Online Therapy Sessions - FAQs

For these changing times I have written a help sheet about working therapeutically online

It’s not exhaustive but a way to begin this transition and enable me to continue my work. Please ask me if you have any questions.

What online platform do I need to use?

I use Zoom for sessions. It’s recommended by UKCP for online work as provides the security required.

At the time of your session I will send you a link via email for you to click on to join me in session. You don’t need to download Zoom but it doesn’t hurt to, especially to make use of their test to check your video and audio and make sure you can be heard. It’s free to download.

What if I don’t have access to a computer?

I really recommend using a computer screen if possible – and the bigger the better, less gets lost that way than when using a smart phone screen.

However if it’s not possible for any reason, or you’re having technical issues on your computer, then it is possible to use zoom on a smart phone too and can be downloaded from your apps. If you can’t use Zoom we can talk about alternatives and perhaps do a phonecall or facetime or Skype (but I can’t guarantee the security of these).

Will the session feel the same?

Part of this depends on how you approach the session. I think it’s important to prepare mentally in the same way you would if you were coming to see me, so spend a bit of time beforehand thinking about it, a little time sitting waiting for the session to start may be helpful.

For my part, I will provide the same quiet, uninterrupted and reflective time as in the therapy room. I will ensure absolute confidentiality by using a secure online video link and ensuring the session can’t be overheard. It’s likely we’ll be working in this way for a few weeks.

We need to keep reviewing how you are finding couple therapy under these very different circumstances and keep on the agenda the things that you both need during this time and how our sessions can help with this.

It might be important to make some agreements about how to keep the couple therapy contained and safe, this will vary for everyone.

After the session I recommend some space to digest, reflect and process some of the conversations. Many people find a notebook helpful in this process

Misunderstandings are possible in therapy whether working face-to-face or online, if you ever feel misunderstood by me, please say. When we work at distance it can be harder to pick up on non-verbal information, or to get used to working together. If at any time you have any feelings about this, please share these with me and we can both work to make the therapeutic experience better for you. I will do the same.

I have done online work before and the general feedback is that it’s not as different as it may sound, very little is lost in the process and the adjustment (for both of us) doesn’t take long.

Where and how should I sit?

I recommend you find a quiet, comfortable place away from possible distractions. Ensure both your heads and shoulders are in full view and that you’re well lit (and I’ll do the same) so we can clearly see each other. It helps me if I can still see facial expression and bodily posture as much as possible.  

Switch off your phone to avoid distracting noises or messages. If possible, put your screen on a table or still surface and avoid having hold of it as movement can be distracting in the process. Keep a clock in view to avoid any surprise when the end of the session is reached.

What about possible distractions?

Pets, children, phones, doorbells etc.

It’s a good idea to think about all possible distractions in order to limit them and I’d be grateful if you would take responsibility for this since I’m not able to away from the usual therapy room.

People at your door aren’t something you can control but you can control whether you answer the door or not. You could also put a ‘Do not disturb’ notice on the door.

Will confidentiality be maintained?

Confidentiality and privacy are important considerations when accessing therapy online. I make every effort to keep all information confidential and store personal details in a GDPR compliant records system. Likewise, I ask that you consider who has access to your computer and to ensure that you are satisfied that your sessions could not be accessed or interrupted, that your passwords are secure and up to date, and that your system has protection from malware and viruses, you are responsible for ensuring your system is secure.

Zoom has the option to record. I won’t be using this and if you’ve already consented to an audio recording of sessions I’ll use the same recorder in our online work.

What if there are technical failures? 

Technical failures can happen. If you are unable to connect or are disconnected during a session due to technological breakdown I will try to reconnect. If we cannot reconnect within 10 minutes, I will email you to either schedule a new time or to finish up the session, depending on at which stage the breakdown occurred. If we are unable to have a session due to technical failure of my system, I will email you and let you know and offer a rescheduled appointment where possible. Please allow time before the session to check your computer is set up for connecting.

The end of the session

It’s a good idea to close the computer or move away from devices at the session’s end.

Checking emails or using other applications is to deny ourselves the opportunity to reflect on our feelings and what has been revealed or learnt. A stroll outside or sitting quietly alone might assist with the digestion of the session.

What else should I think about?

I think it’s important to acknowledge that you’ll be inviting me in to your personal space and I’ll be inviting you in to mine, albeit only a very small corner. This may feel odd, it may even change how you feel about your home and it’s something I’d be happy to discuss more if you’d like. I’ll work hard to ensure that boundaries are maintained and as much as possible that being in each other’s personal spaces doesn’t alter or affect our professional relationship.

Thank you to therapist Kate West for her thoughts on Online Therapy Sessions from which some of the above material was taken.