Online/Phone therapy

[caulkheaded]

UKCP gave guidance last week suggesting a move to online therapy. Anyone else doing that currently?

My therapist and I often talk on the phone if one of us is away or when she was on mat leave so it’s not new but obviously isn’t the same as normal!

Adult mental health in our area is going online, my dd won't engage on the phone but I think it is the best thing.

My therapist suggested it earlier. I really struggle on the phone so cant do it and it's really knocked me back tbh. I think it's a good idea but not for everyone. For me it's just caused a lot of anxiety and fear of abandonment.

My counsellor is proposing Skype appointments if necessary, not sure how I'll find it.

Is this because of coronavirus or in general?

I think if I had to do it for a couple of weeks because of social distancing I'd manage and it's better than no therapy, but long term I'd really struggle. When I flashback or panic it often takes her touch to bring me back again and I can't imagine how it'd work remotely.

Yeah for Coronavirus. Not sure what BACP have recommended so depends if you have a counsellor or therapist.

It’s helpful to talk about it beforehand as esp things like eye contact are so different.

Thank you. She's a clinical psychologist I'm seeing through the NHS so no idea what the protocol will be. I'll try and be brave enough to bring it up when I see her this week though I'm a bit scared of the answer!

How do you find therapy on the phone vs in person?

I've already got fairly major abandonment issues so absolutely terrified that there'll be a long period of time I'll have to manage without seeing her. I think I'd welcome knowing I'd speak to her each week even if it was just on the phone.

I regularly meet with my counsellor via an online chat. It's virtual face to face and I've found it to be great, especially after when I'm drained after the session and don't have to face anyone or drive home.

I’m so anxious about this too. I’m having outpatient treatment for anorexia and terrified of the prospect of no appointments for weeks on end. Can’t settle today at all.

@Star8181 You may find that nhs services will still offer you therapy just via phone or Skype. My dd is under the nhs mental health team's she wont engage on the phone' can't cope with it only face to face' soothe team are scheduling appointments and checking on her through me. I'm sure they will not leave you high and dry. There will differences to how you receive the treatment/therapy but I'm sure you will still get it. Please take care of yourself

Thank you @MinkowskisButterfly, I hope you are right, although I will absolutely hate speaking on the phone or Skype but it’s better than nothing. I know there will be lots of people in the same position. Take care.

Just wanted to update this with what I’ve found out @Star8181 - my therapist’s plan for the moment is to continue with face to face appointments, then as and when needed to switch to online video. She’s already explained the software and sent me a link so it’s set up if we need it. Hopefully you’ll have something similar, everything I’ve seen has counted MH professionals as essential workers.

Just in case this reassures anyone - I just had my first phone session with my therapist since she sent an email on Tuesday saying she was switching with immediate effect - and I was DREADING it. And it was actually really good. I hate speaking on the phone, I was convinced it would be really weird, worried that I’d dissociate (our sessions often involve a lot of silence) but actually in a way some things were easier to talk about on the phone - I noticed I was definitely less avoidant. So for those worried (understandably - I had a massive panic attack on receiving the email)... it might surprise you. Hope everybody is coping ok.

Thanks for posting both of you, it really is reassuring. I’ve been told today that we’re moving to phone appointments, I am really anxious about it. I’m so bad when things change. I think I miss actually seeing my therapist too which I know is a bit odd. But needs must I guess.

Bacp has issued guidance for therapists planning to offer Skype/phone sessions. My own feelings at the moment are that it will very much depend upon the client, their preferences and my feelings about the appropriateness in each case. It’s important to have a secure private space where you can speak without being interrupted. It’s not going to be for everyone, of course, but if you don’t feel a break in therapy is a good idea at present, then it’s worth giving it a try.

I had my first online appointment today and just want to say I was very apprehensive but is was fine.