In the last few years, the idea of counselling conducted in a way other than face to face was quite rare. Some counselling and therapy sessions were conducted online but most counsellors and clients seemed to prefer face to face counselling.

Online counselling is becoming much more common now especially now it is so difficult to meet. I work with my clients over Zoom which is a secure platform and works well and counselling and therapy is now being conducted over text and email. This way of working will not work for everyone but it may be a way of helping if you are going through a particularly tough time.

Sometimes you just need to know you have someone you can turn to if you are in need.

The essence of online counselling is the same as face to face

A pre-arranged private consultation with a qualified professional.

A series of meetings to help find a resolution to problems and anxieties that you are feeling.

Online counselling opens up the opportunity for a wider choice of appointment times during the day.

Does online counselling work?

Online counselling does work and is very effective for the kind of counselling that I practice. I work with a combination of Psychosynthesis counselling and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which is also known as tapping.

How does online counselling work?

You get the same empathetic and non-judgemental counselling service, just delivered differently.

I prefer to do online counselling sessions using Zoom. If clients are uncomfortable with a video consultation, the telephone is an alternative. It is possible to move between the two during the course of a session.

Online counselling lasts the same length of time as a face-to-face consultation (about 50 minutes). I would recommend clients find a safe, comfortable place to sit where they are will not be interrupted.

Not everyone feels safe at home so if online therapy is decided on then some things will need to be put in place i.e. permission to call an ambulance if you should fall sick or the police if you are in danger from assault or attack.

How to select the right online counsellor for you

There is no obligation to accept the first qualified person as your counsellor. Speak to several counsellors or therapists and see which one you feel most comfortable with. I have worked with clients that have said they went to see someone who specialised in their issue only to find that they just didn’t feel comfortable.

I have worked with clients where I have made it clear that I was not especially familiar with what they are bringing. However, the way I work is very accepting and does give a framework that the client gets to know themselves and how they operate in the world.

Some tips

• Most counsellors offer a free first consultation by phone. This is so both of you can understand each other’s suitability.

• If a counsellor feels they cannot offer you the support you need they usually have a list of people they can refer you to.

• Ask the counsellor what experience and qualifications they have to undertake online counselling

• Check that the counsellor you are intending to work with is registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

I am qualified to undertake online counselling before COVID19 forced us to consider it as an option. I offer a free first online consultation by telephone for 15/20 minutes.

Coronavirus is testing our mental health like nothing in most of our lifetimes. If you feel depressed, have mood swings, or lack motivation some online professional support might be what you need.

While most of my counselling clients are in London because that is where I live and work, I draw enquiries from all over the country.

If you would like to speak with a professional about your anxieties, contact me.

I offer a free 15-20 minute telephone call. Call: 07947 071908 or email Cynthia