CBT, EMDR, ACT and CFT therapy – online sessions
Your sessions with me can take place in person or via Zoom, Skype or phone.
If you are wondering whether online therapy is for you, here’s what some clients say about online sessions:
“I wasn’t sure I would be able to trust and connect with a therapist online, but I felt understood and supported early on.” Steph
“Having worked with Suzy both in person and via video sessions, I have made strides in ability to manage stress and communicate with both myself and others. There is a confidence in knowing I can maintain momentum in my personal development even while travelling or away from the clinic.” Alex
Clients tend to like the fact that there is no travel time to and from a clinic location, so it fits into their busy week. Some people book a meeting room/cubicle at work for their therapy session, others have their session on their laptop or phone at home, occasionally someone calls in from their (stationary!) car. People can have sessions while they are on holiday (if they want). Other clients come in person for the first one or two sessions and then switch to online.
Preparation tips for an online session
Some tips my clients and I have picked up during online meetings:
Ensure the space you use for your therapy session is quiet and private as well as free from distractions as much as possible.
Allow a few quiet minutes before the session to think about what you are working on, and why, and similarly make time to reflect afterwards, creating a buffer zone around your therapy session.
The bigger the screen, the more it is likely to feel as if therapist and client are in the same room – use a laptop or tablet if you can, though a phone also works.
Test if your wifi is up to video calls, perhaps try this out beforehand if you’re not sure. If reception drops, we may have to switch to audio only, so I will have your phone number to hand. You might want to double-check your phone has enough charge.
Turn off distracting message notifications that normally pop up on your screen.
If you use your phone, try to prop it up somewhere or use a stand/tripod if you have one. It frees up your hands for taking notes or engaging in written exercises.