Introduction To Online Counselling
Online counselling provides an opportunity to explore a personal difficulty in a confidential and supportive environment. This may include expressing feelings that are painful, and which many of us experience at certain times in our lives. When this happens it can be difficult to stay positive and cope with everyday life. Online Counselling can provide you with the opportunity to access counselling support, at a time and in a place which is convenient to you.
I work in private practice offering both face-to-face counselling and psychotherapy as well as online counselling. I have worked with clients across all age ranges, from age 7, up to and beyond retirement. However, online counselling can only be provided to adults above the age of 18 years.
I am committed to offering a service which is welcoming to all backgrounds, in a supportive and non-discriminatory manner.
I offer secure email and Skype based chat and video online counselling for UK residents and English speakers worldwide. You may be an expat, living somewhere which makes finding an english speaking therapist for face to face work extremely difficult or impossible, or you may be unable, or just too unsure about an actual face to face therapeutic experience.

Internet counselling is not for everyone, but it is a fast growing means of accessing therapeutic support that is time saving, convenient and flexible, additionally it offers a much wider choice of therapists, than may be available to you locally.
Online counselling is not a replacement for face to face, more traditional styles of therapy but If you are comfortable with computers and typing, then online counselling may be right for you.

You will need basic computer skills and some familiarity with the Online/email protocol but you don't have to be a genius in computer technology to make use of Online counselling.

PLEASE NOTE: Online or web based counselling is not suitable if you are in acute distress and need immediate assistance.

In Cases Of Emergency Please Contact:
Your local A&E department, or your G.P
Police Emergency UK 999
Samaritans on UK 08457 90 90 90 ROI 1850 60 90 90 International email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it link to http://www.samaritans.org/
Get connected confidential Free Helpline for young people 0808 808 4994 or visit link to getconnected.org.uk or useful links.

Hushmail For Email Counselling
To commence counselling by Email you will need to set up a free Hushmail account. Hushmail is a secure encrypted web based Email service. The Emails we exchange remain confidential as they are encrypted en-route and only readable by us when we are signed in to our accounts.
Sign up for a free Hushmail account Here.

Pros And Cons Of Email Counselling
Because email counselling is time delayed it gives you chance to reflect upon my responses to you and consider your replies before sending. The time delay between exchanges can be a therapeutic reflection time for some, whilst for others it may be frustrating having to wait several days for a response.

To Begin Email Sessions
I will let you know my Hushmail address so you can let me know when your Hushmail account is up and running. You will have already given me some information about yourself in the initial consultation questionnaire, Times and frequency of exchanges will have been agreed between us along with other aspects of our agreement such as relating to fees/ confidentiality and technology or connection problems. link to contract.

We are now ready to start our first session.
Your first email could include more information about the issue or situation you outlined in the initial consultation form. It is helpful for me to know as much about this as you feel comfortable discussing, so I can get clearer insight into your problem or situation and be able to respond appropriately.
I will send you more information regarding 'netiquette' before we begin to ensure you get the most out of your email counselling experience. Online FAQ.

If you are ready to start email counselling Click Here.
To find out more or make a general enquiry about email or other Online services Click Here.

Skype
Skype is a free programme that can be used for instant messaging chat or video or telephone calls over the internet -VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Skype conversations are already encrypted. Sign up for a free account or find out more Click Here.

Pros And Cons Of Skype Chat Sessions
Chat sessions, unlike email counselling, happen in real time just as a conversation does. Important to remember that typing and reading and reflecting, take more time than talking in face to face conversation. There may be silences or pauses between responses, which gives us time to consider and reflect upon what is being 'said' (typed). A 'comfortable' typing speed is useful if you are considering this method of Online counselling.

To Begin Skype Chat Sessions
I will let you know my Skype address so you can let me know when your Skype account is up and running. You will have already given me some information about yourself in the Initial Consultation Questionnaire, Appointment times and frequency of meetings will have been agreed between us along with other aspects of our agreement such as relating to fees/ confidentiality and technology or connection problems. Link To Agreement.

