Online Counselling UK
It is important to work on those areas of your mental health that you want to improve. You feel strongly that, with a bit of help, you can work on those little triggers and intrusive thoughts so you can find a way to be happier, healthier and more productive.
But where do you fit that work? With a busy lifestyle, it is becoming harder to set aside time for therapy or self-development. If you have your own business, are starting a family, or have a job that involves frequent travel, it can be challenging to commit to a weekly session.
What if you could do therapy from anywhere?
With online counselling, you can get mental health benefits and avoid the traffic jams, the commuting time, and the awkward meetings in the waiting room. You can make the most of your time, be location-independent, and choose the counsellor that works for you no matter where you are.
Do you want to sip tea from your favourite mug during your counselling session? Place a blanket over your legs? Pet your cat or your dog? Yep. Online counselling can be cosy and comfortable.
Do you need more information?
No worries, I got you!
What is online counselling?
Online counselling is a mental health service that is provided via a digital communication platform.
It requires a device connected to the internet both on the therapist’s and the client’s side. For example, a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
It can be delivered using video conference platforms, mobile applications, text messages, or emails.
You can access online counselling services as long as you have access to a device connected to the internet, and a place that is quiet and confidential.
Is online counselling private and confidential?
Yes, but it requires appropriate procedures and means in place.
For an online session to be confidential, it requires the use of a secure and data privacy-compliant platform and tools. Most of the common applications for video conference calls, messaging or emails are not privacy-oriented or confidential.
It is also important that the counsellor has clear procedures in place about how to proceed in case of unforeseen technical difficulties.
The use of headphones helps maintain the quality of the sound and privacy.
At Out of the Box I use a worldwide secure and GPD-compliant virtual platform, I have clear procedures in place not only for unforeseen technical difficulties but also for reschedules, cancellations, payments and communications. I also have a code of conduct to maximise the quality of the service provided. For details please check my service policy here.
Is online counselling effective?
Online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. Although it is not a good fit for everyone, online counselling can simplify and allow access to counselling for people with certain forms of anxiety, or physical disability. Additionally online therapy allows for people who travel constantly or are in the process of adapting to a new city or country to be able to continue and finish the process. Dropping the abandonment rate and enhancing the rate of success.
The effectiveness of online therapy relies mainly on using the right technological tools and having not only the training but also the experience, creativity and support to perform it well. Knowing the tools and environmental stretches and limitations is what makes the real difference.
At Out of the Box, I have been delivering online therapy since 2015, so I have not only up-to-date training and tools but also the experience to deliver therapy in an online format.
Who is not suitable for online counselling?
Online counselling is not suitable:
If you struggle with technology. Let’s clarify it is not necessary to be a tech expert, being a tech user comfortable using a computer or phone is enough.
If you are experiencing a clinical mental health emergency.
If you are suffering from a severe psychiatric disorder and/or experiencing symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, self-harm …
If you have a severe addiction or have complex symptoms of a mental health condition
If you are feeling suicidal or have made plans to kill yourself
In the situations above, in-person therapy would be recommended, and online therapy could be used as a support or reinforcement.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online counselling?
Advantages: Online counselling is convenient and accessible, allowing you to do therapy from the comfort of your home, office or favourite spot as long as you have privacy and a reliable internet connection. Other advantages are the possibility of long-distance support, flexibility and therapeutic intimacy.
Disadvantages: By contrast, unreliable technology, lack of nonverbal communication and the unsuitability of particular client groups or situations such as crisis, emergencies, severe psychiatric disorders and addictions are the disadvantages of online counselling.
At Out of the Box we inform about the unsuitability of online counselling, terms and conditions of the service and fees upfront, before scheduling. That allows clients to have the information handy when gathering information or while in the decision process - helping to take advantage of the here and now that the online world allows, without forgetting safety by having procedures in place to face inconvenience and minimise the disadvantages. For details, you can check our FAQ section here.
Is online therapy good for anxiety?
Yes. Research shows that online counselling for anxiety is as effective as in-person therapy. People struggling with certain forms of anxiety such as agoraphobia and panic attacks can especially benefit from online counselling since commuting or leaving home can be extra difficult for these clients.
People who travel a lot for business or who go to live in a different city or country could especiallybenefit from online therapy for anxiety too. Since they can carry on with therapy without changing therapists or have support from a professional they like to work with regardless of their geographical situation.
At Out of the Box I deliver consistent, flexible and tailored counselling, with a straightforward not sugar-coating approach that will help to ease your mind from the first session.
Is online therapy good for trauma?
Yes. Research shows that EMDR and CBT are the most effective treatments to treat trauma. EMDR and CBT online have been proven as effective as in-person. Online counselling for trauma can give an extra privacy, consistency and safety layer by facilitating not only the access to therapy but also the continuity of treatment and long-term support.
At Out of the Box I deliver online therapy for trauma using a combination of EMDR, CBT and positive psychology to provide you with a tailored therapy that minimises suffering and maximises efficiency.
How do I start online counselling at Out of the Box?
If the calendar has available dates, you can book your session directly by clicking here.
No dates available? Send a message through the contact form and I will answer as soon as possible with appointment options or an availability estimate.
After booking, you will receive emails with simple instructions so you know how to proceed, including links to the video call platform.
To know more details about how the process will be, you can check our FAQ here.
What My Clients Say
The names in the testimonials have been altered to respect the privacy of clients. They not only have kindly agreed to share their stories but also write them, for which I am extremely grateful.
Meet your online counsellor in the UK
Hi! I am Elia Gimenez, a BPS chartered psychologist, BACP registered counsellor, EMDR clinician and crafter of solutions.
I am formally trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a safe and effective way of managing experiences that can provide fast relief of trauma and anxiety symptoms. Delivered through a private and confidential video call from the comfort of your home or office, PTSD online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, saving you commuting time and the struggles of stopping or putting your process on hold if you travel or change location. I have over 15 years of experience providing PTSD online therapy and online EMDR therapy, healing trauma and anxiety.
Any doubts about online counselling?
You can find more information in our FAQ or Book a Session I will be more than happy to help and resolve any doubt in your particular circumstances. Alternatively, you can always reach out through the contact form.