Tag: Therapy

Email Counselling: Could Writing Be Your Therapy?

Published on by psicounselling

When most people think about therapy, they picture sitting in a room with a counsellor, having a conversation about their struggles. But what if I told you there’s another way to access meaningful therapeutic support that doesn’t involve speaking out loud at all? Email counselling (also known as email therapy or text-based therapy) is a form of therapy that might just be the perfect fit for you.

Email therapy isn’t a new concept for me. Back in the early 2010’s, I spent two years providing email support through the mental health charity SANE and witnessed how useful it could be for people who struggled to call their helpline. That experience inspired me to think outside the box, and it had always been in the back of my mind as an option for therapy once I trained as counsellor. In 2024 I came across some formal training through the Email Counselling Academy, and I leapt at the opportunity. It helped me to refresh my skills to offer this as a more accessible option to my existing private practice.

But email therapy isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. Let me explain what makes it a unique way of working and help you work out if it could be right for you.

What Is Email Counselling?

Email counselling works quite differently from traditional talking therapy. Rather than meeting at a scheduled time for a live conversation, we exchange structured emails on agreed dates. You send your email on a set day, and I respond thoughtfully after an agreed amount of time (usually two working days). This asynchronous approach means there’s no need to coordinate our schedules for one time slot, and both of us have time to properly reflect on what’s being shared.

The process is still therapeutic and follows the same ethical guidelines as any other form of counselling. Our exchanges remain confidential, and I bring the same level of professional care and training to my written responses as I would in any face-to-face or video call sessions.

Why Email Counselling Can Be Powerful

Time to Process Your Thoughts

One of the biggest advantages of email therapy is the time it gives you to articulate what’s really going on. When you’re sitting in a therapy room, you might feel pressured to fill the silence or struggle to find the right words in the moment. With email counselling, you can take your time. You can draft, revise, and really think about what you want to say. For many people, this leads to deeper self-reflection and more meaningful insights.

Reduced Anxiety and Pressure

If the thought of sitting across from a therapist makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Many people find face-to-face therapy incredibly anxiety-inducing, especially at the start. Email therapy removes that immediate pressure. There’s no eye contact to maintain, no awkward silences, and no feeling of being watched or judged. You can write from the comfort of your own home, in your pyjamas if you like, at a time that feels right for you.

Accessible When Life Gets Complicated

Perhaps you have caring responsibilities that make it impossible to commit to the same time each week. Maybe you work shifts, travel frequently, struggle with transport, or live somewhere remote. Email counselling can fit around the complexities of your life in a way that scheduled appointments simply can’t. You’re not limited by geography or time zones, you just need an internet connection.

A Record of Your Journey

Another unique benefit is that you have a written record of your therapy. You can re-read our conversations, reflect on how your thinking has evolved, and revisit insights when you need them most. Some people find this incredibly valuable for tracking their progress and reinforcing the work they’re doing.

Perfect for Reflective Processors

If you’re someone who processes things better through writing, email therapy could be a great opportunity for transformation. Some of us need time to sit with our feelings and thoughts before we can express them. Writing provides that space. It can help you identify patterns, express things that feel too difficult to say out loud, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

When Email Counselling Isn’t Appropriate

As powerful as email therapy can be for some, I need to be honest about its limitations. Email counselling is not suitable if:

  • You’re experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts
  • You need immediate support or intervention
  • You’re dealing with severe or acute mental health symptoms that require more intensive care
  • You find writing difficult or struggle with expressing yourself in written form
  • You would benefit from the immediate back-and-forth dialogue that live sessions offer
  • You’re dealing with complex trauma that requires more immediate therapeutic presence

If you’re in crisis, please refer to my resources page for immediate support options.

Is Email Counselling Right for You?

You might be a good fit for email counselling if:

  • You process your feelings better through writing than talking
  • You feel anxious or overwhelmed by face-to-face interactions
  • Your schedule makes regular appointments difficult or impossible
  • You identity as neurodivergent (e.g. ADHD or autism) and find real-time conversations challenging
  • You want time to really think about what you’re sharing
  • You prefer having a record of your therapy journey to reflect on
  • You find it easier to be honest and vulnerable in writing

How We Can Work Together

If you’re curious about email counselling, I’d love to hear from you. We can have an initial conversation (via phone or email) to discuss whether this approach would suit your needs. I currently offer all my therapy services, including email counselling, at £65 per session.

Email therapy has opened up a new way for me to support people who might otherwise struggle to access help. If you’ve been putting off starting therapy because traditional settings feel too daunting, or if life’s circumstances have made regular appointments tricky, perhaps email counselling could be your way in.

