Whatever the reason you can’t attend in person, online therapy sessions are an alternative way to see your therapist and start or continue in therapy. Whether you need one to one or couples counselling, online therapy sessions give you flexibility.
Why choose Online therapy over face to face sessions?
There are many reasons why you may choose online therapy.
- While away from home: On a business trip or vacation
- Following illness or surgery: When you are temporarily unable to travel
- If you are housebound: For those who cannot easily leave home
- Managing childcare: After giving birth or with children you can’t leave
- When you’re a sole carer: Unable to leave someone, who needs you near
- Couples Counselling: When you and your partner are in different locations but available at the same time
Online therapy might also offer you a chance to continue seeing your therapist following a permanent move, within the UK or abroad, when you want to keep some continuity with your therapy whilst settling in your new location.
With improvements in technology, the therapeutic quality of an online therapy session is as good as one face to face.
Are Online therapy sessions as good as in-person sessions?
Nothing can replace being in the same room face to face, and many clients and therapists prefer to work this way, however with faster broadband, 4G / 5G, improved video cameras and services like Skype, counselling and psychotherapy online has become much more effective and accessible to everyone.
Online therapy also opens up access to counselling or psychotherapy for you if you are disabled or housebound or perhaps caring for someone and unable to travel to the therapy rooms. It also allows you to continue your therapy at a regular time when you are unable to get to the therapy rooms, for example when travelling for work.
Perhaps surprisingly, some clients find it easier to connect with their feelings when they are in front of a screen than in front of a person.
How do Skype or Online therapy sessions work?
Essentially there is no difference in the quality and process of therapy between you and the therapist, whether face to face or online, the only change is in how the therapist meets with you.
You will agree your appointment time and day with your therapist, and they will send you an invite by email to confirm the appointment and what to do to ‘attend’ the online therapy session.
Many online therapy systems are as easy to use as clicking on the invite link, in an email, and starting the therapy session.
Your therapist will explain the steps to connecting with you during your initial telephone conversation.
Are online therapy sessions confidential?
You may be concerned that your therapy session is not as confidential as one held in the same room.
Encrypted connections: Your therapist will only use an online therapy system that is encrypted between your computer and theirs so that no one can eavesdrop on your conversation.
Confidential environment: Your therapist will always conduct your online appointments in a private, secure room maintaining the same standards of privacy and confidentiality as in personal face to face therapy. Your therapist will advise you about how to make sure that you are also able to talk openly and confidentially from where you are.
Can you still have couples counselling, online?
Couples counselling can work with the couple in the same room and also with each partner in different places, you will all need to dial in to the same platform together.
How do I find a couples therapist who works online?
Go to the Islington Therapists page and use the ‘Couples Therapy’ filter to find the therapists who work with couples online.
What do I need, to have an online therapy session?
For a successful and effective online therapy session you need:
A good strong internet connection – we recommend using a private wifi (not public) connection
A desktop, laptop, Ipad or mobile with a camera – think about where you will prop this so that you can see the screen and see your therapist and that they can see you. Holding a camera for 50 minutes is tiring so try to make sure you can sit comfortably.
A comfortable seat.
Somewhere with light in front of you, so that your face is clear in the picture. An angle poise lamp or desk lamp is useful.
Somewhere confidential and quiet – it is best to reduce any background noise, radio, TV, traffic noise so that you can be clearly heard by your therapist.
Somewhere where you won’t be interrupted by other people.
What issues can be discussed in an online therapy session?
You can bring the same issues to online therapy as you would to face to face therapy. Your therapist will work with whatever you need to work on.
Skype & Online Therapy at Barnsbury Therapy Rooms
To find out more and to start working online with a therapist, take a look at the Islington Therapists page and make contact with the therapist you would like to discuss therapy with.
All the therapists working from Barnsbury Therapy Rooms offer online therapy and will be able to discuss your options.