Counselling & Online Counselling
How Does Counselling Work?
Counselling takes place when a counsellor sees a client in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having, distress they may be experiencing or perhaps their dissatisfaction with life, or loss of a sense of direction and purpose. Counselling is not a ‘one size fits all’ process, I tailor the therapy based on the client and our relationship. I work to develop a strong therapeutic relationship so we can begin to trust each other and provide a non-judgemental safe space for us to work together. We can use a mix of traditional and creative methods to enable you to work through problems and help you to learn new ways of responding to them. I attend supervision regularly to ensure that I provide the best service possible and also attends Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses.
Methods
Talking
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl R. Rogers.
A great way to connect with others is through talking. Talk therapy is therapy based on the simple idea that talking about your thoughts and emotions can bring you clarity and cause a positive change in your emotions. Simply talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive person can often make you feel better. It can be very healing, in and of itself, to voice your worries or talk about something that’s weighing on your mind. And it feels good to be listened to—to know that someone else cares about you and wants to help.
Bibliotherapy
The concept of reading as a way to help facilitate the healing process and meet therapeutic goals is a common strategy found in many treatment approaches. Through the use of stories via fiction and nonfiction books, poetry, plays, short stories, and self-help materials, a therapist can help you gain a deeper understanding of the concerns that brought you into counseling sessions in the first place. Bibliotherapy allows you to gain insight into the personal challenges you’re dealing with and helps you develop strategies to address the most concerning issues. It can also help promote problem solving, understanding, and self-awareness.
Interpersonal Skills
These are skills we need and use to communicate and interact with other people. They can be of a vital part of how people treat you. We can work together to build these skills and practice in session before you try them yourself.
Mindfulness
“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,” says Kabat-Zinn. “And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”
Mindfulness exercises such as mindful breathing and meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress. Mindfulness is like a muscle, the more you practice the better you become. It can aid you to understand the link between your behaviour, emotions, physiology and thoughts. It can also assist you to cultivate gratitude and compassion for yourself and others.
What is Online Counselling?
Online counselling provides an opportunity to explore a personal difficulty in a
confidential and supportive environment. This may include expressing feelings that are painful, and which many of us experience at certain times in our lives. When this happens, it can be difficult to stay positive and cope with everyday life. Online counselling gives you the opportunity to access counselling support at a time and in a place which is convenient to you.
What sort of issues can I contact you about?
Online counselling may be able to help with a wide range of issues including anger, anxiety, bereavement & loss, depression, life changes, relationships, self-esteem, stress, trauma & PTSD, and work related stress.
Not all types of issues can be resolved through online counselling and I will advise you if face to face counselling, or some other form of support might be more suitable for you. Where I consider that online counselling would not be the most suitable means of support I will make every effort to assist you in a referral to a suitable alternative source of support.
I am not able to provide online counselling to any person who is under the age of 18. If this applies to you, I can help with information on referral to other agencies providing face to face counselling services or online work which is specifically directed to a
younger age group.
Online therapy – how does it work?
In response to the COVID-19 crisis:
- All my consultations takes place online.
- I offer corona crisis wellbeing support via Kara Connect platform and Zoom Video Call or Telephone Call,
- and Low Cost Counselling Fees.
Is Online suitable for you?
Online, webcam / zoom or telephone counselling cannot replace the therapeutic setting a traditional face to face meeting offers. Personally, where ever possible, I would encourage you to opt for that. But there may be many reasons why that is not always possible, like the current coronavirus crisis, illness, if you work abroad etc.
Types of Online Counselling.
Phone Counselling
It provides a private window in which you can talk one-to-one with your counsellor about issues affecting your life. To talk with your counsellor over the phone you will need to schedule a time with Daisy and she will call you at the time of your session.
Video call Counselling (Kara Connect & Zoom)
During the current Covid-19 outbreak I am able to offer Webcam sessions. This is a lot like having a face-to-face therapy session, except that we talk via video link. This form is very convenient and allows you to access counselling sessions in the comfort of your own home. To talk with your counsellor over the video call, you will need to schedule a time with your counsellor and log in using the link that Daisy will send you.
Guidelines for Online Counselling.
- Ensure that you are in a comfortable space where you can hear.
- Ensure your internet connection is running well.
- Ensure to have a glass of water with you and tissues available.
- Please use earphones where possible to aid with background noise and to give you more privacy.
- If you are using your phone, ensure to turn off notifications before your session to avoid distractions.
- If you are living with other people, ensure that they have clear instructions not to disturb you.
- If you are experiencing difficulties with your internet connection, please let me know and we can arrange to do the session by phone instead.
How does it work technically?
All you need for our online meetings is a computer, laptop or device with a webcam. Once you have booked a session here I will email you the details of your booking with a secure link to access your session. I use Kara Connect, a simple and secure practice management platform for therapy and counselling teams in the health- and welfare sector, and Zoom, a reliable, secure and good quality software.
We will be able to see each other. Remember to try and disconnect all your other devices from your Wifi network during the meeting, as this can sometimes affect the quality of your connection.
At the time of your appointment just click the link. If you have never used Zoom before, you may be asked to install the App. Follow the easy on-screen instructions and select ‘Run’ to install.