Counselling Services
In Nottingham & Online

Psychotherapy, counselling and therapy are terms that are often used interchangeably. For this guide I will use the terms in the same way. The BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) definition of counselling is:

“Counselling and psychotherapy are umbrella terms that cover a range of talking therapies. They are delivered by trained practitioners who work with people over a short or long term to help them bring about effective change or enhance their wellbeing”. BACP www.bacp.co.uk

If you don’t already have Skype™ then here is a link to all you need to know to get started using it www.skype.com/en/what-is-skype/

Traditionally clients have met with a counsellor face to face together in a counselling room. Skype™ counselling moves from counsellor and client being together in a room to being connected via Skype™, counsellor located in their place of work and client wherever works for them, usually at home.

• It’s often cheaper; many counsellors offer rates £10 or £5 below their face to face rate.
• It saves clients time, no travel to and from the counselling location.
• If you are away from home from time to time, you don’t have to miss your session, just plug in, log on and connect.
• Some people feel more comfortable working with a therapist who is not local to them, no chance of bumping into them at the post office!
• Sometimes therapists who work with Skype™ can offer greater flexibility in terms of session times, ideal for people with busy lives and shift workers.
• Many counsellors who use Skype™ offer a free brief consultation; this gives clients the chance to connect with 2 or 3 therapists easily to see who they can work with best.
• For some leaving home might be difficult, emotional or physical challenges might make it difficult to leave home. If leaving home is difficult part of the Skype™ therapy work might be working towards being able to meet face to face.
• Some clients may find it is easier to be open and more comfortable talking over Skype™ as opposed to face to face. Some research has shown that counselling via Skype™ can help people feel less inhibited and more forthright during their sessions.
• Greater choice, when you remove the limitation of travel many more possibilities become available to clients.

• Isolation can become an issue for some when dealing with emotional difficulties. Here Skype™ therapy can offer a real opportunity for someone that is finding it difficult to go out. However it is important to maybe discuss with your therapist about your use of Skype™ therapy over face to face counselling.
• Confidentiality: ensure you are in a confidential setting for your sessions; you want to feel free to talk and be open.
• Technology can, and occasionally will, fail us. Most counsellors will agree with you what to do if you can’t make contact via Skype™ or if the connection fails.
• Skype™  is not appropriate for clients who are experiencing profound mental health issues and/or clients who are suicidal. If you or someone you know is in crisis a GP or local hospital will be able to help. Help can be found on my links page here Links .
• If  at any time you feel uncomfortable working with your counsellor or Skype™ therapy I would encourage you to talk to them; remember you are in charge. You may find that Skype™ therapy is not for you, if that’s the case, and you are able I would encourage you to try face to face work as you may find this more appropriate for you and any challenges you may still be struggling with.

• You will need a Skype™connection, you can download the Skype™application for free, and this will guide you how to set up and even shows you how to make a test call. You will need a good connection, sound and picture for  Skype™to work at its best. Other online platforms are availble and we may suggst using these.
• First, find a therapist who provides Skype™ therapy or other online therapy who you might like to make contact with; initial contact might be via the phone and/or email. They will guide you from there. A good place to find an insured and qualified therapist is via this website www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk. The author would recommend only working with a member of a reputable counselling organisation, for example, the BACP has a members register you can check here www.bacpregister.org.uk.
• Most sessions last 50 minutes or an hour, people often work with therapists once a week. You should have a contract, this might include issues relating to confidentiality, payment, how long, how often and when you will make contact with each other.

Author: Andrew Harvey www.CounsellingServiceNottingham.co.uk

info@counsellingservicesnottingham.co.uk

Skype skypetalkandrew

Declaration of interest: The author of this article is a BACP registered therapist and listed on the It’s Good To Talk Website, he provides SKYPE and face to face counselling.