You may have tried therapy before on a face-to-face basis in your counsellor’s office or clinic, but what happens when Skype is used?
Skype therapy brings with it many advantages; you don’t have to leave home, can schedule a call at any time of day to suit you and your counsellor and it doesn’t matter how far apart you are. This means that you can use a therapist from anywhere in the UK so you have far more choice. Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with is essential so having a bigger pool to choose from can only be a good thing.
Getting ready to Skype
In a nutshell, Skype therapy will work in the same way as if you were sitting in your counsellor’s office. Before you talk, your therapist will normally send you instructions by text or email, telling you how to set up your Skype account if you don’t have one already. All you need equipment-wise is a microphone and webcam; this should be built into your desktop, laptop, tablet or even smartphone.
If you have never used Skype before, it is easy to download and absolutely free. Find a link like this online https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ and then follow the instructions. You will be shown how to make a test call so that you can be sure your microphone and camera are working as they should. Bear in mind that you will need a good quality internet connection if your sound quality and picture are not to be distorted or delayed when processing.
Finding a Skype therapist
That done, the next step is to locate your therapist. We can help you with this so that you do not have to do all the research yourself. To begin with, you will normally speak via phone or use email. All of the Skype therapists that we recommend are qualified and part of a professional counselling organisation.
Once your session begins, it will likely last somewhere between 50 minutes to one hour. Depending upon the issue that you are receiving treatment for, you may need to have repeat sessions weekly but much will depend on what your therapist advises and how the first Skype therapy session goes.
Many clients prefer Skype to in-person therapy as if they are feeling unduly anxious or have problems leaving home, Skype provides them with an ‘out’. It makes sense that when you are talking to your therapist you should be in a quiet place without distractions. Confidentiality is paramount on both sides; you need to feel free to chat about things without having to censor your thoughts or feelings. Similarly, your therapist will ensure that any notes or recordings made during your conversation will be kept securely.
Skype or not to Skype?
The only time that Skype may not be entirely suitable is if a client has severe depression or mental health issues, even feeling suicidal. If you or a loved one are in crisis then always contact your GP or local hospital immediately and don’t wait until a therapist can be found. Going forward, once your Skype sessions are running smoothly, if you have any doubts that you have chosen the wrong counsellor always remember that you are in charge and should discuss your feelings. Maybe Skype is not right for you or you need to change therapists.
Either way, whatever type of Skype therapist or face-to-face therapist you are seeking, enter your details into our website and we will select the most appropriate counsellor to suit you.
