I am offering both face to face (in person) and online therapy sessions.
If you are looking for details on how an online session might work, please continue reading below.
Given the current circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic, the topic of online therapy has become more relevant than ever. Until now, online therapy has been a popular choice mostly amongst people who are: in geographic areas where in-person therapy is not accessible; busy with commitments and family life and do not have the time to travel to the therapy room; and expats all over the world, who are looking for UK-based therapists.
As of late, I have been approached by a larger number of prospective clients from the UK and worldwide, who asked several questions about online therapy, its benefits and potential drawbacks.
With the premise that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, I hope that in the F.A.Q. section below you will get your questions answered. If not, please feel to contact me here.
Is online therapy effective?
Based on my clinical experience, that of my clients’ and reports from my colleagues, online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy as it draws on the same principles of collaboration with the clients, fostering a trusting relationship, and using the same therapeutic techniques with some slight adjustments.
What device would I need for online therapy?
You only need a good enough internet connection, a laptop or smartphone or PC, and some privacy. Headphones might be also helpful, but they are not necessary if you have enough privacy. Moreover, a working phone in case the internet got disconnected and we needed to keep momentum rather than wait to get the connection back on.
Would online therapy be more tiring than in person therapy?
This is rarely the case for the client. Online therapy is just another form of face-to-face therapy. As long as you can clearly see your therapist’s face and hear what they say, that should go very smoothly. It might be slightly more strenuous for the therapist, as they may have to pay extra attention to subtle changes of your voice tone and rate, facial expressions and body language, which can be harder to detect when they are not seeing the client in person.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. I use an online platform (Bilateral Base), which was designed to use EMDR remotely. It allows the therapist to administer visual and sound stimulation for processing. Once again, clients do not have to do any extra work, as the emphasis will be more on the therapist’s ability to pick up on subtle signs from the client and adapt their approach accordingly. For more information about EMDR, please click here.
Can you help with specific psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship problems, and emotional disorders online?
Yes. I would use exactly the same tools to investigate with you what issues you are experiencing, devise a therapeutic plan and utilise therapeutic skills and techniques to help you overcome or manage your problems.
Can you help with anxieties and emotional issues that are the direct consequences of being instructed to stay home due to the coronavirus
Sadly, developing issues such as low mood, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems during this period of restrictions and social distancing is a very common experience. As a counselling psychologist, I am trained to help with a wide range of psychological issues that can stem from the client’s history, but also issues that have just arisen in such unprecedented times.
I have more questions about online therapy
You can arrange a free 15-minute consultation with me