Online psychotherapy works a little differently from meeting face-to-face at the practice. You can choose to use an online video calling forum of your choice. Zoom, Skype, Facetime seem to be the most popular at the moment. Here's what you need to do to set up an online session:
Overall, if you have android phone we can use the simple video call option if you prefer too. I’ll just video call you at the time of our session.
Eventually, I would prefer both of us to use the free webex software and make a transition to using this more secure network in the future. At present this seems to be the safest option compared to zoom and other platforms. If you are familiar or keen to start with webex, please see instructions below.
Please be aware webex will be downloaded to your device automatically when you click on the link for future use.
Scroll down to view more 'frequently asked QUESTIONS' around having online appointments.
The only difference is that we can see each other through our computer screen. This doesn't mean that online relationship is any less effective, it just means that we are working under different circumstances.
Most online sessions are secure as they use encryption technology, which is the highest form of Internet security commonly available today. Essentially, if someone was able to intercept a voice/message, they would not be able to decipher it because it is sent in a code format. At present, webex seems to be the most secure option.
As long as you can download webex, skype or something similar to your computer, open an account and understand how to make and receive calls, you will be able to participate. You need to only have a very basic knowledge of computing to be able to engage in the session.
This is a difficult question to answer in such a small space but generally all issues/themes are explored briefly in our FREE initial session to see if Existential therapy is suited to you. Please be aware though I do not provide a crisis service.
One way would be to take the 'try and see approach'. virtual therapy/supervision may not suitable to all individuals, but most are surprised at how easy it is to adapt to talking to a therapist through a screen.
It's true, ONLINE sessoins are not 100% reliable and very occasionally our session may be disrupted by a technical problem. If this happens and we are unable to restore our connection, you'll be asked you to hang up and try again. Any time we may lose in a session due to technical problems will be made up at a mutually convenient time.
If you want to do a video call and don't have a built-in camera in your computer, you will need to purchase a small camera. Also, it will help the call quality if you have an audio headset or ear pods, however, this is not necessary as most computers now have good quality microphones built into them. I recommend that you test drive Webex/Skype or other forums with a friend or family member if you haven't used it before, to familiarise yourself with the system and to make sure our call goes as smoothly as possible.
When you make your online booking, you'll need to pre-pay for the session via PayPal. PayPal is the Internet's most trusted and used payment system available today. You don't need an account and you can pay with your credit card. All online sessions need to be pre-paid before they start. Once payment is confirmed and has been transferred, the session is all set up to start. Please note there is a $4 charge for using Paypal. If you prefer, you can make a bank transfer two days before and send a receipt through to progressiveprocess@live.com.au There is no extra charge for bank transfers.
Yes. Your confidentiality is of paramount importance to me and there will be no monitoring by a third party.
Any records are kept in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Amended 2000). Any notes from our sessions are kept in a locked online vault and deleted after a period of seven years.
Individual sessions are for 50 minutes unless prior arrangements are made.
Current fees are the same as face to face therapy and can be discussed once you've made contact. I do offer a sliding scale to try to make the therapy affordable for everyone.
Since scheduling an appointment involves the reservation of a time specifically for you, a minimum of 24 hours' notice is required for rescheduling or cancelling an appointment. Unless we reach a different agreement, the full fee will need to be charged for sessions missed without such notification. Of course, I will be happy to reschedule your appointment when you provide more than 24 hours' notice.
The best outcomes for therapy/supervision are possible when appointments are scheduled and attended regularly. Overall, we normally determine how often you will attend, based on your needs and schedule, which may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
In my experience, the clients that have the most positive outcomes from therapy attend weekly, or at least schedule and attend sessions on a regular basis.
Please note, supervision is normally conduction on an individual needs basis and can be discussed in the initial session. Most of time the supervision time frame depends on your client load and governing body requirements.
I offer a free 15-minute online consultation as a starting point where we can speak together about your needs. The first time we talk I'll ask you to give me a brief description of the issues/client themes you would like to address in therapy/supervision, and I'll let you know how I may be able to assist you.
I find that people can get a good sense of me in this call and decide if we can work together or not. I'll confirm my availability and discuss more about my fees. If it feels like a good fit for both of us, we'll then be able set up our first appointment. If I don't think I am the best therapist/supervisor for you, I am well connected nationally and internationally and would be happy to refer you to someone who may be better suited to you.
