About Skype Therapy

 

Skype therapy is the ideal solution. It allows you to sit at home in peace and quiet, and talk privately with your personal therapist.

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Skype is a free, Internet-based video conferencing application that streams via most computer operating systems worldwide. It is free to download and easy to use via your current internet connection. Remember that your internet speeds will determine the quality of the call. You will need to have installed a web camera and audio speakers to use Skype but many electronic devices come with a built-in microphone and web camera.

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If you don’t already have Skype, click here to download it.

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There are advantages and disadvantages you need to think about before committing to online sessions with Skype.

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Advantages of online sessions using Skype:

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• Sessions are conducted in the privacy of your home.

• No need to travel to see the therapist when you can use the internet for counseling.

• Flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends.

• Talk from home, office or park, and feel more relaxed in your own environment.

• Physical disability is not an issue finding therapy. (No steps or lifts or traveling to and from)

• More choices regarding what online therapist you can use.

• Talking about personal issues can be less embarrassing or intimidating.

• You can talk via phone or PC with Skype.

• Allows you to connect from work or any place you have a connection.

• No one need know you are seeing a therapist with Skype.

• It can be physically safer for you.

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Disadvantages of online therapy using Skype:

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• Online therapy is not suitable for serious mental health issues such as bipolar and schizophrenia.

• You need to feel confident using a computer or tablet.

• You need to understand how to keep your computer/tablet secure.

• As with any technology it is possible that hardware can fail or go wrong leaving you unable to communicate.

• If you make recordings of the session you “must” encrypt it, if your PC is stolen all data on your hard drive can be looked at and used unless it’s encrypted.

• All therapists’ computers must be secure and have all confidential data encrypted.

• It is not safe for people who are feeling suicidal or in crisis without more information and backup available.

• There are occasional technical problems in using the Internet for live transmission: pixelation, choppiness and freezing.

 

Confidentiality

All Skype sessions are encrypted to ensure confidentiality. You can read more about it on Skype’s website. Licensed psychotherapists are bound both by the Data Protection Act and professional guidelines of their governing body, just as they are with in person, face-to-face therapy.

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Disclaimer: Skype counseling is not suitable for everyone; there are limits to what a therapist can do remotely. In such cases, your GP is always your first best option. You can also call 911, your local emergency service or visit the nearest emergency room in your area.

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