Online Therapy
ONLINE COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS
I would like to provide you with some practical information to help you understand what to expect with online sessions and also provide some tips to make sure the process runs smoothly.
It might feel scary or uncertain to have some sessions online but they can be as effective as meeting face to face, so long as you follow the sensible tips below. My goal is to create a safe and contained space to work with you. I have joined and facilitated numerous sessions or meetings online with positive effect. If there are some material/documents that we need to use for the sessions (e.g. when I am going through psychoeducation and mindfulness), I will make sure that I have emailed this through to you before the session.
Different services we can use:
1. Zoom
My current preferred online service is Zoom. This is an encrypted service and is free for you to access and download.
A video on how to use Zoom is here:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
If we are using zoom I will send you an email before the session which contains a meeting number. Please make sure I have the correct email before the session. When you open Zoom, it will ask you to enter the meeting number so that you can join me. Please do NOT join the meeting until the agreed time.
2. Skype
An alternative is skype which is also easy to use but may not offer as confidential a platform as zoom:
My skype address is suzi_doyle. Please make sure you have connected with me before the session so that when the time arrives, we can start on time.
3. Whats App
Another alternative is using Whats App. Please make sure that I have your correct number in advance of the session.
4. FaceTime
Many people are familiar with FaceTime and prefer this method, though it is not as secure as the above.
TIPS
Please make sure that:
1. You have your computer or mobile set up with Zoom, Skype or Whats app before the session commences. This includes having your microphone and video turned on.
2. Your computer or mobile is positioned at a sensible height so that I can clearly see your face and that the camera is at eye level. If several people will be participating, please make sure that I can see everyone clearly.
3. It is very easy to hear background noises e.g. animals and washing machines and kettles etc. so please make sure you are in a quiet location.
4. You will not be disturbed for the duration of the session and that the door to the room you are sitting in is closed.
5. If you are using your computer, you have your mobile out of reach and with the sound muted so that it is not a distraction.
6. You do not have your back to a window or light – this can make it very hard for me to see you clearly.
7. That there is adequate lighting in the room you are in.
8. You have a box of tissues nearby.
9. You have a glass of water nearby.
10. You have not been drinking alcohol or taking drugs before any sessions where they may still be in your body.
11. You do NOT record the sessions. I will not be recording any of our sessions UNLESS I have prior consent from you and this has been mutually discussed and agreed and a consent form has been signed by you.
12. You will NOT let anyone else listen in to any part of the online session (via phone or any other technical device or in person) without prior agreement with me.
13. You join the meeting at the agreed time.
Sometimes people use headphones during online sessions. I have so far found that if we can both create a quiet space then there is no need for headphones. I have also observed that if one person has headphones and the other doesn’t, then this can make the sound less effective. So basically, we both either use them or we don’t.
Regarding EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
If you are having EMDR therapy in your sessions, we will have a number of options as alternatives to the bilateral stimulation (BLS) that you may have been accustomed to. These are:
1. Sounds instead of visual or tactile BLS. This involves downloading a recording of bilateral tones or using an app, and operating the sets of audio taps yourself, with ear buds connected to your smartphone
2. Butterfly hugs, where I will guide you as to pacing
3. Eye movements where you follow my fingers across your computer screen
If none of this makes sense, please do not worry. It may be that we have not used EMDR and of course, if you are interested, you are welcome to ask me.