We are now ready to start our first session.
After we have said hello, you can tell me what you want to discuss or work on in the session. It is helpful for me to know as much about this as you feel comfortable discussing, so I can get clearer insight into your problem or situation and be able to respond appropriately.
I will send you more information regarding 'netiquette' before we begin to ensure you get the most out of your email counselling experience. Please see also Online FAQ.

If you are ready to start Skype chat counselling click here link to initial consultation questionnaire Click Here.
To find out more or make a general enquiry about email or other online services Click Here.

Video Counselling Using Skype
Video enables voice conversations over the internet (VoIP) which provides a more personal face to face experience. Most computers have video built in but for older computers it can be an external plug in device. I use Skype for these sessions as it is encrypted and is also free between users anywhere n the world. It uses the same software for chat and video so you don't need to do anything extra except maybe use a headset or USB headset to increase voice quality and privacy. Headsets can be purchased directly from Skype or from most electronic stores.

Pros And Cons Of Skype Video Sessions
For video sessions to be most effective, you will need a high speed internet connection, otherwise there is a tendency for the picture to freeze or remain static for a few seconds although you can still hear the person talking. Problems with this method are mainly technical but most can be overcome, so If you prefer to see your counsellor this may be the right method for you despite the potential technical glitches.

To Begin Skype Video Sessions
I will let you know my Skype address so you can let me know when your Skype account is up and running. You will have already given me some information about yourself in the initial consultation questionnaire, appointment times and frequency of meetings will have been agreed between us along with other aspects of our agreement such as relating to fees/ confidentiality and technology or connection problems. Contact us.
We are now ready to start our first session. You will need a private place to call from - where you cannot be interrupted or overheard.
After we have said hello, and checked we can see and hear each other properly, you can tell me what you want to discuss or work on in the session.
From then on, the session and our work is the closest experience one can get on the web, to an actual face to face session,
I will send you more information regarding video counselling before we begin to ensure you get the most out of your video counselling experience. Please see also Online FAQ's.

If you are ready to start video counselling click here link to Initial Consultation Questionnaire Click Here
To find out more or make a general enquiry about email or other online services Click Here

Secure Communication
For security reasons all of our exchanges need to take place through a secure server. Encryption is one of the best ways of ensuring information we exchange is kept confidential. Hushmail is a secure form of encryption for email exchanges
In case you need to contact me through open email or SMS neither of which are encrypted, I would advise you not to send any therapeutic content, instead try to keep it to practical content such as rescheduling an appointment.

Password Protection
Please ensure that you secure your computer and emails against unauthorised viewing by third parties. This may include adopting the use of password protection for all personal email accounts, documents and files. You may wish to store your information on a password protected dongle rather than on a shared computer. Please remember to keep the dongle in a secure place.

It is recommended that you do not engage in online counselling using a public computer where the content of exchanges could be viewed by others in the close proximity. Please note that your employer has the right to view all information on your work computer or that which goes via the workplace server. For this reason you should use a secure external server. Hushmail. Please ensure your own personal safety is not at risk by engaging in Online counselling.

Firewall Protection
Firewall and anti virus protection can be installed to ensure neither your software or hardware can be accessible to third parties or viruses. You can access this from your computers hardware options or install anti virus protection such as Norton or McAfee for added protection.
Please note that your employer has the right to view all information on your work computer or that which goes via the workplace server. For this reason you should use a secure external server.

It is recommended that you do not engage in online counselling using a public computer where the content of exchanges could be viewed by others in the close proximity.

