Online Counselling for England
![Photo of Roger Jayamanne, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04634857-c69a-4ec1-be5f-ca26e2bb414d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diverse life experiences from a background in design, teaching and education and a number of years as a Buddhist monk training in meditation/mindfulness and currently studying an Msc in Neuroscience, inform my practice.
Suffering with our mental health is very hard to find relief from, finding ourselves going around in circles and losing touch with our previous lifestyle, wondering 'am I ever going to find a way out?' I offer you face-to-face sessions in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment . I work as an Integrative therapist so that your sessions are tailored to your needs. I predominantly draw upon Person Centred Therapy, ACT, CBT and Transactional Analysis to address issues such as: anxiety; trauma; depression/lack of motivation; disturbed sleep; performance/productivity, relationships/social interaction; existential angst/lack of meaning
Diverse life experiences from a background in design, teaching and education and a number of years as a Buddhist monk training in meditation/mindfulness and currently studying an Msc in Neuroscience, inform my practice.
Suffering with our mental health is very hard to find relief from, finding ourselves going around in circles and losing touch with our previous lifestyle, wondering 'am I ever going to find a way out?' I offer you face-to-face sessions in a nurturing, non-judgemental environment . I work as an Integrative therapist so that your sessions are tailored to your needs. I predominantly draw upon Person Centred Therapy, ACT, CBT and Transactional Analysis to address issues such as: anxiety; trauma; depression/lack of motivation; disturbed sleep; performance/productivity, relationships/social interaction; existential angst/lack of meaning
![Photo of Susthama Marian Kim, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a5ec5e1-d1c7-44af-a470-a8dca28e54cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Susthama and I trained in Buddhist psychology. This approach is based on the principles of compassion, mindfulness, and the wisdom of looking deeply and appreciating the difficulties and challenges that we face in our lives. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or would like some help to explore areas that are challenging with an experienced practitioner then I can facilitate and support you in a way that is gentle and compassionate. Please visit www.dharmatherapy.co.uk for more information.
My name is Susthama and I trained in Buddhist psychology. This approach is based on the principles of compassion, mindfulness, and the wisdom of looking deeply and appreciating the difficulties and challenges that we face in our lives. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or would like some help to explore areas that are challenging with an experienced practitioner then I can facilitate and support you in a way that is gentle and compassionate. Please visit www.dharmatherapy.co.uk for more information.
![Photo of Dr Sophie Ann Bafunno-Clifton, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e192ae7d-7531-43bd-8371-eb11a25e4872/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Sophie Ann Bafunno-Clifton
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2 (Online Only)
I also believe joy, fun and laughter to be fantastic remedies for distress, encouraging those I work with to inject this back into their lives! As a practising Buddhist, I also enjoys drawing on relaxation, meditation, imagery and mindfulness techniques in therapy, where appropriate.
I have worked alongside people of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds, experiencing a broad range of mental health difficulties. These include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, workplace stress, attachment and relationship difficulties. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on multiple psychological theories (e.g. CBT, ACT, CFT, CAT, psycho-dynamic approaches) to build an individualised and holistic approach, empowering each individual to embark on recovery and achieve their therapeutic goals.
I also believe joy, fun and laughter to be fantastic remedies for distress, encouraging those I work with to inject this back into their lives! As a practising Buddhist, I also enjoys drawing on relaxation, meditation, imagery and mindfulness techniques in therapy, where appropriate.
I have worked alongside people of all ages, from a variety of backgrounds, experiencing a broad range of mental health difficulties. These include depression, anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, workplace stress, attachment and relationship difficulties. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on multiple psychological theories (e.g. CBT, ACT, CFT, CAT, psycho-dynamic approaches) to build an individualised and holistic approach, empowering each individual to embark on recovery and achieve their therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Sara Bartlett Brown, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15ae1b57-5790-4eb5-818b-55163d7734f4/3/320x400.jpeg)
My therapeutic practice is also informed and supported by my ongoing interest in Buddhist philosophy and Insight Meditation.
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
My therapeutic practice is also informed and supported by my ongoing interest in Buddhist philosophy and Insight Meditation.
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
![Photo of Andrew Meader, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93859a1e-dafd-448a-ba5c-1a8e503546c7/3/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a person-centred counsellor; integrating Jungian and Buddhist understanding into my approach.