Remember, there’s no one “right” way to do therapy. What matters is finding the approach that works for you, in a way that feels manageable and supportive. If you’d like to explore whether email counselling could help you on your journey towards feeling better, please get in touch.

If you’ve found this article helpful, feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit from learning about alternative ways to access therapy.

From Counsellor to Supervisor: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Published on by psicounselling

Last year I hit a milestone in my career; it had been a decade of sitting across from clients, holding space for their stories, and witnessing countless moments of breakthroughs and emotional healing. Shortly after writing a blog about my learnings during this time, I found myself reflecting on what might come next.

While I remained committed to my counselling work since beginning my Level 4 diploma in 2013, I wasn’t feeling the same excitement about my counselling practice that I once had. I wondered if this was simply a natural feeling to have at this point in my career and personal life. Then my clinical supervisor made a suggestion: “Have you ever considered training as a supervisor? I think you’d be excellent at it.”

Taking the Leap

The idea intrigued me. Training as a clinical supervisor did feel like a natural next step, especially when I found a course that was accessible and covered not just traditional supervision but also the evolving landscape of online counselling and supervision. The possibility of exploring a new dimension of therapeutic work motivated me to sign up.

However, once I’d committed to the training, I found myself in a panic and wondering whether I’d actually be any good at it. Would I have the skills to guide other counsellors effectively? Could I provide the kind of support and insight that supervisees would need? These doubts lingered as I prepared myself for the course to start.

The Challenges Were Real

What I hadn’t anticipated was how demanding the reading requirements would be, particularly in the early stages of the course when it was top-heavy with theory and research. The volume of material that needed to be absorbed between workshops was overwhelming. As someone who is neurodivergent, my brain processes information slower than average, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the pace and quantity of reading expected.

I was very thankful when this eased off towards the end of the live workshops, but then we were hit with the course assignments and I felt overwhelmed all over again! However I was grateful that I could at least do these at my own pace, which despite causing a lot of stress, I managed to submit before the deadline.

The workshop components brought their own anxieties. I often struggle with anxiety around new people and tend to freeze up during observed role plays, the thought of connecting with peers and being watched during practice sessions filled me with dread. The vulnerability required to learn supervision skills in front of others felt quite daunting.

Unexpected Discoveries

What surprised me most was how wrong my fears turned out to be. The connections I made with fellow trainees came more easily than I had anticipated. Instead of feeling isolated by my struggles, I found common ground with others navigating their own challenges. One of these connections has blossomed into a genuine friendship, reminding me that growth often happens when we engage in communities where we feel acceptance and belonging.

But on reflection, maybe the most significant discovery was how much I was genuinely enjoying the supervision itself. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting with supervisees as they present their client work, helping them facilitate their reflections using frameworks like the seven-eyed model. I love watching the lightbulb moments when a supervisee sees their work from a new angle or gains insight into their therapeutic relationships, or indeed with themselves.

A New Perspective

I expected to feel nervous or uncertain in the supervisor role, instead I found a renewed energy and enthusiasm. The work I’m doing to help other counsellors develop their skills, process challenging cases, and grow in their practice, has brought a fresh perspective to my career that I hadn’t anticipated.

Looking back, I realize that my decade of counselling experience was building on my own practice, but also laying the foundations for this next phase of my life and career. All those years of client work, of navigating therapeutic relationships, of managing my own personal and professional development (with the help of my own supervisors of course), had been building toward something bigger.

For Those Considering the Journey

If you’re a counsellor curious about supervision training or considering a new direction in your practice, I’d encourage you to explore it. Yes, it can be challenging, especially if you have learning differences or social anxieties like I do. But I’ve learned that our lived experiences often become our greatest strengths. My experience of being neurodivergent helps me think creatively and offer fresh perspectives into supervisees and their clients. Whilst my social anxieties make me more attuned to the vulnerability supervisees feel when sharing their work.

Since becoming a supervisor, I’ve discovered new ways to contribute to our field on top of exploring different aspects of therapeutic work, which is something I’m truly grateful for. There’s something powerful about the ripple effect of supervision: by supporting and developing other counsellors, we’re indirectly helping all the clients they’ll work with, creating positive ripples that extend far beyond our direct practice. Career development doesn’t always follow a straight line, and sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from directions we hadn’t initially considered.

If you’re a counsellor and would like to work with me as your supervisor, please get in touch for a free videocall to see if we’d be a good match.

