As we transition out of the Covid 19 lockdown in England, I am able to see people at my room in Street, Somerset or, if you prefer, I can work remotely either via the online platform Zoom or by telephone.  If you would like to have face to face sessions, I have implemented a Covid-Secure way of working which I’ve briefly detailed below.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

For your safety I will:

• Maintain a distance of two metres
• Open and close doors on arrival so you have limited surface contact during your visit
• Thoroughly clean all accessed areas and surfaces between sessions
• Open windows and doors between appointments to maximise the air ventilation in the room
• Add a clean covering to your chair before you arrive
• Cancel our planned appointment if I have tested positive or have symptoms of Covid-19 or if I become aware that I have been in contact with someone who has tested positive or has symptoms of the virus

To attend sessions in person, you agree to:

• Adhere to Government advice
• Maintain a distance of two metres and follow the procedures implemented to allow for this (I will discuss this with you prior to your appointment)
• Use hand sanitiser on arrival and when leaving the consultation room
• Dispose of any rubbish (e.g. used tissues) in the lined bin provided next to your chair
• Cancel your planned appointment if you have tested positive or have symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive or has symptoms of the virus

Although different from face to face sessions, research shows that accessing counselling remotely is just as effective.  One of the benefits is that you don’t have to live within travelling distance to access support.

If you are unable to get to my room in Street or are not yet ready for in-person appointments, please read the information below which gives details off what you will need to work with me online or by telephone.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

What You Will Need:
Online Counselling:

• A laptop or computer with audio and webcam
• An internet connection
• An alternative method of contact (such as a telephone, just in case we lose contact during our session)
• A confidential place where you can sit comfortably for an hour without being disturbed.

Telephone Counselling:

• A mobile or landline telephone which has enough charge for an hour long session
• An alternative method of contact (such as email, just in case we lose contact during our session)
• A confidential place where you can sit comfortably for an hour without being disturbed.

I Commit To:

• Offering counselling sessions either online or by telephone with the chance of transitioning to in-person appointments when you are ready
• Giving as much help as possible to ensure you are set up for your counselling sessions.
• Providing a “test run” to ensure that you are comfortable with the technology prior to your first counselling session if you feel this will be of benefit to you.
• Being as flexible as possible. I understand that finding a quiet, confidential place may be challenging so I have increased my availability to offer more evening and weekend appointments so that we have the best possible chance of arranging an appointment day and time that suits you.

If you think that counselling can help you or you would like to find out more, please contact me:

Header photo by Sean Paul Kinnear on Unsplash