Counselling during coronavirus (COVID-19)
I am continuing to offer counselling during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is currently available face-to face (with risk assessment measures in place), online and by telephone.
Suitability for face-to-face counselling appointments
Face-to-face counselling appointments will only be able to take place if you’re not in a ‘high risk’ category. The NHS defines those at high risk as being people who:
If you’re at ‘high risk’ of contracting COVID-19, or living with someone who is, counselling will only be able to take place online or by telephone. Contact me to find out more.
Face-to-face counselling may also be unsuitable if you’re in a ‘moderate risk’ category. The NHS defines those at moderate risk as being people who:
If you’re at ‘moderate risk’ of contracting COVID-19, or living with someone who is, it may be more suitable to have online or telephone counselling. Get in touch to chat about finding the most suitable arrangement for you.
- Have had an organ transplant
- Are having chemotherapy or antibody treatment for cancer, including immunotherapy
- Are having an intense course of radiotherapy (radical radiotherapy) for lung cancer
- Are having targeted cancer treatments that can affect the immune system (such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors)
- Have blood or bone marrow cancer (such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma)
- Have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant in the past 6 months, or are still taking immunosuppressant medicine
- Have been told by a doctor they have a severe lung condition (such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma or severe COPD)
- Have a condition that means they have a very high risk of getting infections (such as SCID or sickle cell)
- Are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections (such as high doses of steroids or immunosuppressant medicine)
- Have a serious heart condition and are pregnant
If you’re at ‘high risk’ of contracting COVID-19, or living with someone who is, counselling will only be able to take place online or by telephone. Contact me to find out more.
Face-to-face counselling may also be unsuitable if you’re in a ‘moderate risk’ category. The NHS defines those at moderate risk as being people who:
- Are 70 or older
- Have a lung condition that’s not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis)
- Have heart disease (such as heart failure)
- Have diabetes
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Have liver disease (such as hepatitis)
- Have a condition affecting the brain or nerves (such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy)
- Have a condition that means they have a high risk of getting infections
- Are taking medicine that can affect the immune system (such as low doses of steroids)
- Are very obese (a BMI of 40 or above)
- Are pregnant
If you’re at ‘moderate risk’ of contracting COVID-19, or living with someone who is, it may be more suitable to have online or telephone counselling. Get in touch to chat about finding the most suitable arrangement for you.
Safety measures for face-to-face counselling
To keep us both safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I’ve risk assessed my practice and put a range of safety measures in place. These include:
You’ll also need to wear a face covering when you come for your appointment, unless you’re exempt. You can find more details about what face coverings are, and who is exempt from wearing them, on the government website.
More detailed coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for face-to-face sessions will be provided when you book your appointment.
I will text you 24 hours in advance of your appointment with a risk assessment questionnaire, and ask you the same questionnaire again when you arrive at the clinic for your counselling session.
In addition, when making your way to and from the clinic for your appointment, I ask that you follow the government safer travel guidance, to help reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission.
Anyone who is required to self-isolate while having face-to-face appointments will be able to have online or telephone counselling as an alternative, where suitable.
- Additional cleaning and sanitising
- Socially distanced seating
- Room ventilation
- Available hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities
- All contracts and paperwork sent electronically
- Payment taken by bank transfer only
You’ll also need to wear a face covering when you come for your appointment, unless you’re exempt. You can find more details about what face coverings are, and who is exempt from wearing them, on the government website.
More detailed coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for face-to-face sessions will be provided when you book your appointment.
I will text you 24 hours in advance of your appointment with a risk assessment questionnaire, and ask you the same questionnaire again when you arrive at the clinic for your counselling session.
In addition, when making your way to and from the clinic for your appointment, I ask that you follow the government safer travel guidance, to help reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission.
Anyone who is required to self-isolate while having face-to-face appointments will be able to have online or telephone counselling as an alternative, where suitable.
Online and telephone counselling
If face-to-face counselling is unsuitable for you at this time, if you’re required to self-isolate, or if you’d prefer not to have in-person appointments, I’m able to offer online or telephone counselling.
Online counselling sessions will take place using a platform called Zoom. You can access Zoom using a phone, tablet, or a computer with a webcam. I’ll send you an information sheet on how to use Zoom ahead of your appointment.
If you’re having online or telephone counselling, it’s important you’re able find a safe, confidential space for your session, where you won’t be overheard or interrupted. You must also be based in the United Kingdom – I’m unable to work with anyone who isn’t living in the UK.
If you’d like to find out about the issues I can support you with, take a look at my how I work page. Or to make an appointment for face-to-face, online or telephone counselling, get in touch.
Online counselling sessions will take place using a platform called Zoom. You can access Zoom using a phone, tablet, or a computer with a webcam. I’ll send you an information sheet on how to use Zoom ahead of your appointment.
If you’re having online or telephone counselling, it’s important you’re able find a safe, confidential space for your session, where you won’t be overheard or interrupted. You must also be based in the United Kingdom – I’m unable to work with anyone who isn’t living in the UK.
If you’d like to find out about the issues I can support you with, take a look at my how I work page. Or to make an appointment for face-to-face, online or telephone counselling, get in touch.