Online sessions

Online therapy is becoming more popular these days. It is partly because face-to-face sessions are more restricted in the current COVID-19 situation, and also because online therapy offers such flexibility and convenience that allow both you and me to have the sessions anywhere where it is technologically possible (and safe to do so). I offer online therapy through video-conferencing, over the telephone and via e-mail.

Video-conference

laptop on brown table with yellow chair

Video-conferencing means that we have a session online by using a third party application, such as Zoom, either on a smart phone, a tablet or laptop/desktop computer. Throughout the video-conference, a headset may also be needed, depending on personal preferences.

Similarly to face-to-face therapy, during the first online session I usually explain the nature of therapy and may send a document electronically that explains some important information (e.g. about confidentiality and privacy policy), then we usually complete an assessment together. This helps my understanding of your situation, and also helps in the next step which is usually about setting goals.In subsequent online sessions, we may use therapeutic tools to facilitate conversations (for example to ‘start off’ a session), to measure both goal progress and the effectiveness of therapy, and we may also use certain questionnaires. During online sessions, I recommend you to have a notebook/piece of paper and pen in case we both wished to make notes of certain elements of therapy.

It is good to note that during online sessions we rely on the quality of network/internet connection which may bring some challenges (e.g. losing connection) that we can easily solve usually.

Telephone sessions

old-fashioned yellow telephone next to a green sofa

 

Therapy sessions over the telephone have a very similar process to the above mentioned video-conferencing. Confidentiality, privacy policy and other important information are discussed during the first session. Goals are also set then and therapeutic tools can be used the same way as well. One difference between video-conferencing and therapy over the telephone is that we cannot see each other during sessions. It means that we only have feedback by hearing each other (during face-to-face sessions and video-conferencing there is feedback from facial expressions and body language as well). Some individuals wish to have only phone contact with a therapist while others may prefer video-conferencing. It is up to you what type of therapy you find comfortable and suitable.

Email sessions

mobile phone screen showing notifications for new messages

 

Therapy via email can be very convenient as you set your own pace for sessions. It may be helpful for individuals as well who feel more confident expressing their thoughts and feelings in writing. When choosing this type of therapy, the you will receive documents that explain important information about therapy itself, about confidentiality and privacy policy, and you will also receive a guide about how to structure your e-mails (if necessary). One advantage of this type of therapy is that you can access the messages/emails at any time and you can revisit and reflect on their contents even after therapy ended. Normally, you have 15 days to send your first email and you will receive an answer within 5 working days. Then, you will have another 15 days for sending your second email for which you will receive an answer in 5 working days again. These four emails count as one therapeutic intervention.

More general information can be found at the FAQ section.