Does online therapy really work?
Yes. Leading medical journal The Lancet, published a study validating the claims that online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as good as in-person treatment when it comes to depression and anxiety. More recently, researchers found that war veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond just as well to online therapy to in-person treatment.
Online therapy could also work on on eating disorders. A small study from 2008 assessed 128 adults experiencing bulimia nervosa, the results were similar, adults counselled online were able to stop disordered eating habits just as much as the adults who were treated in person. Of course, effective online therapy requires an effective therapist. At Lewis Psychology Online we only work with fully registered and experienced therapists.
How do Skype sessions work?
Skype is a teleconferencing program that allows the client and therapist to see each other using their computer, mobile phone or tablet.
You will need access to Skype facilities on your computer, mobile phone or tablet. Download Skype for free on your computer by visiting the Skype website, please remember your computer will need a webcam. Alternatively, download the free Skype app on your mobile phone or tablet. Register with Skype by using your email address and creating a password.
How to start a Skype session:
- At the time of your appointment your therapist will video call you.
- Select the video icon to answer with video.
What else do I need to consider regarding Skype?
Although Skype counselling sessions are generally straightforward there are a few factors to consider:
- Do you have access to a stable internet connection?
- Do you have access to a webcam and microphone or a mobile phone or tablet
- Do you have a space free from distraction to conduct your online sessions?
Organising an appoinment is simple, please click how to book to find out more.
How do Zoom sessions work?
You will need access to Zoom facilities on your computer, phone or tablet. Download Zoom on your computer for free by visiting the Zoom website, please remember your computer will need a webcam. Alternatively, download the free Zoom app on your mobile phone or tablet. Register with Zoom by using your email address and creating a password.
At Lewis Psychology we recommend Zoom for the additional encrypted security it offers.
How to start a Zoom session:
- Five minutes before your session your therapist will email you a link to your Zoom meeting.
- Click on the link before your appointment to make sure you can access the Zoom ‘waiting area’.
- At the time of your appointment your therapist will admit you into the session.
What else do I need to consider regarding Zoom?
Although Zoom sessions are generally straightforward there are a few factors to consider:
- Do you have access to a stable internet connection?
- Do you have access to a webcam and microphone or a mobile phone or tablet?
- Do you have a space free from distraction to conduct your online sessions?
Organising an appoinment is simple, please click how to book to find out more.
How do telephone sessions work?
Just like regular face-to-face sessions, telephone psychotherapy involves scheduling an appointment with your therapist, but then using the telephone to conduct that appointment. Your therapist will call you at the agreed time so there are no additional costs to you (UK customers only).
Telephone counselling can offer you a greater sense of confidentiality and anonymity. This can be reassuring particularly if you feel nervous, embarrassed or fearful about talking through your problems.
Organising an appoinment is simple, please click how to book to find out more.
Privacy
As with face-to-face work privacy is extremely important. Our therapists work in a safe, private environment with no interruptions, and if online sessions are to be effective it is necessary for you to also find a quiet and private space and ensure that you will not be interrupted during each online appointment, that way privacy and confidentiality can be maintained.
Are my sessions confidential?
The content of your online counselling and online psychotherapy sessions are confidential, however in order to enhance the quality of therapy being offered to you, your therapist may discuss your case on a confidential basis with their clinical supervisor. Regular clinical supervision is a professional and ethical requirement of all counsellors and psychotherapists. This process maximises the therapist’s therapeutic effectiveness and ensures that professional and ethical standards are followed. If your therapist considers that you are at imminent risk of causing serious harm to yourself or others they may seek additional assistance on your behalf or on the behalf of vulnerable others. Your therapist will talk to you about their concerns and endeavour to gain your consent before doing this.
In the case of a disclosure concerning acts of terrorism or drug trafficking your counsellor / psychotherapist is legally obliged to break confidentiality and pass such disclosures onto the relevant authority.
Case notes and data processing
All data is processed with the purpose of providing professional and ethical psychological health treatment including (but not exclusive to) counselling, psychotherapy, CBT and EMDR.
In line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) we inform clients of the data we hold on them. The records we hold are:
- Name and contact details: Your address and contact details are used to contact you about your appointments only.
- Medication, health history, current health and disability issues: We request medication and health information to conduct an accurate assessment and develop an individual treatment plan.
- Notes on content of sessions: Your therapist will make brief notes after each session, the notes are securely stored using 256 bit bank grade encrypted security. Case notes can be accessed by your therapist and our data controller, Teresa Lewis. If we receive a court of law subpoena we are legally required to release your case notes.
- Questionnaires: From time to time your therapist will ask you to complete a brief assessment questionnaire known as CORE. No identifiable information forms part of this data. Your response on the questionnaire will help your therapist to understand: (1) More about the problems with which counselling is required to address (2) The problems that therapy is most effective in helping (3) The way in which the therapy can be improved.
- Our data processor is Teresa Lewis
- Case notes are stored for 7 years.
GDPR and your rights
You have the right to:
- request access to your medical records
- request that you records are transferred to another provider
- request that your data be deleted
- request that your data is corrected or supplemented
How to contact the data controller
In respect to the above please send all written requests to: Teresa Lewis, Lewis Psychology Online, Deansgate, 62-70 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4TH. Please include your full name, address, date of birth, contact number and email address. Please ensure your request is signed. We will ask you to verify your identity including one form of photo identification plus a utility bill and a bank statement. Our data controller, Teresa Lewis, may contact you to verify your details before the request is granted. In line with GDPR your request will be completed within 30 days.