Remote help
(e-consultations, online, & virtual psychology appointments)
With the wonders of modern technology, psychology appointments are available wherever you are.
One development of the COVID-19 pandemic was the growth in remote work and online meetings. This way of working was new to many people. It was a very big adjustment for psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors. The traditional psychotherapy model of meeting patients in your clinic was not possible, as lockdowns required the closure of clinic doors. Therapists and services had to adapt, or patients would be left without help at the very time that, for many, their mental health was more of a struggle than ever before.
Fortunately, I had offered remote appointments by video or even by telephone for over a decade before the pandemic threw our world into a spin. I was set up and ready to transition my clients for their next appointment.
Do online psychological therapy appointments work?
Perhaps you wonder whether remote appointments are as effective as in-person appointments. This is an understandable question. Let me be clear: online therapy sessions are effective.
You are not alone to wonder about this. My NHS and private psychology colleagues would openly question whether remote psychology appointments would be effective. Colleagues who could imagine the appointments being effective would often say "I could never work that way." It is safe to say that I didn't meet many (any?) psychologists who worked remotely or who were keen to incorporate this work into their practice.
As I mentioned, the pandemic forced all NHS and private psychologists to offer online appointments. Since then, there has been extensive scientific research demonstrating the effectiveness of remotely delivered psychological therapy. The impact of online can be as effective as in-person - what is more important is whether the psychologist is the right one for you.
I am really pleased that help is now available to people wherever they are and with fewer accessibility barriers. This has made finding the right psychologist much easier.
12 advantages of remote online psychological therapy
My experience of conducting hundreds of psychological therapy e-consultations, over 15-years plus, has demonstrated that they work. Here are 12 advantages of online therapy:
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Psychological assessments conducted remotely are effective
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Remotely conducted psychological therapy, psychotherapy or psychological treatments are effective
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Therapists can connect therapeutically with their patients via remotely appointments
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Patients can make the necessary connection with their therapists remotely by e-consultation
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Resources can be exchanged by email between sessions
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Patients can get symptom reduction via psychology e-consultations
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Patients can recover from their psychological problems through e-consultations
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Patients can prefer remote appointments even if they can attend face-to-face appointments
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There is zero travel time (and cost) for patients to get to appointments
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Patients can remain in the comfort of their own home
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Patients can continue their psychological therapy by e-consultations when they are away from home, on the road for work or virtually anywhere
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Remote psychological therapy is accessible and convenient
I trust that you have got the message by now – psychological therapy is effective via remote methods or e-consultation. That’s why I offer these appointments.
How are the psychology appointments delivered?
After testing-out various platforms and programs, I find that Zoom is the best for online psychology appointments. It works on computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. It works across Windows, Chromebooks, Linux, IOS and Android systems. It is free to download, or on a computer you can join via the web.
When we book an appointment, my appointment management system will send you a link for your appointment. Once you click on the link, I will see that you are waiting and let you in to the Zoom call. No one can join, unless I let them in. And, this is your appointment, so I won't be doing that.
If the connection is poor, we can use WhatsApp video as a backup. In practice, this is rarely neccessary. But, it's always good to have a back up option.
Tips for a successful online psychological therapy session
If you are interested in receiving psychological help remotely, then here are my tips for how to have a successful psychological therapy remote / virtual / e-consultation:
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Save your online psychology appointment link somewhere you'll find it (highlight or flag the email?)
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Test your internet connection to see if it is good-enough for video calling (most mobile networks are fine if you don’t have Wi-Fi). 20 Mbps seems to be more than enough.
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If using your mobile phone’s signal and data, ensure that you have enough data on your contract, so you don’t stung with an unexpectedly mobile phone bill
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Stabilise - place your device (laptop, tablet or phone) on a stable platform
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Check the camera – check to see what your therapist will see, is your camera showing only the top half of your head, most of your ceiling...?
- Illuminate yourself – if you can, have more light in front of you, rather than behind you, otherwise you will be silhouetted and difficult to see
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Do not disturb – turn off notifications on your device so you don’t get distracting notifications during your session
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“I’m on a call” – tell anyone around who might disturb you to leave you alone for the next hour
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Gather other kit – a pen and paper, notes on what you want out of the session, on recent successes and challenges.
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Be prompt – be available at the agreed appointment time
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Have a plan B – if your e-consultation isn’t started on time, know how to contact your psychological therapist
I trust that I've answered your questions or concerns about online psychology appointments. They work. They are worth giving a go. If you would like to find out about how I can help you wherever you are, then get in touch.
Alternatively, if you have any questions, then do ask.
It time that you felt better.