We all experience difficulties at one time or another. It could be that our relationships aren’t all we'd like them to be. Or perhaps we feel anxious, depressed, lonely, or we’re grieving a loss. Perhaps we behave in ways that we'd rather not, or that we don't understand. Or maybe life has lost its meaning, we've lost our sense of direction, feel stuck, or just don't know who we are any more. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space in which to explore such issues in relationship with someone who is skilled, non-judgemental, and really there for you. A space in which to come to terms with things, and allow them to change.
I’m a person-centred counsellor; integrating Jungian and Buddhist understanding into my approach.
We all experience difficulties at one time or another. It could be that our relationships aren’t all we'd like them to be. Or perhaps we feel anxious, depressed, lonely, or we’re grieving a loss. Perhaps we behave in ways that we'd rather not, or that we don't understand. Or maybe life has lost its meaning, we've lost our sense of direction, feel stuck, or just don't know who we are any more. Counselling offers a safe, confidential space in which to explore such issues in relationship with someone who is skilled, non-judgemental, and really there for you. A space in which to come to terms with things, and allow them to change.
![Photo of Joel Robinson - Joel Robinson Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a10daeb-26d8-4d0e-92c0-d43e06342d61/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a practising Buddhist and mindfulness teacher, I look at the soul's journey through a lens of working with our mind and hearts in order to free up energy to achieve what we want in life.
I offer counselling to people who are in some sort of transition in their lives. Often people come to me when they're feeling stuck, isolated or low. I often work with people in their twenties, thirties and forties who are facing some sort of mid-life transition. You might be weighing up what is important to you, and how to take the next steps in your life. I work with people who are often from marginalised groups, for example, LGBTQ+ people and/or people from Black and ethnic minorities. You might want to find out a way to live your life that feels authentic and unblock energy to achieve your goals.
As a practising Buddhist and mindfulness teacher, I look at the soul's journey through a lens of working with our mind and hearts in order to free up energy to achieve what we want in life.
I offer counselling to people who are in some sort of transition in their lives. Often people come to me when they're feeling stuck, isolated or low. I often work with people in their twenties, thirties and forties who are facing some sort of mid-life transition. You might be weighing up what is important to you, and how to take the next steps in your life. I work with people who are often from marginalised groups, for example, LGBTQ+ people and/or people from Black and ethnic minorities. You might want to find out a way to live your life that feels authentic and unblock energy to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Gavin Weir-Jones, MA, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/461cf83e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I do however draw strongly from Buddhist psychology and as a qualified Mindfulness Teacher, integrate talking therapies with guided meditative practices.
My work deals universally with the reduction of suffering, your suffering. Specifically this may include Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Loss of purpose, Grief, Relationship issues, managing change and family problems. Often we can be lost in our thinking and we can swing, like a pendulum, between worries of the past and anxieties of the future, never really pausing to be present now. This is normal, we all have these times. However sometimes, some of us get stuck in these places and need some guidance to bring us into balance and offer us support,at difficult times in our lives.
I do however draw strongly from Buddhist psychology and as a qualified Mindfulness Teacher, integrate talking therapies with guided meditative practices.
My work deals universally with the reduction of suffering, your suffering. Specifically this may include Depression, Anxiety, Low Mood, Loss of purpose, Grief, Relationship issues, managing change and family problems. Often we can be lost in our thinking and we can swing, like a pendulum, between worries of the past and anxieties of the future, never really pausing to be present now. This is normal, we all have these times. However sometimes, some of us get stuck in these places and need some guidance to bring us into balance and offer us support,at difficult times in our lives.
![Photo of Peter Smith, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79d5d948-28a7-4051-8195-5872de162ef2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I'm Peter, a counsellor, mindfulness teacher and supervisor. I work exclusively online with the aim of offering affordable therapy to clients from the comfort of their own home. I combine person-centred counselling with mindfulness practices and Buddhist psychology and I specialise in working with bereavement, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, trauma, addiction and relationships. We are defined by our relationships, especially by the relationship we have with ourselves. I also supervise qualified counsellors and students as well as supporting practitioners who are working towards accreditation or an academic qualification.
Hi, I'm Peter, a counsellor, mindfulness teacher and supervisor. I work exclusively online with the aim of offering affordable therapy to clients from the comfort of their own home. I combine person-centred counselling with mindfulness practices and Buddhist psychology and I specialise in working with bereavement, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, trauma, addiction and relationships. We are defined by our relationships, especially by the relationship we have with ourselves. I also supervise qualified counsellors and students as well as supporting practitioners who are working towards accreditation or an academic qualification.
