FAQ—COVID-19 and therapy
UPDATED 04/04/22
Q Are there still restrictions on face to face sessions?
A As part of the ‘living with COVID’ guidance, I no longer have any covid-19 mitigation in place.
UPDATED 19/07/21
Q Are there still restrictions on face to face sessions?
A Yes, despite legal restrictions easing, I feel it’s best practice to continue with all my covid-19 mitigation for the time being. I will look to review this decision every few months.
UPDATED 15/08/20
Q Are you doing face to face sessions?
A Yes I have now made my counselling space ‘covid secure’ & now offering face to face sessions again.
Q Are you taking on any new clients for online sessions?
A Yes I am still taking on new clients; sessions can be either face to face or online video calling.
Q How would we do video calling (online) sessions?
A We would use the VSee software/app, which is free and secure video calling software designed for professional use. You can download/install and sign up at www.vsee.com or find the app on iOS/android. Online sessions will need to be similarly set up to face to face sessions, meaning we both will be situated in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions and where we are able to sit comfortably. *Note: video call quality is often best when using a wired connection to a PC/laptop*
UPDATED 15/03/20
Q What are you doing to minimize risk?
A I am taking extra precautions to frequently and thoroughly wash my hands at every opportunity, frequently using anti-viral hand sanitizer and avoiding shaking hands.
Within the counselling space, after each client I am disinfecting all hard surfaces that clients might touch, and temporarily minimizing my soft furnishings. 2m distance will be kept between us at all times.
Furthermore, I am asking all clients to use the provided anti-viral hand sanitizer at the beginning of each session and all clients have access to a sink to wash their hands if they wish to.
Q What can I do to minimize my risk?
A Keep up to date on official NHS guidelines and government guidelines and do what you feel is best for you.
Q What happens if you or I have to self-isolate?
A If you need to self-isolate, I ask that you let me know as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements. Similarly, if I need to self-isolate I will get in touch with you as quickly as I can so we can make preparations. If this happens, you will have a choice of options: to switch our sessions to video call (online) for the isolation period, put them on hold as necessary or end them altogether.
Q Can I switch to online sessions as a precaution?
A Yes of course we can switch from face to face to online sessions if that is what you wish to do. Just let me know if this is the case for you.
Q What should I do if I feel unwell before an upcoming session?
A If you feel unwell in the days before our session, let me know and we can discuss how to proceed. If you feel unwell on the day and a session can’t take place (face to face or online), I may charge a £25 cancellation fee in accordance with my existing cancellation policy.
UPDATED 19/07/21
Q Are there still restrictions on face to face sessions?
A Yes, despite legal restrictions easing, I feel it’s best practice to continue with all my covid-19 mitigation for the time being. I will look to review this decision every few months.
UPDATED 15/08/20
Q Are you doing face to face sessions?
A Yes I have now made my counselling space ‘covid secure’ & now offering face to face sessions again.
Q Are you taking on any new clients for online sessions?
A Yes I am still taking on new clients; sessions can be either face to face or online video calling.
Q How would we do video calling (online) sessions?
A We would use the VSee software/app, which is free and secure video calling software designed for professional use. You can download/install and sign up at www.vsee.com or find the app on iOS/android. Online sessions will need to be similarly set up to face to face sessions, meaning we both will be situated in a quiet, private space that is free of distractions and where we are able to sit comfortably. *Note: video call quality is often best when using a wired connection to a PC/laptop*
UPDATED 15/03/20
Q What are you doing to minimize risk?
A I am taking extra precautions to frequently and thoroughly wash my hands at every opportunity, frequently using anti-viral hand sanitizer and avoiding shaking hands.
Within the counselling space, after each client I am disinfecting all hard surfaces that clients might touch, and temporarily minimizing my soft furnishings. 2m distance will be kept between us at all times.
Furthermore, I am asking all clients to use the provided anti-viral hand sanitizer at the beginning of each session and all clients have access to a sink to wash their hands if they wish to.
Q What can I do to minimize my risk?
A Keep up to date on official NHS guidelines and government guidelines and do what you feel is best for you.
Q What happens if you or I have to self-isolate?
A If you need to self-isolate, I ask that you let me know as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements. Similarly, if I need to self-isolate I will get in touch with you as quickly as I can so we can make preparations. If this happens, you will have a choice of options: to switch our sessions to video call (online) for the isolation period, put them on hold as necessary or end them altogether.
Q Can I switch to online sessions as a precaution?
A Yes of course we can switch from face to face to online sessions if that is what you wish to do. Just let me know if this is the case for you.
Q What should I do if I feel unwell before an upcoming session?
A If you feel unwell in the days before our session, let me know and we can discuss how to proceed. If you feel unwell on the day and a session can’t take place (face to face or online), I may charge a £25 cancellation fee in accordance with my existing cancellation policy.
Pensive Counselling: Counsellor Wickford Essex 