Clients who come along to the one-to-one sessions are required to date and sign a counselling contract. However, for clients who are having online or telephone counselling, please refer to the counselling guidelines below.
 
There may be a reason why it could be difficult for you to travel to the counselling sessions.
 
I am happy to conduct sessions online via video conferencing; indeed, some clients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and/or additional related disabilities or difficulties may prefer this environment. Furthermore, online counselling overcomes barriers that may preclude others from seeking therapy. For example, individuals residing in rural or remote areas where there are no counselling services can benefit from the accessibility of online counselling. Also, individuals who are unable to leave their home for various reasons, for example, people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional psychotherapy settings.
 
The advantages of Online Counselling and Telephone Counselling are that the counselling sessions can be done in a comfortable, familiar environment of your choice and at flexible times. Online counselling may be able to help with a wide range of issues; however, not all types of issues can be resolved through online counselling. Face-to-face counselling can be arranged. Home visits can also be arranged; additional travel expenses will be added to the agreed fees. 
 
If you are considering having counselling sessions online or by phone, there are some online or phone requirements to consider to enable the counselling sessions to go ahead successfully.
 
Both Skype and VSee can be used for video and audio. If you are considering having counselling sessions via Skype or VSee, you will need to have a Skype or VSee account that you will be able to download for free. You can find me under the Skype name of Leslie Stanberry Counselling Services. Alternatively, if you would like to use VSee, I can also be found under the VSee name of Leslie Stanberry Counselling Services. Video or audio counselling can also take place using apps such as WhatsApp and Viber, which are both free to download and can be used over an internet connection, or via FaceTime if you have an iOS device.
 
It is important to ensure that you have the necessary requirements in place from your network provider to enable you to have an online counselling session.
 
Telephone counselling: if using a landline, make sure your call is made from a clear, uninterrupted line. Please ensure to contact your local engineer if there is a problem prior to the counselling sessions starting. If using a mobile device, make sure from your mobile provider that you have sufficient network coverage.
 
Should either of us experience a technology failure (e.g., computer or internet breakdown), we agree to send a text message to the other person’s mobile phone to let them know and to rearrange the appointment if necessary.
 
Payment must be made before our counselling session can begin. I can send details of this separately. After our first session, a weekly time can be booked for our video or audio call; please note that I cannot speak to you outside these agreed times. If you miss your time slot without giving 24 hours’notice, then you will be charged for the full session; the only exception will be if a technical failure has prevented the appointment from happening, and I have been advised of this.