![Photo of Daniel Sutton-Johanson, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f60bb77a-51ac-4a64-ae8c-97bb82ff1ac2/2/320x400.png)
Daniel Sutton-Johanson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portsmouth PO4 (Online Only)
My practice as a psychotherapist is informed by a blend of philosophical perspectives from both Person-Centred and Buddhist psychology.
Reasons to seek out therapy are, much like ourselves, varied, nuanced and complex. A deeply empathic, attentive presence, warmth and trust for how you process things and what you decide to bring to our sessions, are at the heart of my practice. As a therapist, I provide a therapeutic relationship which, over time, creates a space in which deep healing can occur. I hope to help you see yourself and make meaning of your experience(s) in ways which were not available before. My work is therefore centred around attending to the whole person, with equal respect and worth for both content and process, both feeling and thinking.
My practice as a psychotherapist is informed by a blend of philosophical perspectives from both Person-Centred and Buddhist psychology.
Reasons to seek out therapy are, much like ourselves, varied, nuanced and complex. A deeply empathic, attentive presence, warmth and trust for how you process things and what you decide to bring to our sessions, are at the heart of my practice. As a therapist, I provide a therapeutic relationship which, over time, creates a space in which deep healing can occur. I hope to help you see yourself and make meaning of your experience(s) in ways which were not available before. My work is therefore centred around attending to the whole person, with equal respect and worth for both content and process, both feeling and thinking.
![Photo of Anna Davis, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f440675e-f5ef-4c0c-98de-033544d30209/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am also an Artist, ordained Buddhist and Tai chi Teacher and am happy to explore broader spiritual, philosophical or religious matters.
We each have the potential for happiness and confidence but sometimes life can feel stressful or relentlessly tough. We may struggle with complex anxiety, have experienced trauma, depression, confusion, fear, anger, grief or feeling stuck. Through counselling it is possible to recover and gain confidence and the skills to move forwards with a greater sense of wellbeing.I appreciate the courage it can take to engage in counselling, and how helpful it is to speak to someone who is not a family member or friend. Through this professional relationship we work together to safely explore and resolve any difficult feelings and experiences.
I am also an Artist, ordained Buddhist and Tai chi Teacher and am happy to explore broader spiritual, philosophical or religious matters.
We each have the potential for happiness and confidence but sometimes life can feel stressful or relentlessly tough. We may struggle with complex anxiety, have experienced trauma, depression, confusion, fear, anger, grief or feeling stuck. Through counselling it is possible to recover and gain confidence and the skills to move forwards with a greater sense of wellbeing.I appreciate the courage it can take to engage in counselling, and how helpful it is to speak to someone who is not a family member or friend. Through this professional relationship we work together to safely explore and resolve any difficult feelings and experiences.
![Photo of Dr Anne Li, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90d18a2a-1275-4512-89a6-16ac0849e711/2/320x400.png)
Dr Anne Li is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist offering private therapy and leadership/performance coaching to adults. She is British Chinese, with past professional experiences in investment banking and the creative industries and is a practising Buddhist. She provides a holistic and pragmatic approach to psychological health and well-being and draws from psychodynamic, CBT, somatic, compassion-focused, mindfulness, and existential approaches. She is interested in helping people transcend limiting beliefs, harmful family scripts, unconscious mechanisms, and patterned behaviours, be better self-aware, and more self-caring.
Dr Anne Li is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist offering private therapy and leadership/performance coaching to adults. She is British Chinese, with past professional experiences in investment banking and the creative industries and is a practising Buddhist. She provides a holistic and pragmatic approach to psychological health and well-being and draws from psychodynamic, CBT, somatic, compassion-focused, mindfulness, and existential approaches. She is interested in helping people transcend limiting beliefs, harmful family scripts, unconscious mechanisms, and patterned behaviours, be better self-aware, and more self-caring.
![Photo of Zoe Shobbrook-Fisher, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfea3343-53ba-4620-bafd-b445e70d5efb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Through the effective integration of mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Therapy (SCIP), Buddhist psychology and the Person-Centred Approach you will discover transformational inner resources and insights.
Perhaps a particular event, experience or relationship, whether recent or in childhood, has left you feeling wounded, overwhelmed and unable to live with the sense of freedom and open heartedness that you long for. You may feel an underlying sense of never belonging, of shame and unworthiness. You recognise it’s time that you gave yourself the chance to try for a more satisfying and fulfilled life. Perhaps simply you need to talk through your concerns confidentially with someone who isn’t a friend or family member. Whatever you are bringing you need to feel safe, understood and experience meaningful change.
