Online counselling therapy is a way for you to engage in
counselling using internet technology such as webcam video. You choose the time, the place and the pace of your counselling to suit your needs. Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for your online therapy with an encrypted platform to protect your confidentiality and security.
After you pay for your session you will be sent a secure Google Meet link at a time that you have previously arranged. Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Being able to see your counsellor gives you more of the benefits you get from face-to-face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy. By talking you hear the tone of voice which is a way to convey empathy and with video, you see non-verbal communication such as facial expressions.
Online therapy at a time, place and pace that suits you is a highly efficient and convenient way to undergo counselling. A secure inscription platform offers confidentiality and peace of mind.
Are you comfortable using Internet technology? Is there a quiet space that you can find where you will not be interrupted or disturbed? Do you have a good wifi connection?
The information shared with me is held in strict confidence and all electronically stored information is stored on a password-protected drive.
In adherence with the BACP ethical code, I am obliged to break confidentiality if you were to disclose involvement in or knowledge of an act of terrorism, money laundering and drug trafficking. In addition, I have an agency policy to report instances of harm to yourself or others. I have a legal obligation to report harm or abuse to a minor or vulnerable adult. When elements of our sessions are taken to supervision, no identifying information such as your name is used. My supervisor also follows the same procedures for confidentiality as I have outlined. Video counselling takes advantage of the encrypted services offered by Google Meet. At the end of our counselling agreement copies of our exchanges will be stored electronically on a password-protected drive for 7 years. After this time the information will be deleted and any paper documents will be shredded.
If at any point during counselling, you need emergency support, I may ask for your consent to contact your GP or recommend alternative avenues of support other than online counselling. Online counselling is not sufficient support if you feel you are in crisis. Signs of crisis may be feelings or thoughts about suicide or harming yourself or another. In this case please consider contacting your local A&E department at your nearest hospital and ask to speak to someone from the crisis team.
If you feel you need immediate assistance you may consider contacting the Samaritans, they are available by telephone at 08457 90 90 90 or by email at jo@samaritans.org.
All client material is treated in complete confidence and is removed from my computer at the end of our work together. Electronic records are stored on a password-protected memory stick and kept in a locked filing cabinet. No identifying names or material is retained on these records as a client ID number is used to replace such information.