Welcome to this blog on Online Therapy Spaces.
If there is one thing COVID lockdowns have taught us, it is that physical distancing does not have to mean being completely cut-off from one another. Meeting platforms such as Zoom have skyrocketed in popularity, allowing people to host everything from birthday parties, business meetings, streamed wedding ceremonies and, yes, online therapy!
Counselling and psychotherapy have traditionally been conducted in-person, with both client and therapist physically in the same room. Advances in technology in recent years have led some therapists to begin using online mediums such as phone, video and even email to interact with clients. With the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the shift towards online therapy spaces has increased exponentially, and in many situations it has become the only way to continue meeting with clients at all.
The question is: is online therapy as effective as therapy where both client and therapist are in the same room, physically? There is a growing body of research suggesting that online therapy is equally as effective as traditional in-person sessions, particularly if it increases accessibility to the therapist and continuation of sessions. It is important, however, to access online therapy for the right reasons, not simply because it is easy or accessible.
Some of the most important factors in effective therapy are easily transferable to online therapy. The therapeutic relationship is not dependent on physical presence but on an emotional connection and therapeutic alliance. Therapeutic presence means having the whole self in the encounter and being completely in the moment physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually, which can be done effectively online, even though the two physical bodies are in different geographical locations. Research by Kocsis and Yellowlees (2017) even suggests that online therapy “may foster therapeutic intimacy in ways that in-person psychotherapy cannot.” The ‘core conditions’ of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence do not require the counsellor and client to be in the same physical location.
Advantages of online therapy include:
- Increased accessibility for people with physical, socioeconomic or mental health barriers
- Ability to reach a wider geographical area
- Reduced travel and room rental costs
- Bringing the therapy experience into the client’s home, virtually, can enhance the integration of therapy into their ‘normal life’
- Clients can continue to engage in therapy if travelling or mildly unwell
Disadvantages to consider are:
- Privacy and confidentiality for both therapist and client
- Managing interruptions when working from home
- Managing risk if a client is alone during the session
- The cost of technological equipment and software
A webcam only shows a small portion of an online counselling space, so the therapists in this post are inviting you into their counselling rooms beyond the screen, sharing with you some of the heart and soul of the physical place in which they sit when meeting with clients online. Would you like to Zoom inside 19 online therapy spaces and take a look?
Zoom Inside 19 Online Therapy Spaces
Alicia Johnson
Licensed marriage and family therapist in Oklahoma and a virtual private practice in Stillwater that serves all of Oklahoma.
I graduated from Oklahoma State University’s graduate program and have worked at several non-profits in the Stillwater area before starting my own business. I work with teens and adults on trauma, anxiety, and burnout, and also enjoy working with couples and families.
I have had a home office for my online clients since Covid-19 started. My goal was to create a space that was separate from my living space, in which I could feel calm and relaxed during stressful days.
When decorating my office, I wanted the style to have elements of nature to remind me of places that bring me comfort. I also mixed aspects of work, which I love, and trinkets family and friends gave me to remind me of the support I have. For example, the cat doing yoga is from my aunt, the hat it is wearing is from my uncle, and my partner made the giant Minnesota yarn art. Many of my baskets hold therapy tools to facilitate activities with clients and many of the books shown are about things I’m passionate about and can look at if I need refreshers.
My extra motivation is a Leslie Knope book from Parks and Rec and a sign reminding me why I work hard: my cat! (Only partly kidding.)
My clients have told me they feel a sense of calmness when looking at the decor, even virtually! It’s also nice that clients get to see appropriate parts of my personality that we can connect on while building rapport. This space allows me to work my best when at work but then gets tucked away when I’m done for the day.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Amanda Grogan
Counsellor, in person on the Gold Coast and online Australia-wide.
I work in an online space with people who have chronic pain or chronic illnesses. My lived experience with endometriosis fuelled my passion to help people with their experiences, grief, pain/symptom management and transitions.
I’ve tried to create my space as a reflection of the things I value: knowledge in the form of books, and artwork which can educate and inspire. I have kept the colours close to my branding colours, to help create continuity. I’ve selected items that are readable online as that is where my current practice is based but would also translate well if I ever get a physical space. The space also works really well for my other niche which is sex and intimacy counselling for non-monogamous, kink and fetish clients!
Something special in my online space is my artwork, which you can see in the images below. I have two prints from Duvet Days: endometriosis as well as the full model of the clitoris. I have followed this artist for some time as she brings awareness to many pelvic and reproductive conditions through her medically accurate and beautifully drawn art. I also have this tiny print from Broken Isn’t Bad. I have many of their unique and beautiful pieces in my home, but this particular one really fits my clients as I so often see women with endometriosis, pelvic pain or sexuality concerns.
Many clients have not had positive experiences with medical professionals in relation to their chronic pain and illness – so for them to be able to see representations of themselves in the books I display and artwork I champion is incredibly healing. Artwork can help with our narratives about ourselves and the world, it allows us to feel connected to a bigger community and to reflect on the feelings we have when viewing it.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Andrea (Andi) Szasz
Master of Science degree in Medicine (Psychotherapy), Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Bachelor of Counselling.