Through the effective integration of mindfulness and Self-Compassion in Therapy (SCIP), Buddhist psychology and the Person-Centred Approach you will discover transformational inner resources and insights.
Perhaps a particular event, experience or relationship, whether recent or in childhood, has left you feeling wounded, overwhelmed and unable to live with the sense of freedom and open heartedness that you long for. You may feel an underlying sense of never belonging, of shame and unworthiness. You recognise it’s time that you gave yourself the chance to try for a more satisfying and fulfilled life. Perhaps simply you need to talk through your concerns confidentially with someone who isn’t a friend or family member. Whatever you are bringing you need to feel safe, understood and experience meaningful change.
![Photo of Nicole Rolls, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a443d7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
When the present is painful and the way forward uncertain, we may need to be heard and supported in order to see what is happening for us and around us, so that we can find greater understanding and joy in our lives . I am a fully qualified Psychotherapist and an Accredited Member of the BACP and of EMDR Europe with 17 years experience. I have been working successfully with a great variety of issues, working in Private Practice, in the NHS, as well as with Sutton Counselling and Goldsmiths University. I work with Adults, older teenagers, and couples. www.nicolerolls.co.uk
When the present is painful and the way forward uncertain, we may need to be heard and supported in order to see what is happening for us and around us, so that we can find greater understanding and joy in our lives . I am a fully qualified Psychotherapist and an Accredited Member of the BACP and of EMDR Europe with 17 years experience. I have been working successfully with a great variety of issues, working in Private Practice, in the NHS, as well as with Sutton Counselling and Goldsmiths University. I work with Adults, older teenagers, and couples. www.nicolerolls.co.uk
![Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80da8a72-dd71-4a82-82e0-12c5cbfcc5e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
![Photo of Thomas Moffett, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/493d1bc7-9ab5-4cc8-ba43-cd9ea176196f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Every person is unique and deserves a unique service, life maybe difficult at the present moment but that does not have to define who you are. Daily struggles can overwhelm us and the pressures can become unbearable, the important thing is you don't have to deal with this alone. As your therapist I am here to listen and assist you in finding the answers deep within, allowing you to access the body's own amazing resources that can help change your current situation. I can call upon a range of different therapies in order for you to achieve this including brainspotting to work with trauma, in a safe non judgmental environment.
Every person is unique and deserves a unique service, life maybe difficult at the present moment but that does not have to define who you are. Daily struggles can overwhelm us and the pressures can become unbearable, the important thing is you don't have to deal with this alone. As your therapist I am here to listen and assist you in finding the answers deep within, allowing you to access the body's own amazing resources that can help change your current situation. I can call upon a range of different therapies in order for you to achieve this including brainspotting to work with trauma, in a safe non judgmental environment.
![Photo of Leela Faezeh Emadi, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bad5adf2-e6cf-4709-bb2a-2d9fb1e2d993/1/320x400.jpeg)
I see therapy as a team work to go on an adventure: step into the unknown of your being! My approach is Holistic and Integrative. Holistic means that we work with different layers of your being: your physical, mental, emotional and energetical bodies. If you’re open to, we will work with breath, mindfulness, chakras, energy blocks and dreams. I have seen over and over that the process of healing is quicker when we both go beyond our minds and work with all of us. Working Integratively means that I have a tool box of different approaches and I use the one which is suitable to you at the right time.
I see therapy as a team work to go on an adventure: step into the unknown of your being! My approach is Holistic and Integrative. Holistic means that we work with different layers of your being: your physical, mental, emotional and energetical bodies. If you’re open to, we will work with breath, mindfulness, chakras, energy blocks and dreams. I have seen over and over that the process of healing is quicker when we both go beyond our minds and work with all of us. Working Integratively means that I have a tool box of different approaches and I use the one which is suitable to you at the right time.
