Virtual person-centered counselling and psychotherapy is where the therapy session takes place via virtual platforms such as Zoom, via email, or telephone. Virtual counselling has been researched into its effectiveness, and there is proven evidence that it works, and since Covid-19 restrictions have become a barrier to people accessing face to face counselling, virtual sessions have become a popular way of accessing therapy.
Virtual therapy can be really helpful if you are more comfortable accessing counselling in a way that is more convenient and is particularly useful if you want more flexibility of time and place to enable you to access sessions.
In 2020 I completed over eighty hours of training in working with clients online and via telephone, which has given me knowledge and skills of working in this way since Covid-19 restrictions began. I also have extensive experience of working with people in distress via telephone.
The same code of conduct, ethics, legal considerations and professional standards apply to virtual counselling as in face-to-face counselling. I adhere to the BACP Framework for working online. For further information, take a look at the BACP information pages where you can read more about what you can expect when receiving counselling online from a BACP registered therapist.
There is still the option to work creatively in virtual sessions, they may be slightly different to face-to-face sessions, and this can be discussed on an individual basis.
Benefits
You can access therapy from your home, no requirement to travel.
Autonomy – choosing the type of platform you would like to access counselling on, making an informed decision.
It is flexible – at a time that suits you.
Peace of mind – confidentiality, secure encrypted software and emails.
Discretion when accessing counselling (privacy)
If via email – you are able to review what you have written, the responses and you have in return, something you can later refer back to.
For some people, writing an email may feel more comfortable than meeting a counsellor face-to-face, its a personal choice.
Challenges
If you are unable to access a safe space at home, where you are able to talk freely and confidentially.
If you do not have access to the internet or technology itself is a barrier to you.
What virtual therapy is not:
- befriending and support service
- an advice or dating service
I hope this has been a helpful overview of virtual sessions. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to discuss this type of therapy session or have any further questions.