I am a clinical psychotherapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner® in private practice in Sydney, Australia, specialising in the treatment of trauma. My work is grounded in the Conversational Model of psychodynamic psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing® and is informed by attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology.
I am a reliable coder of the Adult Attachment Interview and am currently working on my PhD at the Brain and Mind Centre, collaborating in a research project with the Westmead Psychotherapy program. My passion is integrating my academic knowledge with the deeply known wisdom of the body, and my own experiences as a practicing psychotherapist over the last ten++ years.
In 2020, like many others, I spent most of my time in front of my computer in my home office.
By the end of the day, the space felt restrictive and dark, so I painted and refurbished my room to bring in more hope and light. The wall behind me was an important space, since that is what my clients can see. I put bright, meaningful (for me) art on the wall, and little tools on the shelves that I can reach for easily.
I feel calm, inspired and creative when I am in this room and hopefully that ripples through to my clients too.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Ariel Landrum
MA. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Art Therapist.
I have been working online as a virtual therapist since 2016. I’m the founder and Clinical Director of Guidance Teletherapy, an online Therapist Coop, which assists clinicians in developing their private practice skills, specifically in providing treatment online. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Art Therapist currently practicing out of Reseda, California. I’m licensed in California, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Kansas, and Florida. I work with clients as young as 8 years old and specialize in helping military members and their families, the 2SLGBTQIA community, and survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
When I originally made the transition from in-person to online-only, I knew this was my opportunity to customize my space to my tastes and needs, in ways my previous jobs couldn’t. As a self-identified “geek therapist,” my goal is to use client’s passions and fandoms to help them heal from trauma and achieve mental wellness. Given my work-from-home space, it is pretty evident that I am a geeky gal. My clients find comfort with me when they can see Pokemon or Marvel prominently displayed behind me. In fact, throughout my room are geeky items. I collect a variety of pins that I get at Disneyland, comic book conventions, and food conventions which are properly displayed on Canvas Banners. I also cohost a podcast that discusses how I use Disney mediums for mental wellness.
As part of my personal fandom and empowerment, I have a Wonder Woman corner, which is my personal safe-corner in the room. On days where I might feel imposter syndrome, I roll my chair to that corner and think of the times Wonder Woman questioned herself and what she did to reclaim her power.
When it comes to personalization, I am fortunate and privileged enough to have my own room in my home as my dedicated office. This allowed me to create a space that I didn’t dread going to. Along with surrounding myself with my geeky passions, I made sure to insert random pops of purple throughout the room. Purple is my favorite color. It can be found as the logo color for my organization. Within my home office, it is featured as the backdrop color on my back wall, random small knick-nacks, and is even the color of my favorite velvet reading chair that my assistance Hanah uses during sessions. I found it was important to make working at home feel inviting, supporting, and relaxing. My clients can feel that energy when we are in session together, which makes it easier for us to explore their traumas. When I model the importance of self-care and inner peace to my clients, I find they are willing to do the same.
Though working from home as a clinician may not be for everyone, for me, it has always felt right. Having the ability to customize my workspace, customize my schedule, and accommodate all parts of myself, has allowed me to live life more holistically. I hope seeing the thoughtfulness of my home office will inspire other clinicians to do the same. If you would like to see how I created my space, you can read my blog: Creating a Self Affirming Office Space at Home.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Cait Wotherspoon
Psychotherapist specialising in grief and loss, online and in Penrith, NSW, Australia.
Life has changed since March 2020.
My practice is in Penrith, NSW. However since we’ve had lockdowns, most of my clients are via Zoom sessions now. I didn’t think I’d get the same connections, but it works really well.
I see clients who have had a loved one die or who have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness, depression, anxiety and so much more.
Kahlua and Ruby Rose wanted to sit in on the Zoom sessions too. Ruby Rose usually makes an appearance, over the top of the computer and Kahlua sits on the lounge chair behind me, eventually. He generally starts every session sitting on my lap, waiting in anticipation for his face to appear on the screen. My clients love it.
Kahlua helps them with their stress and anxiety by showing unconditional love and genuine care. When he sees someone sobbing, he sits up in the chair and looks over my shoulder with curiosity. He genuinely mirrors them, they often comment on his concerned look. This opens them to talking about their own emotions because they feel safe with him. He’s very supportive during sessions.
I am currently writing my first book, Rediscover Joy, which will be available in November. If you would like to be notified, you can sign up to my mailing list.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Carolyn Pickin
Counsellor and psychotherapist based in Stoke on Trent, UK.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist who works with adults from 18 upwards, who experience anxiety, depression, stress, loss with regards to a bereavement, loss of relationship, loss of job, low self-confidence and/or self-esteem, life-limiting/terminal illness/condition, domestic abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
The style of my online therapy space is an Industrial theme with calming colours, professional with an individual touch and feel. I try to create a vibe that is light and airy, with relaxing plants and quirky toys for clients to use when face to face.
Something special in my online space is my pineapple cushion, which is a throwback to university days when the group I was with used the word ‘pineapple’ when we were not comfortable to speak. This cushion reminds me of my student peers and the special bond we shared during our training.
