Coronavirus and Counselling: Kylie Lepri Practice Notice
Many people (including myself) are understandably concerned about coronavirus and how this will impact the health of our communities and our ability to go about our everyday lives as we know it. The situation is rapidly changing as is the fears and anxieties surrounding these uncertain times.
Based on the advice from officials to keep our physical distance, you may be wondering what this means for my counselling services. I have made the decision to move all individual and couple counselling appointments to either online video conferencing ( Zoom) and /or telephone sessions from Monday the 23rd of March 2020.
During these challenging times, my goal is to continue to provide individuals and couples counselling and support as needed Australia wide to minimise the risk of transmission.
I appreciate your understanding as I initiate changes in my practice to prioritise the health and wellbeing of all my clients.
Online Video Counselling appointments
Telehealth, which includes online counselling and telephone counselling, is a convenient, effective alternative to in-person counselling sessions. It is good option especially given the current climate where our daily movements are being reduced.
I use Zoom for online meetings. If you’re unfamiliar with Zoom, it’s a secure online video conferencing platform that’s very easy to join and use.
If you would prefer not to meet on Zoom, I also offer telephone counselling.
Some important points:
- Online counselling allows you to participate in sessions without coming into the practice. All you need is access to the internet and a device. We can also conduct sessions by phone.
- Appointments are available Australia wide.
- Just like our face-to-face appointments, online sessions run for one hour and charged at our standard fee.
- At your appointment time, I will send you a link to the “virtual counselling room” via email and you simply click on that link.
- You will only need to pre-download the Free Zoom app if you are using an iPad or iPhone and then follow the prompts once you click on my link.
- Otherwise, for computer and laptop users, the software will automatically download when you click on my link. There will be a few dialogue boxes that will pop up, just follow the prompts and click ok.
- Please note – you will need to turn on the camera which is located on the bottom left of the meeting screen once it opens.
- There is no additional cost to you for using an online platform.
- Payments are made by credit card at the time of appointment unless prior arrangements are made.
- New clients will be emailed the practice and confidentiality information forms prior to the first sessions, to be completed and sent back.
Concerns about using online video conferencing
- I already provide a lot of counselling sessions via phone and video conference, and clients find them easy and productive.
- Try not to be worried about technology, as I will guide you through step by step.
- Over 30 years of research has demonstrated online counselling is just as effective as face-to-face counselling especially when it comes to couples counselling. The “virtual counselling room” is a private space for you to work on your relationships.
- In fact, some find it easier to talk about difficult topics without the intensity of being in the room with the therapist. Others just like the comfort of being in their own space for counselling.
Is online therapy safe and secure?
Yes! We use Zoom, which is a safe and secure video conferencing platform that encrypts the video between the users. Your counselling session is 100% confidential and cannot be seen or accessed by anyone other than the therapist and the clients in the meeting.
Health and Safety Resources for COVID-19
A collection of resources for the general public and industry about coronavirus : resources from the Australian government.
FACE COVID – How To Respond Effectively To The Corona Crisis
In this brief animation, Dr Russ Harris, author of the international best-seller The Happiness Trap, illustrates how to use ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to deal with the Corona crisis and the fear, anxiety and worry that goes with it.
I will keep you up to date with any further changes or developments.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the current situation or if you require any appointment changes.
If you’re considering counselling, feel free to contact me for a FREE 15-minute video chat or phone call to discuss your situation and find out how I can help. Call now on 0404 032636 or book your free phone call online.
You can also read more about the FAQ’s on online therapy here.
Do you need Counselling Support?
If you need counselling support, contact Kylie Lepri for a FREE 15-minute phone call to discuss your situation and find out how she can help. Call us now on 0404 032636 or book your free phone call online.
Kylie Lepri is a registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Marriage/Relationship Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Training Consultant. Since 2003 she has helped individuals and couples work through life stressors, develop new goals and create better relationships. Get Kylie’s FREE ebook: 5 Proven Strategies to help manage stress today, by joining her newsletter below.