SRASAC is now offering more choice for our clients to access counselling by providing clients with the opportunity to have their counselling sessions via on-line video call or appointments by telephone.

Online video call or telephone counselling is a way for you to engage in counselling using internet and phone technology, allowing you to choose the method of communication that you feel most comfortable with. The confidentiality and security of your therapy remains essential to all parts of the process, and every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for your online therapy.

Even though you’re not in the same room, the counsellor can still help you to explore how you’re feeling, understand what you are going through and support you to make changes in your life if you need to.

Our video call or telephone counselling sessions can offer you a secure alternative to face to face counselling, which can be easier to access and/or can fit with lifestyle or working hours better.  Many people find it can be easier to talk to a counsellor from the safety of their own home/space.

If choosing online counselling, you will need to ensure you have a quiet, safe and confidential space at your end of the video call or telephone. It will be important to be able to shut the door on any noise and possible interruptions from other people during your counselling session. It is also advisable to turn off any other devices during your counselling session to prevent any external interruptions, such as mobile telephones and other forms of contact.

Video Call Counselling

Video Call counselling is a way for you to see your counsellor ‘virtually’ using a computer, lap-top, tablet or smart phone which has a camera and a microphone. Being able to see your counsellor on the video call is very similar to the benefits you would get from face-to face counselling, but with the convenience of online therapy.

We have chosen Rape Crisis England and Wales secure, private online counselling rooms, a safe, secure and user friendly way for you to access counselling. The sessions are not saved or recorded on any system, and are easily accessible by clicking on the link we send you.

We will provide you with a link to access your counselling session and guide you through the process before your first session. When you click on the link you will be taken to a ‘Welcome Page’. At the time of your appointment you will then be able to ‘knock’ to gain access to the online counselling room, which will let your counsellor know you are there.

You may find it confusing to see both your counsellor and yourself on the screen at the same time. Your counsellor will discuss ways to resolve this - for example, it is possible to only have a view of the counsellor on the screen if you prefer.

We also provide a Frequently Asked Questions sheet for further information on how to access your Online Counselling Sessions.

Telephone counselling

Using a telephone handset can be a convenient and easy way for you to access counselling support.

One of the most important things about counselling is the relationship you have with your therapist.  You may think that this is undermined when you’re not in the same room as your counsellor, or if you can’t see them.  But there are many things that therapists can do to help create that connection and build a relationship when it comes to telephone sessions.

An advantage of telephone counselling is that non-verbal communication can be carried in your tone of voice or the pace of speech which can be picked up by your counsellor.

It is important to have a suitable and private space from which to take the call, where you won't be interrupted or overheard.  We recommend that you turn off all notifications and incoming calls which will distract you from your counselling and getting the best from each session.

If choosing video call or telephone counselling, you may benefit from wearing earphones as this can help sound quality and provide added privacy.

It is important for us to be able to ‘visually see you’ before embarking on counselling with our service and therefore all initial assessment appointments must be carried out via video call or face to face. 

 

Please note: Due to COVID-19, we have very limited capacity to meet with you in person at our centre for a face to face appointment, and therefore in order to commence counselling with SRASAC, it is likely you will need to have your initial assessment meeting via video call. 

We can support you to do this.  This initial assessment meeting will allow the chance to make the right choice for you, when deciding which type of therapy will best suit your needs so you can get the best from your counselling sessions with our service.