Confidentiality, Security And Data Protection
The content of our emails will not be communicated with a third party. I may take content from our exchanges to supervision but your identity will be kept confidential at all times. Supervision is an ethical requirement of my professional body (BACP), it ensures I work within its ethical code and, to the best of my ability.
At the end of our work together, all client material is removed from my computer and is stored securely on a password protected memory stick. There are no identifying details as these are removed and replaced with a client ID code. I am required by law to do this and it applies also to face to face work. I am additionally required to store these records securely offline in a locked filing cabinet for a period of 5 years, when they can then be securely destroyed.
All personal information disclosed will be kept confidential and not used for any purposes other than a counselling record. All client material is treated in complete confidence, however, I am legally bound to make disclosure to the police authorities if a client reveals that they are at serious risk of causing harm to others, or express intention to break the law. In addition, if at any point during the counselling you were in need of emergency support, I may ask for your consent to contact your GP or an emergency service.

Ownership Of Records
Records of therapeutic exchanges are legally owned by the therapist. Posting transcripts of exchanges or any other direct information concerning our work is a breach of law. It is not permissible to circulate or post any part, or whole page of, any of our exchanges to a third party or social forum. I take the utmost care to protect client information and I ask you to do the same in return.

Code Of Ethics
BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy).
I am a member of the BACP and listed on their register for Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor & Trainer. The Association sets, promotes and maintains standards for the profession. The Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy with its Professional Conduct Procedure, ensures that members of BACP abide by an accepted and approved code of conduct and accountability.

Appointment Times
We will agree an ‘appointment time’. This is the time when you will receive my email reply, or the time agreed to meet using Skype chat counsellng or video counsellng.This could be weekly, or more frequently if you request this. As I will need some time to read your previous email and consider a response, I will need you to send in your email at least 24 hours before I send you my reply.

What Happens If I Have To Cancel The Appointment, Or I Have Computer/Connection Problems?
In the event that either of us cannot 'attend' a session because of technical reasons, we will endeavor to inform the other as soon as possible via SMS and allow ten minutes before attempting to connect online again. If after ten minutes, we are unable to connect online, we can reschedule our appointment via SMS.
If you have made payment for a session but are unable to meet at the appointed time due to unexpected or other personal commitments, I require 24 hours notice of cancellation or fee for the session will be retained.

About The Way I Work
I will provide, to the best of my ability, an online counselling experience that endeavors to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which you will be given time and space to understand and gain insight into your situation. This process can foster growth and lead to positive change in your life. I will not be in a position to offer advice. There may be occasions where I ask questions about what you have written to me. This may be to seek a clearer view of your difficulty or to clarify a misunderstanding in our communication. You are free to ignore my questions and responses, or alternatively spend time between email exchanges reflecting on them.

Misunderstandings
There may also be occasions where I may misunderstand something which you have tried to convey to me. I might therefore ask if you could clarify this for me. I hope you will feel comfortable in being able to do the same if you have misunderstood anything which I have said or that you feel I have implied.
Online counselling is different to face-to-face work, as misunderstandings may occur due to a lack of facial expressions and tone of voice. We should agree to think the best of each other and feel open enough to express how we are feeling in order to resolve or work through any misunderstandings between us.

Boundaries
To maintain ethical and professional boundaries, I am not able to engage 'socially' with clients through social forums or networking sites. This ensures that our therapeutic relationship and exchanges continue to feel safe and uninterrupted by any other 'inputs'.

Guidelines For Emergency Contact
Online counselling is not suitable if you are suffering enduring mental illness and it cannot provide an emergency service. In the event of an emergency arising whilst you are engaged in online work, I will discuss with you the appropriate support that you could access during this period.
If you found yourself in a major crisis and were considering serious self harm it would be vital to get immediate help. This could include contacting your GP, or your nearest accident and emergency service (A&E). You could also call the Samaritans on UK: 08457 90 90 90. ROI:1850 60 90 90 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (email emergency support).

I am not able to provide online counselling to any person who is under the age of 18. I will try to direct you to more appropriate sources of help if this applies to you.

