Online Counselling

With the onset of lockdown in 2020 many of us transitioned from face-to-face counselling to online counselling using zoom. Zoom has become an essential online tool for continued counselling and support and I have found Zoom to be a wonderful medium to work with as a counsellor. If you want counselling but have been putting it off because you are worried or anxious about online counselling, I want to reassure you that Zoom is a simple and effective tool for video counselling and it is now being used across the country.

Is Zoom safe for Counselling?

Zoom has increased their security and continue to work on making Zoom safe. Zoom has the most AES 256-bit GCM encryption and it is as safe as a bank website which is why the majority of therapists and counsellors across the country agree it is the safest online software available for counselling.

How to use Zoom

If you are new to this technology using Zoom for the first time may feel daunting so here are a few simple tips and links on how to use Zoom for online counselling.

1. Your counsellor create a meeting and send you a link to it, usually via email.
2. If you have not installed Zoom onto your device (computer / iPad / Tablet / Phone) install the software prior to the appointment:
   • To install Zoom go to this page: https://zoom.us/download and follow the instructions.
   • When you have downloaded zoom, you will be asked to create an account. It is free, you do not need to buy their paid for account. Once you have done this you will be all set up and ready to go.
3. Find a safe, quiet place to talk. Think about where you feel the most comfortable talking in your home for example.
4. Click on the link before the appointment to make sure you can access the waiting area.
5. At the time of your online zoom counselling session your counsellor will admit you to the call.

My Experience with Zoom

I have been working as a counsellor using Zoom for over 4 months at time of writing this and it has proven over and over again to be a successful way to work with clients. Whilst it may feel different to start with it quickly becomes the norm, and the counselling is delivered and received as well as it has been face-to-face. There are many pros and cons with online counselling however, in my experience with clients the pros always out weigh the cons.

I recommend online counselling and if you think online Zoom sessions may be an option for you, contact me to book an appointment.

Written by Caroline at Caroline Ellison Counselling – these are my opinions. Carpe Diem.