What is counselling?
Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. Your therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others.
A counsellor will not give you their opinions or advice or prescribe medication. They will help you find your own solutions – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding ways of coping with your problems.
What happens in counselling
Counselling can take different forms depending on your needs and what type of therapy may be suitable.
Most therapy takes place in planned, regular sessions which last for around 50 minutes. How often you see your therapist and how many appointments you have will depend on your individual circumstances, and will be agreed between you and your therapist.
You might see a counsellor on your own, as a couple or family, or in a group with people who have similar issues. You might meet them face to face in their home, offices or clinic, or talk to them online or over the telephone. I currently only offer individual counselling but will be happy to signpost you if you feel you need couple, family or group therapy.
During a session, your therapist may take you through specific exercises designed to help with your problem, or you might have more general discussions about how you're feeling. What you talk about will vary depend on what you want help with and the therapist’s approach. It could include:
Your therapist will be impartial but understanding. They will listen to you without judgment and help you explore your thoughts and emotions. They may offer information, but they won’t tell you what you should think or do
So what is remote counselling?
Become your best self: get access to counselling through video calls, without travelling to an office and at a lower cost than traditional therapy
FIRSTLY, WHAT IS REMOTE COUNSELLING?
Remote counselling is via a phone call or secure online video platform, such as Zoom. I am trained in both so you can decide which suits you best.
HOW WILL THE SESSIONS RUN?
I will call you at an agreed time using a withheld number or through Zoom. You’ll need to be in a private, quiet space where no-one can overhear or interrupt your session. I recommend having a table or hard surface to rest your device on if your doing online video.
Your initial session will be over the phone or online and is a chance to get to know your counsellor, talk through how it will work and explore what you’re wanting from the sessions.
SO, HOW CAN IT HELP?
An important part of counselling is that you feel heard and understood. This is no different for face-to-face, online or telephone counselling. The sessions – however they are carried out – offer you a safe space to talk about your feelings without judgment.
I will support you to become aware of what you feel and why you feel this way, and help you to understand what you can do about it.
If you have a busy life and would normally find it hard to access counselling face to face, then remote counselling offers you support that you can easily access. Sometimes, if you are wanting to discuss traumatic experiences in your life, it can feel easier to talk about them remotely.
THE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR COUNSELLOR IS REALLY IMPORTANT. HOW IS THIS MAINTAINED REMOTELY?
This is a really important point. Having a therapeutic relationship with your counsellor enables the sessions to help you. Building trust and understanding your ways of working is vital.
As a counsellor I have had additional training to adapt my approach so that this relationship can build and grow – even when you’re not in the same room, or if I cant see you. I will really listen to details: tone, volume, cadence. This helps me to understand where you’re coming from. If you are using online video, expressions and eye-contact come into play.
If something isn’t working for you, it’s important that you let me know so I can change my approach to suit you.
WHAT CAN IT HELP WITH?
It can help with many of the same issues as face-to-face counselling, such as anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem and confidence issues, loss and family relationship problems.
THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR BOTH EXISTING AND NEW CLIENTS.
If you would like to book an initial consultation, please get in touch:
WHAT ARE THE BEENFITS OF REMOTE COUNSELLING?
Comfort
Speak with your therapist through video-call, anytime and anywhere without travelling to an office.
Privacy
Enjoy the sessions with your psychotherapist, in a safe and private manner, through your computer or mobile
Tailor-made
I can work with you your schedule to find the best day and time to suit you
Accessible
Affordable thanks to the online format, but without having to renounce the quality of a face-to-face therapy
If you would like to discuss your needs further, please do get in touch to arrange a free half hour consultation either by telephone or zoom