Even before Covid-19, research was suggesting that more and more people were accessing therapy and coaching online for a variety of reasons, but mainly for it’s accessibility and convenience. Many people also reported feeling less inhibited when talking to a counsellor or coach online, than they may feel in a face-to-face situation.
Dr Jeanette Hennigan was an early pioneer in the field of Online Counselling (you can read about her research here).
Counselling or Coaching online can be similar to having face-to-face counselling, in that you can talk to a Trained counsellor/coach via Video on a secure and encrypted video link (similar to Skype) on your laptop or phone and from a place and at a time that is convenient for you. If you prefer not to use video, you can turn the camera off and use voice only or even have session via text only using secure chat.
All that is needed is a computer, laptop or any other device with a webcam and microphone. You will be sent a link to click to join the session ahead of the pre-agreed time, which will connect you directly to your counsellor/coach. If you arrive a little earlier than this, you will be directed to an online waiting room where your counsellor/coach will know that you are waiting and join you at the designated time.
Though working online can have much of the same feel as working face to face, there are important differences to be aware of. In addition to their formal face to face qualifications, best practice is for a therapist to have additionally been trained and are qualified to work online. So you can be reassured that you are receiving the best service at HelpYourHead whichever medium you choose to work in.
At Helpyourhead.com we use Doxy.me for our secured and encrypted video and chat counselling/coaching sessions, where you don’t need to set up an account or download any special software. It is one of the most commonly used platforms used by UK healthcare providers and meets a very high standard of confidentiality and data security.
What to expect from online counselling / coaching
Counselling & coaching via video, chat or audio only can feel less stigmatising for many clients. Increased accessibility and convenience are also clear advantages. Before deciding whether it is appropriate for you, please consider some of the potential advantages and disadvantages below.
Potential advantages: Although online working is not right for every person or every issue, the potential benefits may include: feeling less inhibited than in person, being able to send and receive messages at any time of the day/night, being able to reflect upon those messages whenever you like, automatically having a record of communications etc. Video sessions and chat are also a convenient way to talk to a qualified professional in real time from a location that suits you best.
Potential disadvantages: It is important to be aware of risks of inadequate password protection, leaving information on a public access computer e.g. public library or in your place of work. Thus it is very important that you communicate in a way that your confidentiality is maintained. If you are working by text only e.g. chat or email sessions, there is the potential for miscommunication, since non-verbal body cues are missing. Your counsellor / coach will explain how best to manage this in the initial conversation with you.
Not all issues are suitable for online counselling e.g. if you are currently engaging in self-harming or have suicidal thoughts) and it is not suitable for urgent help.
If you are in need of urgent help, please contact an appropriate service such as ChildLine (0800 1111) or Samaritans (08457 909090) or your local Accident & Emergency Dept.
If you would like to work online with one of the team at Helpyourhead.com, please contact us using the button below. Your counsellor / coach can then provide more information about working online and also arrange a trial session, so that you can make an informed decision.
Practicalities / Fees
Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Coaching e.g. Performance, Stress management, Life coaching etc.,
Individuals - £110 for a 55 minute session
