfort of your own home. This method has gained popularity due to its convenience and accessibility. I have completed additional training to ensure I offer the best possible therapeutic environment online or via telephone.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

How Online Counselling Sessions Work

1. What platform do I use?

I use Google Meet to facilitate sessions.

• You can access your sessions using most devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers.

• A Google account is not required, nor is downloading any software (though some people prefer to download the Google Meet app as they find connecting to sessions easier that way)

2. Scheduling an Appointment

• Often recurring sessions can be set up at a regular repeated day and time. When this happens, the same link should work for every session.

• If you prefer or need ad hoc sessions, they would be booked as individual appointments and therefore you would need to use the correct meeting invite for each appointment.

3. Preparing for the Session

You can prepare for your session by:

• Finding a quiet and private space where you can talk without being overheard

• Ensuring a stable internet connection

• Gathering any materials or notes you wish to discuss (this is not required, but some people find it helpful)

• Having a glass of water or other beverage to hand (non alcoholic)

• Having tissues to hand just in case

4. Conducting the Session

During the session, we can communicate through:

• Video calls - which would be the default way to experience your online sessions.

• Audio calls - camera turned off. Some people prefer to not be seen for a variety of reasons. This can be set before joining the session itself or changed during the session.

• Text chat messages - some interactions can be facilitated through the chat feature (this should not be used to share personal information, however)

• If the connection becomes unstable, we can find alternatives to keep the session going as smoothly as possible - examples of this might be turning off the video feed to reduce the load on the internet signal or swapping to a telephone call.

Benefits of Online Counselling

Online counselling offers several advantages, including:

• Increased accessibility for individuals in remote areas or issues leaving the house

• Flexibility in scheduling allows therapy to fit in around your day

• Comfort of a familiar environment

• Reduced stigma - no one can see you physically walk into a therapist's office/no need to give a reason for where you are going.

Online counselling can be an effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy, providing support at your convenience.

If you have any questions about receiving online counselling or would like to book a session, please reach out to me, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

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