Online Counselling Expectations
Expectations for when starting online therapy
If you would like online counselling, or you wish to switch your counselling to online, then the first step is to ask your counsellor. The process from then on is simple:
Questionnaire - Your counsellor will send you 1 or 2 simple questionnaire forms for you to complete and return. These forms are designed to help your counsellor/therapist to assess whether online counselling is the most appropriate form of therapy for you at the time.
Date & Time - Once you and your counsellor/therapist have agreed to go ahead with online counselling, the next step is to agree a start date and time, followed by the preferred device for the counselling sessions. Your preferred device could be a computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Platform - You and your counsellor/therapist will agree on which online platform you are going to use, this will usually be Zoom. In order to ensure that your meetings happen promptly and reliably, both parties will need to check that the devices and internet connection meet the minimum requirements.
Links - Following the steps that your device and platform have been chosen, your counsellor/therapist will send you a link to join the meeting with them at the pre-scheduled session time.
Zoom - A short time before your scheduled counselling session is due to start, you will need to access Zoom (we suggest at least 15 mins prior to the session start time). To access your session meeting, click on the link sent in your appointment confirmation email. Depending on your browser, the first time you use Zoom you may be prompted to download the Zoom software. Don’t worry this will only take a moment to complete, with following the simple onscreen instructions.
Session - Once Zoom is downloaded, you will be able to join your session. If your counsellor/therapist has not yet entered the session, a waiting screen will appear. As soon as your counsellor/therapist has joined the session, your video screen will promptly load, beginning your session.
Practical things to consider before having your first online counselling session
A Private space - A private space is a very important thing to consider. It should be quiet, private and away from any possible disturbances (e.g away from other family members, children, pets etc.).
Protection - In order to fully protect your confidentiality, only use password protected Wi Fi and please ensure you have up to date Virus protection and/or Fire wall.
Visual - It’s vital that during your session that you position your webcam in a way that the therapist can see you. If attending as part of a couple, it is important that your counsellor/therapist can see you both clearly (ideally from the waist up) and that the lighting is adequately in front of you so that your face(s) aren’t shadowed.
Lighting - Reducing the source of light from behind you will make it easier for the therapist to see you. They will be doing the same.
Comfort - Online counselling/therapy may feel a little strange at first, however I work this way with many people and can reassure you, it settles down quickly and the sessions start to feel more normal.
Quality - Please check your video and audio on your preferred device, to ensure quality and to make sure you have the e-mail link ready before the session begins. Please also allow at least 15 minutes to set up before the session begins.
Phone - We ask that you have your phone nearby. This ensures the if there are any technical issues resulting in loss of video or audio, that your counsellor/therapist will call you to discuss how to proceed with the session.
Sessions - Please rest assured that our session with you will never end without discussion. If the video link ends it would be due to technical issues.
Face to Face - Although online counselling is a really effective way to continue with therapy during these incredibly difficult and changing times, it is a very different experience to being in the same room as your counsellor/therapist. Bringing with it its own set of challenges and experiences.