Online Clinical Psychology Sessions

While many of us have had to become acquainted with online platforms in order to access work meetings, school lessons and keeping in touch with friends and family, it is important to consider what an online psychology session might look like.

Below you will find some practical information to help you understand what to expect from online sessions and ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

It might feel scary or uncertain to have some sessions online, but this way of working can be just as effective as meeting face to face.

At New Leaf Psychology, our preferred online service is Zoom, which is an encrypted service and is free for you to access and download.

On the day of your session or perhaps a couple of days before, you will be sent an email containing an invitation link to the appointment.

At the time of the session please click on the link in the invitation email. You may need to enter the meeting code and password contained in the email. The meeting code and password will be different for each session. The link will not work before your session time.

In preparation for your session, please make sure that:

• You have your computer or mobile set up with Zoom before the session commences. Zoom is not a social network, and there is no need to open a personal account. It is also free for this kind of one-to-one call.
• Please make sure you have the correct microphone and video turned on. You can check both in settings at the bottom left of the Zoom screen.
• Your computer or mobile needs to be positioned at a sensible height so that I can clearly see your face and that the camera is at eye level. If several people will be participating, please make sure that I can see everyone clearly.
• It is very easy to hear background noises e.g. animals, kettles, washing machines so please make sure you are in a quiet location. Headphones help to keep the sound manageable.
• It is important that you will not be disturbed for the duration of the session and that the door to the room you are sitting in is closed.
• Try not to have your back to a window or light. This can make it very hard for me to see you.
• Please ensure that there is adequate lighting in the room you are in.
• You may wish to have a box of tissues and a glass of water to hand.
• It is essential that you have not been drinking alcohol or taking drugs before a session.
• Please do not record the sessions. I will not be recording any of our sessions UNLESS I have prior consent from you, and this has been mutually discussed and agreed and a consent form has been signed by you.
• Please ensure that you do NOT let anyone else listen in to any part of the online session (via phone or any other technical device or in person) without prior agreement.
• You join the meeting at the agreed time.

Engaging in online therapy will be understood as agreement to the above terms. We both agree not to record any part of the session or let anyone else listen in to the session (via phone or any other device or means) without prior agreement.

As with face-to-face sessions, my terms and conditions that you signed at the beginning of our work together are still applicable. 48 business hours’ notice are required if you wish to cancel or postpone an agreed session.