Fees

Single Session
One Email Exchange	£35.00 this is one 'therapeutic' response to your email and does not include the introductory emails regarding appointments
One 60 min typed chat counselling session	£40
One 60 min VoIP (telephone or video) counselling session	£45

Multiple Sessions
Ongoing counselling by email	£30.00 for each response from Me
Ongoing typed chat counselling	£35
Ongoing VoIP (telephone or video) counselling session	£40

Money Saving Packages
Five email exchanges	£125
Five typed chat sessions	£150
Five VoIP (telephone or video) sessions	£175
Ten email exchanges	£230
Ten typed chat sessions	£280
Ten VoIP (telephone or video) sessions	£325

Combination package includes all of the following:
x2 Email email exchange                      x4 Chat sessions           x2 VoIP (telephone or video) sessions	£250

Combination package includes all of the following:
x2 Email email exchange         x4 Chat Sessions   x2 VoIP (telephone or video) sessions	£250

Step By Step Instructions
You contact me through the Secure Enquiry Form which asks for some basic information concerning you and your situation.
I will ask you to complete the Initial Online Questionnaire if you haven't done so already, there you can outline your concerns in greater detail.
I will respond free of charge initially to establish with you which service you require and what your goals are. This step helps us to decide if online counselling is for you or which method would suit you best.

We decide what will be the focus of our sessions, what you want from counselling and how best to achieve this. Again, this process is free of charge.
If you decide to go ahead, I will ask you to accept a Counselling Agreement.

You choose the online counselling option that will best suit your needs and make a payment.

We are ready to begin!

FAQ's

Online Counselling Agreement
This is an informed consent form relating to the online therapeutic relationship and the work we do together. It includes issues relating to professional and technical confidentiality and provides a framework for our work together.

Ethical Framework: BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
I am a member of the BACP and listed on their register for Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Supervisor & Trainer. The Association sets, promotes and maintains standards for the profession. The Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy with its Professional Conduct Procedure, ensures that members of BACP abide by an accepted and approved code of conduct and accountability.

What sort of issues can I contact you about?
Online counselling may be able to help with a wide range of issues, including Abuse, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Eating Difficulties, Loneliness, Relationship Problems, Bereavement, Depression, Self-Esteem, Sexual Orientation, Sexual Abuse, Discrimination, and many more.
Not all types of issues can be resolved through online counselling and I will advise you if I consider that face-to-face counselling or some other form of support might be more appropriate to your personal needs and presenting issues. Where I consider that online counselling would not be the most suitable means of support, I will make every effort to assist you in a referral to a suitable alternative source of support.
*I am not able to provide online counselling to any person who is under the age of 18.

Appointment Times
We will agree an ‘appointment time’. This is the time when you will receive my Email reply, or the time agreed to meet using Skype chat counsellng or video counsellng.This could be weekly, or more frequently if you request this. As I will need some time to read your previous email and consider a response, I will need you to send in your email at least 24 hours before I send you my reply.

What happens if I have to cancel the appointment, or I have computer/connection problems which prevent me keeping the appointment?
In the event that either of us cannot 'attend' a session because of technical reasons, we will endeavor to inform the other as soon as possible via SMS and allow ten minutes before attempting to connect online again. If after ten minutes, we are unable to connect online, we can reschedule our appointment via SMS.
If you have made payment for a session but are unable to meet at the appointed time due to unexpected or other personal commitments, I require 24 hours notice of cancellation or fee for the session will be retained.

About The Way I Work
I will provide, to the best of my ability, an online counselling experience that endeavors to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which you will be given time and space to understand and gain insight into your situation. This process can foster growth and lead to positive change in your life. I will not be in a position to offer advice. There may be occasions where I ask questions about what you have written to me. This may be to seek a clearer view of your difficulty or to clarify a misunderstanding in our communication. You are free to ignore my questions and responses, or alternatively spend time between email exchanges reflecting on them.

