Sessions online

Before your session you will be sent a video link via email that you can access at the agreed date and time of our appointment.  You can access the link using a pc, laptop, tablet or smart phone. It is a good idea to click the link a few minutes early so you can get set up. When you open the link, you will be guided through the process (you may be asked to check your mic and video prior to starting the call).. You will be placed in a 'waiting room' and will be admitted to the online session at the agreed time. Your counsellor will welcome you to the session meeting room which is a safe and secure online space (encrypted). The counselling session will last 50 minutes. Payment for the session can be made by bank transfer (details can be found on the Payments page). Payment is due the day before your appointment (or earlier if you prefer).

Your device will need a camera, microphone, speaker and a reliable internet connection. You will need to find a private space where you will not be disturbed or overheard by other people. Phones, TVs, and other electronic devices should be switched off so that there are no distractions. 

If there is a technical issue during a session I will attempt to reconnect twice.  If this is not possible I will then contact you by phone and we can decide whether to continue the session by phone or rearrange the session.

Sessions are private and confidential but there are rare exceptions to this (please see the Counselling Contract for more information). I work from a home office that is private and our sessions cannot be overheard. I use a headset to further ensure your privacy.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you attend the session from a private space where you cannot be overheard or interrupted. Sessions must not be recorded by either of us. It is a requirement that counsellors have regular supervision where cases and situations may be shared.  However, any client's identity is kept anonymous and supervisors have a duty to maintain privacy just as I do.

As far as possible your sessions will be held on the same day and time each week. It may be possible to change the sessions to a new slot if your circumstances change. If two consecutive sessions are missed without notice it will not be possible to keep that slot open, and it will be offered to another client.