Help Counseling

Navigating stress, healing from trauma, managing anxiety, or strengthening your relationships Book A Consultation

Online & Telephone Counselling

Online and Telephone therapy refers to therapy conducted via the internet or telephone. Some people may prefer to use video conferencing so that we can see each other as we speak, and some may prefer to use just audio.

We encourage you to try video conferencing, as it is more like a real face to face session, than a telephone call. We will support you as much as possible if you’re new to the technology, and if it feels intimidating. Any questions you have we are happy to answer to help you get started.

Can I work with the same issues as face to face?

Yes. Online or telephone counselling may be able to help with a wide range of issues, in the same way that face to face can; including abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, eating difficulties, loneliness, relationship problems, grief, self-esteem, sexual orientation, sexual abuse, discrimination, bereavement and many more.

Note: We are not able to provide online or telephone counselling to any person who is under the age of 16.

Online Counselling

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Benefits & Challenges

Some things you may enjoy about therapy online and over the telephone.

Benefits
  • You can create a comfortable and private space in your own home.

  • You may find it easy to talk, focus and express yourself in your own environment.

  • No commute; wear comfortable clothes and have a cup of tea.

  • Research shows that online/telephone therapy is as effective as in-person therapy.

Challenges

Connection issues or limited camera views can happen. We will share instructions to help you get set up for eye contact and a better view. It may be a demanding experience if you use screens all day, so we can help develop a self-care plan to support you.

Guidance for your Session

We encourage you to treat the online session as you would an in-person meeting.

Environment & Privacy

Find a comfortable space with privacy (armchair, desk, parked car). Ensure your back is supported. You may wish to put a note on the door requesting no disturbances.

Technology & Focus

We encourage you to use headphones for privacy and sound quality. Please close other apps/windows and silence your phone to minimize distractions.

Comfort & Self Care

You are welcome to bring water, tea or coffee. Please avoid alcohol/drugs and do not smoke/vape. After a session, give yourself time to process before returning to work/family.

Pets

Your pet is welcome to join you; however, it is helpful to be aware that this could be distracting.

Video Conferencing (Zoom)

We use a secure video conferencing platform called Zoom in order to protect our privacy and confidentiality. Our calls cannot be intercepted or recorded.

Bandwidth

Usually, if your internet is good enough to stream YouTube or Netflix, it is good enough for video conferencing. We recommend closing background programs.

TROUBLESHOOTING: If connection breaks, we suggest trying to reconnect three times and then communicating via email or telephone to decide next steps.
Zoom Logo

You can download Zoom from the App Store or the Play Store for your mobile devices and zoom.us for your computer.

Download Zoom

How much does Counselling cost?

HELP Counselling Services is a free or low-cost service. We ask every client for a donation per session towards the cost of Counselling. Each session costs the service £35 and every penny you donate goes straight back into the charity.

Make a Donation

Help us make a difference.

Family Income (Per Year) Recommended Donation (Per Session)
Under £15,000 £1 to £5
£15,000 to £20,000 £5 to £10
£20,000 to £30,000 £10 to £15
£30,000 to £40,000 £15 to £25
£40,000 + £25 +

Confidentiality and Security

The content of your sessions will not be shared with a third party except for supervision (where identity is not revealed). Notes are kept safely and destroyed after seven years.

We are legally bound to disclose to the police authorities if a client reveals that they intend to cause serious risk of harm to others.

Emergency Contact

We are unable to offer emergency out of hours online Counselling. In the event of an emergency arising, or if you were experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your GP, or your nearest accident and emergency service (A & E).

Telephone Counselling Specifics

Telephone counselling relies on tone and communication. Sometimes misunderstandings may occur without facial cues. We ask that we agree to think the best of each other and seek to clarify any miscommunications.