Misunderstandings
There may also be occasions where I may misunderstand something which you have tried to convey to me. I might therefore ask if you could clarify this for me. I hope you will feel comfortable in being able to do the same if you have misunderstood anything which I have said or that you feel I have implied.
Online counselling is different to face-to-face work, as misunderstandings may occur due to a lack of facial expressions and tone of voice. We should agree to think the best of each other and feel open enough to express how we are feeling in order to resolve or work through any misunderstandings between us.

Secure Communication
For security reasons all of our exchanges need to take place through a secure server. In case you need to contact me through open email or SMS neither of which are encrypted, I would advise you not to send any therapeutic content, instead try to keep it to practical content such as rescheduling an appointment.

Password Protection
Please ensure that you secure your computer and emails against unauthorised viewing by third parties. This may include adopting the use of password protection for all personal email accounts, documents and files. You may wish to store your information on a password protected dongle rather than on a shared computer. Please remember to keep the dongle in a secure place.

It is recommended that you do not engage in online counselling using a public computer where the content of exchanges could be viewed by others in the close proximity. Please note that your employer has the right to view all information on your work computer or that which goes via the workplace server. For this reason you should use a secure external server. Hushmail. Please ensure your own personal safety is not at risk by engaging in online counselling.

Confidentiality, Security And Data Protection
The content of your emails will not be communicated with a third party. I may take content from our exchanges to supervision but your identity will be kept confidential at all times. Supervision is an ethical requirement of my professional body (BACP), it ensures I work within its ethical code and, to the best of my ability.
At the end of our work together, all client material is removed from my computer and is stored securely on a password protected memory stick. There are no identifying details as these are removed and replaced with a client ID code. I am required by law to do this and it applies also to face to face work. I am additionally required to store these records securely offline in a locked filing cabinet for a period of 5 years, when they can then be securely destroyed.

All personal information disclosed will be kept confidential and not used for any purposes other than a counselling record. All client material is treated in complete confidence, however, I am legally bound to make disclosure to the police authorities if a client reveals that they are at serious risk of causing harm to others, or express intention to break the law. In addition, if at any point during the counselling you were in need of emergency support, I may ask for your consent to contact your GP or an emergency service.

Secure Communication
For security reasons all of our exchanges need to take place through a secure server. In case you need to contact me through open email or SMS neither of which are encrypted, I would advise you not to send any therapeutic content, instead try to keep it to practical content such as rescheduling an appointment.
Please ensure that you secure your computer and emails against unauthorised viewing by third parties. This may include adopting the use of password protection for all personal email accounts and documents etc. It is recommended that you do not engage in online counselling using a public computer where the content of exchanges could be viewed by others in the close proximity. Please note that your employer has the right to view all information on your work computer or that which goes via the workplace server. For this reason you should use a secure external server - Hushmail.

Ownership Of Records
Records of therapeutic exchanges are legally owned by the therapist. Posting transcripts of exchanges or any other direct information concerning our work is a breach of law. It is not permissible to circulate or post any part, or whole page of, any of our exchanges to a third party or social forum. I take the utmost care to protect client information and I ask you to do the same in return.

Boundaries

To maintain ethical and professional boundaries, I am not able to engage 'socially' with clients through social forums or networking sites. This ensures that our therapeutic relationship and exchanges continue to feel safe and 'undiluted' by any other media 'inputs'.

Guidelines For Emergency Contact
Online counselling is not suitable if you are suffering enduring mental illness and it cannot provide an emergency service. In the event of an emergency arising whilst you are engaged in online work, I will discuss with you the appropriate support that you could access during this period.
If you found yourself in a major crisis and were considering serious self harm it would be vital to get immediate help. This could include contacting your GP, or your nearest accident and emergency service (A&E). You could also call the Samaritans on UK: 08457 90 90 90. ROI:1850 60 90 90 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (email emergency support).

Acceptance
By using or undertaking any online service provided by Inner Clarity/Gillian Grant. It constitutes to your understanding and approval of this agreement.
This agreement shall be construed and governed in all respects in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and any dispute or differences in relation to this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.