Online Counselling

My core working model is a humanistic one and so the development of a relationship based on trust, empathy, congruence and non-judgement is integral to my work. Counselling is a process wherein regular discussions and sharing of thoughts, fears and feelings with a trained counsellor occurs. Objective support is offered to the client while respecting them as a unique individual, this is the same whether face to face or online. Counselling online is a way of working through difficulties using e mail or chat. Writing down thoughts and feelings which are running round and round your mind offers a way in which you can begin to release them. You write to me, press send and wait for my reply. Already you have started a positive process toward feeling better. When I reply it will be as a part of working with you to find ways forward to a greater sense of well being. It might mean problem solving or gaining new perspectives and I might challenge some of your old thinking patterns.

Remember if you are in immediate crisis seek help straight away www.samaritans.org

How we begin:

You send me an email from the Contact Me page with a brief outline of the issues you would like us to work with. You don't need to go into too much detail at this stage; just a few sentences about yourself and your situation will be adequate.
I send you my agreement and a questionnaire for you to fill in. This agreement and questionnaire will be sent using encrypted software which will ensure privacy.
I recommend that you use a software to encrypt e mails that you send to me. I use www.hushmail.com which can be downloaded free.
When you complete the questionnaire and mail it back to me I will let you know if I feel online counselling is appropriate for your problem, if so, then you pay for which ever package you would like. If I do not feel this would be the best method of supporting you then I will do my best to sign-post you to someone who could.
When I have received both the completed agreement questionnaire and notification of payment, I will let you know that you can begin the process of writing me your first e mail.

ETHICAL STATEMENT

I work to the highest ethical standard and as an accredited member of the BACP I adhere to it's Ethical Framework http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/(please create link)
Our work together will be confidential and all records will be stored safely and destroyed after the recommended time following the end of our contract.

One exception to confidentiality is where I might need to take some issues raised in our sessions to supervision. This would be to insure that I am working in a way that is safe and of most benefit to the client as required by the BACP Ethical Framework. I will not reveal your ID and all precautions will be taken to protect your privacy. Encryption software is used on my part in all communications and I recommend that the client uses it too.

The only instance where I am obliged to break confidentiality is where you have indicated that there is a risk of harm to yourself or some one else and I am required by the Ethical Framework to seek advice and guidance from other professionals. I would always attempt to discuss this with you beforehand to obtain your consent.

This website is based in the UK and is subject to UK law. My work is covered by professional indemnity insurance.

My fees for online counselling:

Our first contact is free of charge as it offers us both the opportunity to meet and decide the right way forward.
One 2-way email exchange: £35
One 50 minute online chat session: £35
Package I
Five x 2-way email exchanges
plus One 50 minute online chat real time session: £160
Package II
Ten x 2-way email exchanges
plus Two 50 minute online chat real time sessions: £320