Online Counselling
I have been qualified to work online since 2011
We can connect for your counselling sessions in the way that feels most comfortable for you:
Video: Conducted via Zoom. I will send you a link before our session. You do not need an account—simply click the link to join.
Instant Messaging (IM): Conducted via WhatsApp or Zoom, depending on your preference.
Email: Conducted via Hushmail. You can create your own secure account (Hushmail or ProtonMail), or I can send encrypted replies directly to your standard email address.
Online therapy offers flexibility and privacy. It is particularly helpful if:
-
You want to find the counsellor that best suits therapeutic needs, regardless of location.
-
Travel time or physical mobility makes in-person visits difficult.
-
You feel safer or more "yourself" in your own familiar environment.
A Note on "Online Disinhibition"
Being in your own familiar environment and meeting online, means that we may say or express things more quickly or intensely than we might in person. To ensure you feel safe, I will work with you to pace our sessions so you only disclose what you are ready to share.
Technical & Privacy Checklist
Privacy: Ensure you are in a space where you won't be overheard. If your home is busy, Instant Messaging can be a more private alternative to video/voice.
Devices: Ensure your laptop or tablet is charged. Keep your phone nearby as a backup in case of Wi-Fi issues.
Digital Paper Trail: If you wish to save our chats or emails, please keep them in a password-protected document or a secure email account.
For Instant Messaging (IM)
Here are some simple techniques to prevent us "talking over" each other and ensure a smooth flow:
The Ellipsis (...): Type ... at the end of a sentence if you have more to say. This tells me to wait before I reply.
Ending a thought: Send your message without the ... when you are ready for my response.
Context: Feel free to describe your current feelings in brackets, e.g., (sighing) or (laughing). Emojis are also welcome!
For Email Sessions
To allow me time to read, reflect and respond within our hour, I recommend a 500-word limit per email.
How it works:
I "interweave" my thoughts into your original email using a different font color. I put my questions in italics so they are easy to spot. These questions are for your reflection—you don’t have to answer them unless you want to!
What to include:
Initial Session: Your goals, what you’ve already tried, your support network, and relevant background.
Ongoing Sessions: What has changed since we last "spoke," any specific focus for today, or feedback on strategies I’ve suggested.
Creativity: You are welcome to attach poems, lyrics, or photos that help express how you feel.
How to Get Started
Your Introductory Call
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision. To help you decide if I am the right fit for you, I offer a complimentary introductory call (15–20 minutes).
The main purpose of this time is for you to get a sense of who I am and how I work. It is an opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable speaking with me and, most importantly, to see if you feel truly heard and understood. You are welcome to ask any questions about my approach to help you decide if I might be a good fit for you.
Flexible Support
I understand that life is unpredictable, and your circumstances may change. My approach to online counselling is intentionally flexible. For example, if you usually have video sessions but find yourself travelling, feeling unwell, or simply unable to join a video call one week, we can easily switch to an email session to ensure you still have the support you need. My priority is to keep our work consistent, in whichever format works best for you at that moment.
