As we progress in this digital era more and more counselling, therapy and coaching services are now being offered online. Education is shifting towards online platforms, ecommerce grows year on year, and we are now beginning to see shifts in counselling, therapy and life coaching to this way of working together with clients. Technology has advanced to a stage where stable internet connections, software like Skype and FaceTime, and growing internet use means that there’s never been a better time to working online. Mounting evidence suggests that this method is no less effective than face-to-face counselling and life coaching.
Face to face sessions will always remain for those that prefer this way of working together and there is always the option for the client to combine both ways of working during their chosen period of working with me.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of Online Counselling & Life Coaching:
- It offers and extra level of convenience for those with very busy schedules
- It takes away any potential stress and anxiety with the travelling involved to get to and from appointments
- No travel costs involved and no time needs to be taken off work for appointments
- It can be undertaken anywhere a client chooses as long as they have a good internet connection with a camera and microphone. You can use a PC, Laptop, Tablet or Mobile Phone
- If a client feels anxious about attending face to face sessions then the online way of working will ease this and thus the client will feel far more comfortable
- It is no less confidentiality than face to face sessions
- Online Counselling & Life Coaching sessions are priced accordingly to take into consideration the lower cost base of conducting these. (please see my services and fees section for pricing details)
There are two methods of Online offerings for my Counselling & Life Coaching service:
Synchronous: here both my client and I will be connected at the same time and be engaged in a two-way conversation. As such, this is similar to the traditional therapy setting.
Typical Platforms: Skype, FaceTime and instant messenger services that offer video interaction.
Asynchronous: this works via a series of ongoing exchanges. Neither myself or my client have to be at the computer at the same time, rather, I will pick up messages from my client and respond, and they will then do the same, adding a further level of flexibility.
Typical Platforms: Email.
Despite falling under the broad banner of ‘Online Counselling and Life Coaching’ these are vastly different approaches, and thus we shall deal with them separately.
Synchronous: Skype, FaceTime and Online Video Interface Counselling & Life Coaching
When it comes to synchronous services, there are a number of available platforms, but Skype is by far the most commonly used. Facetime is another popular option.
Skype and FaceTime is a free software platform that enables 1-to-1 communication between myself and my clients who have the software installed and have set up accounts. You can download Skype here. FaceTime is available on Apple products which I have in place for this way of interacting.
You will need a webcam and a microphone – most laptops, tablets and mobile phones now come with these as standard.
Benefits of Skype, FaceTime Counselling and Life Coaching
- Once you’ve got to grips with the platform, Skype and FaceTime is simple to operate
- The client can choose and find the right place and time for them for their session
- Mounting evidence suggests this method is no less effective than face-to-face Counselling or Life Coaching
- Skype and FaceTime Counselling and Life Coaching captures many of the nuances of communication
Asynchronous: Email Counselling & Life Coaching
Of the two key approaches to online Counselling and Life Coaching, asynchronous email is probably the more unfamiliar. However, in practice it is quite simple. Clients will send me emails with their concerns, issues and goals, to which I take a considered therapeutic and / or coaching approach and respond as such.
Benefits of email Counselling and Life Coaching
- Clients can more fully relay their thoughts and feelings by writing everything down, thus building a bigger and more detailed picture than they perhaps could in person
- Some clients prefer the enhanced level of anonymity that email gives them
- Clients can unload their feelings whenever they deem appropriate rather than having to wait for their next appointment to come around
- After I respond, which will always be in a timely fashion, my client can access the response whenever they need to
If you have questions or concerns before deciding on using any of the options of Online Services for your Counselling or Life Coaching needs please do send me an email to
enquiries@neil-irish-coaching.co.uk.
For Services & Fees please click here.
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