Video sessions are similar to video calls you may have had with friends or family over zoom, whats app, skype or facetime. It means that you and your therapist will be able to see and hear each other for the session over a video platform. Having therapy over video call is just like coming in to have your therapy session in “real time”.
You and your therapist will log-in to a secure web-based programme at the same time and be able to interact ‘live’ for the duration of your session. Sessions follow the same format as when you meet face to face.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are only able to offer a limited number of face to face appointments. We are aware that the risk of infection in healthcare settings can be higher, and we want to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Therefore, in order to continue to provide high quality care we have introduced video sessions, as this is the closest thing to ‘face to face’ that is currently available.
There is research to show that healthcare appointments and psychological therapy can effectively be delivered via video, and many therapists have been offering this for a number of years already. There are also a number of additional benefits to video sessions which we’ve highlighted below.
No. You can discuss alternative methods with your therapist. However we would encourage you to give video sessions a try. It is nice to be able to see your therapist and we find it helpful to see your face too! We can also share helpful videos, pictures and other therapy resources with you over video.
We are currently trialling a number of secure NHS-approved platforms to find the best one. Your therapist will discuss which video call software you will be using and send you instructions for how to access it.
There are some useful resources and websites below, which provide some simple and effective information and free courses for you to learn digital skills to help stay safe and connected.
Your therapist can also support you with using the different features available on video platforms.
Please contact your clinician if you require the services of an interpreter.
You don’t use any data while waiting for a clinician to join you on the video platforms. The video platforms use a similar amount of data to Skype® or FaceTime®. To improve connectivity, WiFi is recommended where possible.
Remember that you do not have your regular journey to and from one of the iCope sites, so it is important to prepare yourself before and make time to
digest the session afterwards.
Please see this helpful guide which offers some tips on how to prepare for a video session. Below is a summary from the guide:
Below are some quotes from patients who have had video sessions with iCope:
“I think the use of video appointments made life so much easier for me and helped me access help at a stressful time in my life without making things harder for me”
“It was easy to use. Under this pandemic situation, I could get help much easier with Video call service. Thank you for your help and support”
“In some ways it has been easier to have therapy online rather than travel to therapy as you aren’t contending with lots of other factors such as travel etc”
“I have enjoyed the digital video interactions”
A recent survey on video sessions was conducted. Below are some of the key findings:
Below are some common issues that can come up and some potential solutions. Your therapist will support you if there are issues during the video session, and always have the option of contacting you via telephone to consider alternative options if there are persistent problems.
In the first instance, please get in touch with your therapist, who will be able to reassure you on all aspects of your video consultation.