Pride Month 2025: The Reality Behind the Rainbow Flags

Published on by psicounselling

June brings Pride Month again, and with it the familiar mix of celebration and complexity that many of my LGBTQIA+ clients know well. While social media fills with rainbow everything and brands dust off their Pride marketing, the lived reality for many queer people remains more nuanced.

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering what Pride actually means – whether you’re still figuring out your own identity, dealing with unsupportive family, trying to get through another day feeling like yourself in a world that doesn’t always make space for that, or you’re someone supporting a loved one through these experiences.

The Gap Between Progress and Reality

Yes, some things have improved. Same-sex marriage is legal, workplace protections exist on paper, and representation in media has increased. But progress isn’t linear, and recent developments like the UK Supreme Court’s April 2025 ruling that defines “woman” as referring only to biological sex serve as stark reminders of how quickly legal protections can shift.

This ruling is expected to impact accommodations for trans women in bathrooms, hospital wards, sports clubs and more. But beyond the practical implications, there’s the psychological impact on both trans people and cisgender women who now face increased scrutiny about their “biological credentials” in spaces that should feel safe.

I see the effects of this uncertainty in my counselling practice regularly. The external world might seem more accepting in some ways, but internal struggles with identity, family relationships, and self-acceptance don’t magically resolve because it’s Pride Month – and they certainly don’t get easier when legal definitions of your identity are being contested in court.

The Mental Health Reality

Let’s be honest about what I actually see in my practice. People exhausted from code-switching between different versions of themselves depending on who they’re with. Adults still dealing with the emotional fallout from families who “love them but don’t understand.” The particular loneliness of feeling like you don’t quite fit anywhere, even within LGBTQIA+ spaces.

There’s the scenario of someone who came out at work and now wonders if every negative interaction is about their sexuality. Or the teenager whose parents say they’re supportive but keep asking when this “phase” will end. The partner of someone who’s transitioning, trying to navigate their own feelings while being supportive.

These aren’t issues that get solved by attending a Pride parade, though community connection certainly helps some people. They’re complex psychological challenges that often require time, space, and professional support to work through.

What Actually Helps

Therapy isn’t about becoming more Pride-worthy or learning to love yourself in time for rainbow season. It’s about having somewhere to untangle the mess of growing up different in a world that often expects conformity.

Sometimes that looks like grieving the family acceptance you wanted but didn’t get. Sometimes it’s learning to trust your own instincts about who’s safe to be yourself around. Often it involves unpicking years of internalized messages about what’s “normal” or acceptable.

The work is slower and messier than the Pride Month messaging suggests, but it’s also more real. It’s about figuring out how to live as yourself not just during Pride Month, but in January when no one’s talking about LGBTQIA+ issues and you still have to get up and face the world.

Beyond the Month

Pride Month will end, the flags will come down, and most people will move on to the next thing. But if you’re LGBTQIA+, you’ll still be navigating the same challenges in July.

If you’re struggling with any of this stuff – whether you’re LGBTQIA+ dealing with identity, family dynamics, or workplace stress, or you’re a family member, friend, or partner trying to understand and support someone you care about – you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I work in person and online with people across the spectrum of gender and sexuality, and I get that finding a therapist who actually understands these issues (rather than just saying they’re “LGBTQIA+ friendly”) matters. If you think counselling might help, you can contact me on 07568 350 457, email me on psi.counselling@gmail.com or use the site contact form.

And if you’re in crisis, support is available year-round, not just during Pride Month. Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123, and the LGBT Foundation offers specific support on 0345 3 30 30 30.

The Disinhibition Effect: What is it and how does it impact online therapy?

Published on by psicounselling

‘The Disinhibition Effect’ is a phenomenon that explains much of why people often behave differently online than they do in person.

The term was first coined by John Suler in 2004 and it has become much more common with the birth of the internet and social media, however this phenomenon has been documented in recent history way before the internet was even a thing.

Suler’s definition explores how the anonymity and invisibility of the online world can reduce people’s inhibitions, leading them to act in ways they might not otherwise. This can can have either positive effects (increased openness and emotional expression) or negative outcomes (aggression, trolling or inappropriate comments).

