Online Therapy

Sometimes it is not always possible to attend face to face therapy sessions, either due to psychological or physical difficulties, or because logistics don’t allow. In these cases online therapy can be an effective and helpful alternative.

I offer both video-conference and chat based therapy online.

How does online therapy work?

Video conferencing is very similar in nature to face to face therapy and the session content will be largely the same. We will be able to see and talk to each other as we would in face to face therapy. However, at times we may experience technical difficulties, such as slower internet connection, which can disrupt or delay the conversation. Additionally, the image on our computer screens is likely to be smaller and less clear than seeing each other in real life, which might make it slightly more difficult to read facial expressions or body language. This can make it slightly more difficult to read someone’s emotional and physical state as clearly.

Chat-mode therapy tends to be a slower type of therapy, as it is usually much quicker to say something than type it. As we are not seeing each other then we lose the ability to pick up on facial expressions and body language, which can make it more difficult for the therapist to pick up on any distress or emotional state. However, this type of therapy can be a great alternative for individuals who struggle with anxiety or confidence as it can feel like a safer alternative and less direct.

Who is online therapy useful for?

Online therapy is useful for a wide range of mild to moderate difficulties, including anxiety and depression among others.

Who is online therapy not useful for?

For individuals experiencing severe distress or with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, online therapy is not suitable.

What will I need?

  • You will need a working computer with a good, high speed internet connection.
  • If you wish to use the video-conferencing approach then you will require a webcam.
  • Headphones or a headset are recommended to maintain confidentiality and to improve sound quality, however, this is up to personal preference.
  • You will need to register with Vsee the program used for the online therapy. Registration is free and easy and we will send you a link for this. Once registered then your therapist will add you to their contact list.
  • You will need a quiet, calm space that you can sit in for the duration of the therapy session, with minimal interruptions.

Is online therapy secure?

The Vsee application has high encryption qualities, thus being more secure and confidential than other programs such as Skype,  and ensuring that Vsee is compliant with HIPAA requirements (the standard for protecting sensitive data). Communication is securely encrypted and transmitted from point-to-point in such a way that even VSee itself does not have access to any identifiable health information that may be communicated. This means that it is ideal for online therapy.

Is online therapy confidential?

We offer the same confidentiality for online therapy as we do face to face. We will endeavour to maintain your confidentiality at all times, expect in the rare instance that we have worries for your safety or the safety of someone else and need to take appropriate action. Our full confidentiality statement will be discussed with you at assessment.

Is online therapy anonymous?

Online therapy cannot be completely anonymous, as we will still require basic information about you. This is to ensure that the therapeutic relationship is maintained and to ensure that we maintain our duty of care to safeguard you and the general public.

How do I pay for online therapy?

Fees can be paid via bank transfer prior to the session. For fee details please see our appointments and fees section.

Can I access online therapy from outside of the UK?

The laws governing online therapy vary in different parts of the world. Therefore, we currently only offer therapy to UK residents. If you are temporarily outside of the UK for work or leisure then we are still able to offer online therapy during this time.