It is often more convenient to have counselling at a distance. This allows you to have your sessions in familiar surroundings, without the need to travel. There are various methods that can be used and the use of video conferencing is becoming more and more popular. Video conferencing gives us the advantage of being able to see each other via webcam. There are various free software options for video conferencing, where we can meet
in a private room via a link that I will provide via email.
Our Online sessions:
Our sessions will normally take place via audio and webcam. Our counselling communications are confidential and should be treated as such and not shared with any third party. Online sessions are bound by the same code of ethics as face-to-face counselling. Sessions normally take place once a week. Sessions are usually 50 minutes long. At the prearranged time, we will make contact as agreed.
If we lose contact on webcam or mobile: We will try to reconnect. I will normally remain available for 15 minutes after the start of a session. If there is a technical difficulty, we will contact each other by email or mobile phone. So, if we are out of touch, please check your messages. We can then make alternative arrangements. For example we can either switch to talking on the phone or arrange another date.
I will retain any fee for the session if you fail to keep the appointment. I reserve the right to charge for a missed session where no or insufficient notice is given.
Netiquette and social media policy:
We will use technology solely for therapy sessions. You may see me online at times other than our session, and if so I ask you please not to make contact. I am also not available for contact via social media. Similarly we will use email primarily for exchanging basic (non-confidential) documents. This is so that we can maintain our professional relationship. If we need to exchange any personal information we can use encrypted email, this will be your choice. Please bear in mind that at all times our counselling communications are confidential and should be treated as such and not shared with any third party. I own the intellectual copyright of everything I write and trust you not to reveal any of the work we do together on any social media website or blog to which other people have access.
Please follow the session menu links for further information and how to get started.