Understanding the Disinhibition Effect

There are several factors that fuel online behaviour:

  • You don’t know me (Dissociative anonymity) – a certain degree of anonymity to the person we’re communicating with helps us to detach from ourselves and we feel more able to voice our thoughts and feelings.
  • You can’t see me (Invisibility) – Not being visually seen by others gives us a sense of protection from vulnerability, which in turn leads to lowering our inhibitions. It also makes it much easier to misrepresent ourselves to others.
  • See you later (Asynchronicity) – When communication is not in real time (e.g. email or commenting on social media posts), it can feel easier to say things that are difficult, uncomfortable or socially unacceptable. Having no immediate consequences to what’s been said creates a sense of safety and protection.
  • It’s all in my head (Solipsistic introjection) – When we don’t know much or see all of the person we are talking to, our mind unconsciously ‘fills in the blanks’. We then make assumptions about others and imagine up ideas of who we think they are.
  • It’s just a game (Dissociative imagination) – the abstract idea of an online world can lead to a belief that the usual practice of social etiquette isn’t needed during online interactions.
  • Your rules don’t apply here (Minimisation of status and authority) – The prevailing ethos that everyone is equal in online spaces can make it appear that ‘nobody is in charge’, and so people tend to engage with each other as peers. This can also lead to a belief that both everyone and no-one is an ‘expert’, blurring the distinction between individual opinions and established facts.

The Disinhibition Effect in Online Therapy

In the context of online therapy (whether that’s video-calling, telephone or email), this disinhibition effect can impact the therapy in a variety of ways:

Increased openness

Clients may feel more able to be vulnerable earlier on in the therapy process, revealing thoughts and feelings that they usually find too difficult or distressing to share with others. This can speed up the therapeutic process and quickly create a strong bond (aka therapeutic alliance) between client and therapist.

Emotional overwhelm

The same openness could also lead clients to delve into deeply distressing subject matter much quicker than in real life. An important part of therapy is to be able to explore such subject matter in a safe and contained way, and speaking to quickly about things can be psychologically unsafe for the client. A good therapist will help guide you to talk about these things at a pace that is safe for you.

Vulnerability hangovers

Similarly, when we are brave enough to take a risk and share our vulnerability with someone else, we can feel really exposed; common feelings that arise from this include guilt, shame, fear and regret. The nature of online therapy means we’re more likely to be vulnerable with our therapists, so it’s important to note that ‘vulnerability hangovers’ may be more common during online therapy.

Therapist-Client boundaries

Boundaries are what help us trust and feel safe when with others, and professional boundaries in therapy are incredibly important in protecting both the client and therapist from harm. Having sessions online can blur the professional boundaries that are essential for safe and effective therapy, and your online therapist should be communicating these boundaries from the very beginning. Some examples of these include starting and ending sessions at the agreed time, avoiding communication that is casual or out of hours, maintaining privacy and avoiding interruptions during sessions.

Self-expression

The ability to detach from and lower our inhibitions when communicating with a therapist online often leads to easier and more self-expression in comparison to in-person therapy. Feeling more protected from negative consequences of emotional vulnerability leads to less shame and embarrassment when sharing difficult thoughts and feelings. Having therapy by email also gives the client more time to articulate themselves and their issues better.

Thinking of having online therapy? Get in touch to see how I can help

References:

Suler, J. (2004). The Online Disinhibition Effect. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 7(3), 321–326.

The Disinhibition Effect in Online Therapy – Counselling tutor

What do Counsellors and Psychotherapists mean by boundaries? – BACP

The Realities of Being a Counsellor: Reflections from the last Decade

Published on by psicounselling

This month I’m celebrating 10 years as a practising counsellor. As I’m writing this I can’t believe it’s been a whole decade since I first sat down with a new client! This is such a milestone for me and a massive achievement, I can’t help but feel so proud of myself.

Thinking back over this time, I’ve had such varied experiences and done a whole lot of self reflection and personal growth, as well as thinking about the counselling field as a whole, and there are some key points I’d like to share with you all.

Human first, Counsellor second

One of the most important things I’ve learnt over the last 10 years is that counsellors and psychotherapists are not perfect beings that know all the answers, have all their sh*t together and never mess up. Imposter syndrome is rife within the counselling community and there is often a pressure to be ‘perfect’, when actually this is not realistic nor doable.

Actually, both counselling theory and my personal experience over the years has taught me that (generally speaking) when I make mistakes within the counselling space and own them, it has a positive effect because it reminds our clients that it’s OK to be imperfect, something that many of us struggle with and which society often tries to convince us otherwise.

Mental health professionals are not immune to mental health issues

I have struggled with both anxiety and depression throughout most of my life, and although part of my training included having my own personal therapy, being a counsellor does not suddenly make me immune to these issues cropping back up when life throws me curveballs. In fact, I have been in and out of therapy for the past 10+ years and I am very much a better person for it.

