How Teleconference Counselling can help in the Coronavirus situation

Teleconference sessions are a convenient, effective alternative to face-to-face therapy and are suitable for individuals, couples and families. They are also a good option in the current Coronavirus climate where our ability to move around in the community is reduced. But what actually happens when you book a Telehealth session with Sydney Couple and Family Specialists? 

How it works:

• A Telehealth session 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. 
• Just like our face-to-face appointments, teleconference sessions run for one hour and are charged at our standard rate.
• For teleconference sessions, we use the Telehealth platform. This is a secure platform that meets our high ethical guidelines. It allows you to see and hear your Therapist, and your partner/family members.
• At your appointment time, we send you a link to the “virtual counselling room” and you simply click on that link.
• We pay for the Telehealth platform, there is no additional cost to you.
• For families with people is different locations, teleconferencing allows us to see and hear multiple people at one time. Your partner may be at work, you may be at home and another person might be interstate. 
• If the connection drops out during a session, we will send you a new link. Or we will call you on your mobile and continue the session by phone.
• Payments are made by direct debit. New clients are emailed registration forms prior to the first session, to be completed and sent back.
• You are still able to have a 15-minute free phone consultation before signing up to online counselling. We understand you may wish to check out the Therapist first and make sure they are the right fit for you and your situation.

Is it for me?

• At Sydney Couple and Family Specialists we already do a lot of counselling sessions via phone or teleconference, and clients find them easy and productive. 
• If you are worried about the technology, don’t. Our Therapists are skilled at using the online platforms and will guide you through.
• Teleconference counselling is just as effective as face-to-face counselling especially when it comes to couples counselling and family 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 subjects without the intensity of being in the room with the Therapist. While others just like the comfort of being in their own space for counselling.
• The structure of the sessions is exactly the same as face-to-face sessions and the interventions are the same.
• Sessions are strictly confidential and our Therapists are very experienced at handling real-world relationship issues.
• Our online counselling style is direct, fast paced and designed to get results.

If you need help in your relationships, don’t sit at home waiting for the situation with the Coronavirus to change. Get help today with Sydney Couple and Family Specialists and call us on 02 8968 9397 to book your free 15-minute phone consultation.

About Jacqueline

Jacqueline has been in private practice for more than two decades, helping individuals, couples and families.  She has extensive experience in couple and family therapy and is considered a specialist in these areas. In her clinical practice, she has helped people deal with complex trauma, affairs, complex mental health issues, eating disorders, adolescent behavioural problems (including self-harm and suicidal ideation), behavioural issues in young children which are impacting parents and families, relationship issues and post-separation work.

Jacqueline works with many different dynamics: couples, parents, families with young children, same-sex couples, foster/adopted families, families with teenagers and also adult families.  She is particularly interested in helping parents of children with behavioural issues, or with diagnosed conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, ASD and so on.

Although Jacqueline’s work is supportive and friendly, she will challenge her couples and families to make the necessary behavioural changes, to repair relationships and to move towards healthier communication styles in the future.

Jacqueline’s style is direct and fast paced and she is known for quickly getting to the heart of the matter.  Clients report that they feel safe and understood with Jacqueline.

Qualifications and Professional Membership

Jacqueline has a Masters in Couple and Family Therapy (UNSW). She has a Bachelor degree in Counselling and Human Change, and a Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling.

Jacqueline is a Clinical Supervisor for Counsellors and Therapists. She lectures in couple and family therapy at Masters and Post Graduate level, and is currently Head Lecturer for the Couple and Family Therapy course (Masters) at the Jansen Newman Institute.  She has been a Lecturer at the University of Western Sydney and Sydney University, and continues to guest lecture at other tertiary institutions.

Jacqueline is also the Director of the Couple and Family Training Centre where she runs regular professional development workshops and seminars for Therapists, Counsellors, Psychologists, Social Workers and Health Industry Workers who are looking to gain skills in this specialist area.

She is a Clinical Member of the Family Therapy Association of Australia and a Clinical Member of PACFA.

“Thank you for seeing me today. Your help with all our family issues and all your advice has been invaluable.
I don’t know how other families do it, without a Jacqueline in their lives.” – Anna (43) step-mum and mum to four children.

If you feel as though you could benefit from talking with a Therapist please contact  The Sydney Couple and Family Specialists on 02 8968 9397 or email info@sydneycoupleandfamily.com.