emmawestoncounselling@proton.me
How I work
Online counselling and telephone counselling - Sessions can be offered within the safety of your own home, or another private space. This way of working can offer more flexibility as there is no need to factor in travel. Sessions can take place in a lunch break or after work. By working online or over the telephone, this gives more flexibility as it gives the option of working with a counsellor who may not be in your local area and this may give you more choice. I recommend my clients use a private, safe and quiet space in which to carry out online or telephone counselling. Putting a note on the door might be helpful if others are around to ask them not to disturb you. I work from a private and confidential space and I use headphones for privacy. Telephone and online counselling can help with many of the same issues as face to face counselling but it may not be suitable for everyone, which is why I offer a free introductory call to allow us to ask any questions we may have to determine if we are a good fit to work together and to find a way of working together that is the most suitable. .
Online Counselling
Working online means we can work from the comfort of your home or workspace. You will need a private, safe space for online counselling sessions. Online counselling is carried out via a secure and encrypted web platform. This means you can work from your computer, tablet, or telephone. When working online I am able to share and show information and interventions through screen sharing. If there is a problem with working online, for example a power cut, I will text or telephone to ask if you would rather have a telephone session. When working online I encourage clients to use a personal private password protected computer or device and private email address and I will do the same. Please ensure that you keep your anti-viral protection up-to-date and I will undertake to do the same. I use a paid for Proton email account to ensure emails are encrypted. Proton was created with the goal of protecting privacy rights and democracy in the digital age.
Telephone Counselling
Working over the telephone means that we will not be able to see each other. Some people find it more comfortable to communicate and express themselves over the telephone. If you are thinking about working on the telephone, you may want to consider how you feel about not having visual cues such as no body language or facial expressions. Non-verbal communication can be conveyed in the pace of speech or tone of voice.