Compassionate Care Online

Providing remote support for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and addictions for those having neurodivergent needs with understanding and respect.

Why online?

There are many advantages and disadvantages of remote psychological treatment. Human nature needs personal contact: being with someone in the same room, just at arm's length, to hear someone`s voice directly, not through a speaker or earphone, and to be able to read the whole body language, the slight movements of the posture, the play of the hands and legs, to see the tiny changes of the facial muscles. But since COVID, everyone has become more cautious, and the recent flu epidemic in England reminds us that we cannot let our guard down.

Also, attending your sessions online may be much more comfortable, as you do not have to commute. Even if you do not mind driving to my office, saying that two hours are perfect to get prepared for the session and wind down after, if you have to spend that time in massive traffic, you won't win. Moreover, I often advise against driving immediately after the session, as upsetting material that comes up during the session may prevent you from driving safely.

Some people find it challenging to attend online because, although they have a device (a laptop, desktop, or tablet is preferable), they are not alone at home and are concerned that their partner or child(ren) may overhear them. I think setting up boundaries starts here: asking your loved one(s) to leave you alone upstairs or downstairs for an hour if you cannot find a time slot when you are absolutely on your own at home. If you still have concerns, you can use the old trick used at GP surgeries and treatment centres: a white-noise tool or just switching on some smooth music in the corridor. But family members are very compassionate with each other, and they often use earphones even in the other room to avoid overhearing anything.

If you attend online, I would suggest using a laptop/desktop or tablet. We often use our phones automatically, but there is a problem with the screen size. I usually share my screen during the session to show charts or templates, but if the screen is too small, you may miss some details. When I use bilateral stimulation during an EMDR session, the screen size is an obstacle, but it can be overcome with earphones.

In addition to the screen size, it is also helpful to pay attention to other small details during your online session. Please wear clothes you would wear to an appointment. Although you are still at home, you are speaking to a stranger whom I suppose you do not want to embarrass by being half-naked.

Please do not smoke and do not be impacted by alcohol or drug(s).

You do not have to be at home when you attend online; it can be your workplace, or any place where you cannot be disturbed. Please ensure the environment is quiet and that no one can overhear you. Some people think it is okay to answer the call while walking on the street or sitting in a large hall at the university, but the noise will prevent you from concentrating and me from hearing you. If you are at your workplace or university, please book a room for that time slot (at universities, you can usually do so around the library).