In these unusual circumstances, I am able to offer to work with clients remotely, via video call, or the telephone or other similar platform.
I would suggest an initial confidential consultation over video call or telephone for about 15 mins during which we can discuss your current situation and what leads you to seek therapy now. We can then consider whether to proceed with further sessions and how that might work, or if another service would be more suitable for you. There is no charge for an initial video/telephone consultation. My fee for online/remote video call or telephone counselling is £45 which reflects my own reduced costs in delivering the service. Therapy conducted in this way is not considered inferior to face to face work by the professional and training bodies that govern psychotherapy and counselling. All successful therapy is founded on trust and a good working alliance between the therapist and client, and this can be built up remotely as well as face to face. Indeed it is not uncommon for long term clients to move to remote sessions during periods of travel or due to a house move or job relocation etc. Students will go off to university and continue their sessions remotely. At the moment we are all getting used to connecting with those we are close to using technology, and grappling with the emotional and technological challenges that this brings. More and more services are moving online and therapy is catching up too.
I do understand that it can be very difficult to find a quiet and confidential space at home from which to speak and so can be more flexible about session timings than usual. Please ask about this. Some of my clients have chosen to go for a walk if it has been impossible to find the space at home. At least the weather has been kind and offered these opportunities, while providing much needed consolation.
- Helen