How Online Counselling Works
I utilise a platform called Carepatron for all my online bookings, payments, data collection and telehealth (video counselling) sessions - a trusted, secure, and HIPPA/GDPR-compliant platform for online therapy and other medical professionals.
The best part is that it doesn’t require any app downloads, making it easily accessible from any device browser. You can create an account using your email address and a password of your choosing, giving you access to the booking system portal for easy self management of sessions.
How to videos for the carepatron system:
Getting the most from Video Counselling.
Online therapy is conducted via the internet using a video platform.
Advantages of online therapy include:
• Comfort and privacy in your home for sessions.
• Easier self-expression and focus.
• Freedom to dress casually, enjoy your favourite drink, and eliminate commute times.
• Continuity in therapy despite transport or mobility issues.
• Research shows online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions.
Challenges may arise, such as internet connectivity issues. Below, I'll provide setup instructions. Additionally, our camera views usually show only the upper half of our bodies, which could feel limiting.
Creating Your Therapy Space:
I suggest treating online sessions with the same seriousness as in-person ones and setting similar boundaries. Find a comfortable, private space—this could be an armchair, office desk, garden spot, or living room floor. Ensure you sit in a way that supports your back and feel free to stand or move around if needed.
Consider posting a note on your door to minimize non-urgent interruptions.
Using headphones is recommended for privacy and sound quality. Silence your phone as you would in a physical appointment. Consider what you need around you to feel comfortable and focused.
Technical Instructions
After booking and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link for your session to access the virtual waiting room from your desktop, laptop or tablet.
Using Carepatron telehealth, prioritises your privacy - our conversations cannot be intercepted.
Carepatron typically offers excellent call quality. A wireless connection usually works fine, but for the best experience, if your internet speed is slow, use an Ethernet connection instead. We'll test options during our first session; if your internet streams YouTube or Netflix well, it should be adequate for our video calls. Closing unnecessary tabs and programs ensures optimal quality.
If you are unsure if video counselling is right for you, please do get in touch so we can arrange a FREE 20 minute, no obligation consultation via video link so you can get a better idea of the process.