Online Therapy - Counselling and EMDR

Online Counselling and Online EMDR

I work therapeutically online with individuals and couples offering online counselling or online EMDR via the internet through voice call, video call or instant messaging. I have trained in offering therapy online and I am insured to do so.

I am not able to provide online counselling or online EMDR to any person who is under the age of 18. It is important to be aware that online therapy is not suitable for everyone or all issues. Immediate emergencies or strong suicidal feelings are better dealt with urgently. Online therapy is not always suitable for severe trauma or more complex issues.

Instant messaging counselling (also called instant chat counselling) is carried out at a pre-arranged time using an instant messenger application. I suggest we use Zoom or Teams. Instant feedback obtained from online messaging counselling can be comforting for those who wish to interact and respond immediately. At our agreed time we will both log on so that we exchange instant messages for the length of the session.

For video counselling or online EMDR, I suggest we use either Zoom or Teams . In order to use this type of online therapy, your computer must have a webcam and microphone and we will both be able to see and hear each other. Together we will plan a suitable time for you us meet. Before your first session you may want to ensure you are alone and won't be disturbed. It is also a good idea to make yourself comfortable and check you have good Internet connection before you start.

For voice call counselling, I suggest we use Zoom or Teams. In order to use this type of online counselling, your computer must have a microphone and we will both be able to hear each other. Together we will plan a suitable time for you us meet. Before your first session you may want to ensure you are alone and won't be disturbed. It is also a good idea to make yourself comfortable and check you have good Internet connection before you start.

More about online counselling

Online counselling provides an opportunity to explore a personal difficulty in a confidential and supportive environment. This may include expressing feelings that are painful, and which many of us experience at certain times in our lives. When this happens it can be difficult to stay positive and cope with everyday life. Online Counselling can provide you with the opportunity to access counselling support at a time and in a place which is convenient to you and be supported in trying to find a positive way forward with personal issues or concerns.

Online counselling may be able to help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, anger issues, loneliness, relationship problems, bereavement, self-esteem, life style choices, discrimination, and many more. Online counselling is not suitable for anyone with suicidal feelings or for some complex issues.

As not all types of issues can be resolved through online counselling, I will advise you if I consider that face-to-face counselling or some other form of support might be more appropriate to your personal needs and presenting issues. Where I consider that online counselling would not be the most suitable means of support, I will make every effort to assist you in a referral to a suitable alternative source of support.

More about online EMDR

Read more about EMDR here. Online EMDR is an alternative way to do EMDR processing when doing so in person is not possible. The main difference when working online is related to the type of bilateral stimulation used, as it is a little more limited. For online EMDR the bilateral stimulation might be self-tapping, but I also use an online EMDR platform that offers bilateral stimulation using a virtual light bar for eye movements, or sound. More instructions will be given once we agree to work together and we will try it out to make sure it you are happy prior to any processing.

Assessment and agreement for online counselling and online EMDR

Prior to online counselling or online EMDR can take place, I will send you my intake form, therapy agreement and my privacy statement. I will also ask you to complete some questionnaires (for EMDR only). These documents must be completed an/or signed electronically and will ensure that we work together safely and ethically.

If you would like to have a full initial session to decide if I am the right therapist for you, you still need to fill in the forms.

Accessing online counselling or online EMDR

For online counselling I ask that we use Zoom or Teams. Both are free software platforms for video, voice or instant messaging that are safe to use, although Teams require an Microsoft 265 Office subscription.

For online EMDR, we can use Bilateral Base, Zoom or Teams.

These platforms are secure platforms that are encrypted to a high standard for sensitive communication. This means that it is very difficult for a third party to hack into the communication.

There is no guarantee that online therapy is 100% safe, but provided care and consideration is used, the risk that a third party can hack in to the communication is minimal.