![Photo of Natasha Williamson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ea130df-fbc0-4896-9a0e-4d0ee2e21d85/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
![Photo of Mamta Ward, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8857877-7f35-4702-abcd-268a49ce1e93/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. It can feel difficult to start with counselling, so let me start by saying the work we do will be guided by your own choices and needs. You can express these in a confidential space of emotional safety and we can explore what is happening for you and better understand it. Together we can define and move towards your goals at a pace that suits and feels safe to you. I work with low mood, sadness, anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Welcome. It can feel difficult to start with counselling, so let me start by saying the work we do will be guided by your own choices and needs. You can express these in a confidential space of emotional safety and we can explore what is happening for you and better understand it. Together we can define and move towards your goals at a pace that suits and feels safe to you. I work with low mood, sadness, anxiety, depression and feelings of being overwhelmed.
![Photo of Sharon Andrea Shaw, MBBS, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff49d55f-4776-452d-b996-0d16c30bf671/5/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling SAD, CONFUSED and/or ANGRY? Feeling stuck/trapped? What's the point? Nothing changes? I know the fears of opening up emotionally or mentally. I also know now of how beneficial it is for YOU. To have time to understand your 'self' so that YOU can process and heal, change YOUR future. It's empowering. I have studied for 6 years, to Masters level. Committed to my own personal development. Losing nearly three stone in weight (an emotional eater). Unattached from drinking 5 times a week to now occasionally socially or sometimes I just drink water and ice! Smoking and a fitter body is next. YOU are important! Take control back!
Feeling SAD, CONFUSED and/or ANGRY? Feeling stuck/trapped? What's the point? Nothing changes? I know the fears of opening up emotionally or mentally. I also know now of how beneficial it is for YOU. To have time to understand your 'self' so that YOU can process and heal, change YOUR future. It's empowering. I have studied for 6 years, to Masters level. Committed to my own personal development. Losing nearly three stone in weight (an emotional eater). Unattached from drinking 5 times a week to now occasionally socially or sometimes I just drink water and ice! Smoking and a fitter body is next. YOU are important! Take control back!
![Photo of Eve Keaney, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd565761-ca5e-4093-a059-44e051856dd0/2/320x400.jpeg)
You may be experiencing low mood or anxiety, an inability to focus, disordered thinking or overwhelming emotions, it could be that you recognise your behaviours are not representative of what you believe yourself to be, that your relationships seem very challenging to maintain, or maybe you just have a generalised sense something is missing.
You may be experiencing low mood or anxiety, an inability to focus, disordered thinking or overwhelming emotions, it could be that you recognise your behaviours are not representative of what you believe yourself to be, that your relationships seem very challenging to maintain, or maybe you just have a generalised sense something is missing.
See more therapy options for England
Online Counsellors
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Numerous studies suggest that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. However, further research is needed to determine if online therapy provides the same benefits across all client populations. Individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those who may benefit from in-person check-ins, like those with eating disorders, may not experience the same level of benefit from online therapy. Nonetheless, the success of online therapy, much like in-person therapy, often hinges on the quality of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client rather than the specific modality of therapy used.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy conducted online?
One of the main advantages of online therapy is its convenience for both clients and therapists. It also allows clients who require specialised therapy to access a wider range of professionals than they could with only in-person sessions. Additionally, online therapy may be a more affordable option in some cases and often offers the same insurance benefits as in-person therapy. However, online therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who value face-to-face interaction with a therapist. Therapists may find it more challenging to assess clients accurately in an online setting due to reduced nonverbal cues on camera. There is also the increased risk that disruptions caused by external factors, such as technology malfunctions, can hinder the therapy session. For these reasons, many therapists offer a "hybrid" therapeutic approach, alternating between seeing clients in-person and online.
Is online therapy suitable for children and adolescents?
Just like with adults, the accessibility and convenience of online therapy can greatly benefit children and adolescents. In fact, children and adolescents may be more accustomed to navigating online platforms than older adults, making online sessions feel more natural for them. Teens might also be interested in using additional online tools, such as therapist-recommended apps, as an adjunct to online therapy sessions. Apps for developing CBT skills, practicing mindfulness exercises, or tracking thoughts and moods can be helpful for teens receiving therapy. However, it's important to note that not all therapeutic modalities are well-suited to online therapy, especially those used with younger children. For example, play therapy, which helps younger children express their emotions, often requires in-person sessions to be fully effective.
Can I receive prescriptions and medication management with online therapy?
The ability for psychiatrists to prescribe medications through online therapy varies based on the medication and the states where the medical professional and client are located. While many prescribing regulations were relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states still enforce rules, especially concerning controlled substances, which may mandate an in-person visit before prescribing. Generally, however, medical professionals can prescribe non-controlled substances through online therapy sessions just as they do during in-person sessions.