Is remote therapy right for me?

In today's world of technology and social media, remote communications are happening in all parts of life - but if you have not had remote therapy before, this can feel daunting and you may not know what to expect. This is totally understandable, and this is something we will carefully explore during our initial contact and assessment as to whether we are a good fit for working together. I will regularly check in during the course of our sessions and therapy overall to see how you are finding working remotely. 

You direct your counselling by selecting the method of communication you feel most comfortable with. You choose the time, the place and the pace of your therapy to suit your needs. As part of our early contact with each other we will explore the practicalities of remote therapy to ensure this works well for you and is the right fit for your needs. 

I make every effort to provide a safe and secure environment for your therapy with encryption software to protect your confidentiality and data protection measures to ensure your information is kept secure.

Remote therapy options

I currently offer two options for remote therapy. For both options it is important that we both have a stable and secure connection, a quiet and private space where we will not be interrupted or overheard and that we can clearly communicate with each other.

• Using a webcam and a remote video platform. I mainly use Microsoft Teams but can offer other options if you are more comfortable and used to other platforms in other aspects of your life. I will support you in setting up a free video platform account if you do not have one already, and give guidance on how to use the system. Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Being able to see your therapist gives you more of the similar benefits you get from face-to- face therapy but with the convenience of remote therapy at a location of your choice. Working in this way we will be able to share tone of voice as well as facial expressions giving a broader range of communication and understanding.

• Voice only therapy - using a video platform or a landline / mobile. This gives you the option to choose to remain visually anonymous, and gives broader options of technology to communicate rather than needing a camera-enabled device. The conversation is encrypted if held on a video platform. Non-verbal communication can still be conveyed through tone of voice or in the pace of speech which I will carefully monitor to ensure I am really understanding of you. 

Benefits

• Therapy from your own home at a time that suits you

• Secure encryption software offers confidentiality and peace of mind.

• Minimises the inconvenience of travel to a therapy practice

• Therapy at a time, place and pace that suits you

• Access to therapy may be more immediate

• Flexibility to chose the technology you feel is best for you.

Things to consider

• Are you comfortable using the technology?

• Do you feel comfortable expressing yourself when not in the same room as the person you are talking to?

• Do you feel you can express your feelings effectively working in this way?

• Do you have access to a private space and technology without interruption?

If you have any questions or queries at all - please get in touch!

Louise