As well as having my own therapy when the occasion calls for it, striving for regular and consistent self-care plays a major role for me in being able to be there for my clients and successfully help them navigate their issues. My self care varies greatly, from striving to lead a healthy lifestyle and making time for the hobbies I love, to charging a fair fee and saying no when my books are full.

Qualifications are not everything

Over the years I have met some brilliant counsellors, and some awful ones! One thing I’ve noticed is that more academically trained counsellors and psychotherapists don’t necessarily equate to being more successful in helping their clients. There is definitely a strong vocational element to this kind of work, and the personality and personal characteristics of the counsellor play a major role in the ability to do this job.

Of course, as counselling is an unregulated profession, it’s best to check that any counsellor/psychotherapist you work with has gone through some formal training and has appropriate qualifications (training often takes years and the minium professional standard is a Level 4 diploma).

The client-counsellor relationship is key

Just as qualifications aren’t everything, there is no one type of counselling that is better than the rest. Actually, it’s arguable the single most important factor in a positive and successful therapeutic outcome is the strength of the ‘therapeutic alliance’ i.e. the relationship the client has with their counsellor*. This often means it can be a bit ‘trial and error’ trying to find a therapist that is the right fit for you.

There are still many barriers for people accessing therapy

Although video call counselling has become more mainstream in recent years (thanks COVID!), unfortunately there are still things that get in the way of people getting help with their mental health.

The cost of living crisis makes private therapy an unrealistic option for many, and with the NHS overstretched and underfunded, getting therapy through this route is often met with incredibly long wait times and short-term models that are unsuitable for some.

Other barriers include cultural stigmas around speaking to a stranger about your problems or the idea that having therapy makes you ‘weak’ somehow. For some, they put it off because they don’t know how to choose the right counsellor or not understanding how the space can help.

If you’ve enjoyed reading this and found it helpful, feel free to comment, like and share it on your social media. If you’re looking to start therapy, get in touch to see if I can help.

*Horvath, A. O., & Symonds, B. D. (1991). Relation between working alliance and outcome in psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38(2), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.38.2.139

Unlocking Therapy: A Guide to Maximizing Your Mental Health Journey

Published on by psicounselling

Have you ever wondered how to make the most out of the therapy experience?

Whether it’s your first time or you’re well practised at it, it’s always good to think about whether you could be getting more from the therapeutic space. Lets face it, it’s hard work just to get started! So here are some things to think about to help you get going.

Finding Your Bearings: Setting a Focus for Sessions

Firstly, think about what you need the space for. What aspects of your life do you want to explore, understand, or improve? Having a focus for your sessions serves as your compass, allowing both you and your therapist to navigate the journey with intention. It could be anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, or maneuvering through life transitions – the decision is yours. The clearer your focus, the more evident the path becomes.

Exploring the Landscape: Researching Different Types of Therapy

Therapy comes in various forms, each with its unique way of working. Before embarking on your journey, take a moment to explore the different types of therapy that are out there. From CBT and Psychodynamic therapy, to Humanistic or Integrative therapies, each model offers a distinctive way of working. So it might be helpful to consider what resonates with you and aligns with your goals. Asking potential therapists to explain the type of therapy they offer could help you find a better suited therapist sooner and fast track your journey.

Pacing is key: Smaller Changes or Bigger Shifts?

Do you want to make smaller changes over a short period, or are you ready for more profound shifts over a longer period? Therapy is not a one size fits all approach, so you would do well to reflect on your preferences and goals to get a better idea of how you’d like yours to unfold. Once you have a sense of a personal time frame, your therapist can help keep track of the pace and ensure it aligns with what you’re looking for. Remember it’s important to be realistic with yourself, most life long problems don’t become fixed over a short period of time.

Reaping What You Sow: Investing in Yourself

If your mind is a garden, therapy is the nurturing and nutritious soil that feeds it. Like any cultivation, you reap what you sow. Active participation, honesty, and openness are seeds that grow into self-discovery and positive change. Your therapist is there to guide and support, but the investment in your well-being begins with your commitment to yourself and the process. Embrace the journey, tend to your mental garden, and watch the transformation as you bloom.

Embrace the Possibilities for Change

Seize the opportunity to make a positive change in your life. Therapy is not a passive experience; it’s a chance for growth, understanding and empowerment. Take an active role in your mental health journey, communicate openly with your therapist, and let the process unfold with a sense of curiosity and self-compassion.

By approaching therapy with focus, awareness and a commitment to self-investment, you’ll unlock the potential for transformative growth.

Ready to start Therapy?

FAQ—Coronavirus and therapy

Published on by psicounselling

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.