Clients love that my space is comfortable, relaxed and homely, but also modern. There is a sense of space, quiet and calm in the room, yet with different elements such as my worry monster, who eats all worries!
You can connect with me on Facebook.
Deann Acton
LMFT, ATR-BC (Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist) based in Austin, Texas (although I have licenses and can practice in California and Florida as well).
I am a licensed marriage family therapist and a board certified art therapist living in Austin, Texas. I received a BFA in Studio Art in 1991, and I am still very much active as an artist showing every year at our open studio tour and selling art online.
My clients seek me out because of my experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Art Therapy. I specialize in gifted, creative, sensitive folks of all ages. My youngest client is seven and my oldest client is nearly seventy. I also see couples and families.
There are so many things that I personally love about my virtual space. I love my ergonomic chair that cradles my back and keeps me from hurting myself (and my heating pad that none of my clients can see. lol) On the side table, I keep all kinds of inspiring little items that I love. Items such as my crystals and rocks, my funko pop figures of Medusa and Alexis from Schitt’s Creek, my embroidered artwork, a weird doll, my glass AA chip that a glassblower in New Mexico made for me when he found out I was sober and worked with lots of folks with addiction issues, and lots of strange little cryptid and animal figurines. Sometimes these little items will appear on camera when I am talking about things like mindfulness or sharing a story where they are pertinent but mostly, they serve as items that keep me grounded in my tiny space.
My clients often comment on how beautiful and different my space feels. There is an authenticity about my space, which speaks to how I do therapy.
Outside of the view of my clients is a ton of material that I use for therapy. With children, I will often read stories – so they must all be within arms reach of my therapist chair. I also have a container full of puppets who make appearances with the young children that I work with. I also have art supplies so I can demonstrate art making possibilities and sometimes make art alongside my clients. I have a ton of stitching materials and threads to embroider with many of my teen and adult clients. I talk with my clients about how art making allows for the brain to work differently than it does with verbal therapy, which means that sometimes we can access material that is not always conscious.
Medusa is one of my favorite figures and she is shared regularly with clients who don’t know her story. We talk about her being the symbol of fear – how just looking at her can turn someone to stone, much like fear can paralyze us. I also talk about how when she was killed by Perseus, from her blood emerged her two children: Chrysaor – a warrior with a golden sword – and Pegasus, the white winged horse. I discuss the symbolism of how when we are able to vanquish our own fear, we embody strength and freedom, that which symbolically Chrysaor and Pegasus stand for.
I have actually very much loved being virtual because of the low overhead, being able to wake up later, zero commute, and getting to see my clients in their own spaces…. But I do miss my big huge office with all of the art materials and fun. One day I will go back, but not anytime soon.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Jane Macnaught
Counsellor based in Mona Vale, Sydney, Australia.
I am a Polyvagal-trained, trauma-informed compassionate counsellor working with men and women on the Northern Beaches of Sydney who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and struggling. I am a specialist in anxiety, grief and supporting recovery of survivors of childhood trauma. I also teach Soothing Yoga and run a Trauma Aware Practitioner Support group. Passionate about helping the local community to become trauma aware, I offer training, referrals, and resources.
Tranquillo Place is a spacious counselling room with really comfy chairs, cushions, rugs, weighted blankets, aromatherapy, soft lighting – everything you might need to feel calm and safe. There is also plenty of room for groups, private yoga sessions and as you can see, it is filled with beautiful art and findings from the local environment.
Throughout COVID, I have been working with clients from my online space which is situated inside Tranquillo Place. My window looks out over the village in Mona Vale.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Jo Muirhead
Consultant Rehabilitation Counsellor & Coach, BHlthSc (Rehabilitation Counselling), Author of The Entrepreneurial Clinician and creator of The Book Of Evidence, Founder and CEO of PurpleCo – a team of specialist allied health consultants dedicated to helping people who experience injury, illness and trauma reclaim their lives through work. Sydney-based, offering sessions worldwide.
I am all about connecting people to purpose through inspiration and innovation. I am passionate about the health benefits of work and truly believe that everyone has the right to meaningful and rewarding employment, including health professionals who choose to work in private practice. I am a much sought after international coach, mentor, consultant and speaker on how private practice, when done effectively, will be the change to health care that we are all seeking.
I’ve been working in a hybrid F2F and online format since 2015. My original need to go online was all about accessibility, making my services available to people who need it both in Australia and then all over the world.
I have an office under my home. It was important to me to create a space that was separate from my living space, as I have had poor boundaries in separating work from life in the past. There is no internal access from the main part of the house to my office BY DESIGN. This enables me to close the door physically and emotionally on my day’s work and then walk home.
Like many people who work online, I have a clothing range in my wardrobe now that is for the “bottom half”. I also have a lip gloss very handy for my online work; otherwise I spend a lot of time worrying about how pale I look on the screen.
On the wall behind my desk is a stencil of a tree, which gets a lot of positive comments. The tree is significant to me. I am like the trunk of the tree, I am solid, and I can bend and move with the breezes of life. I can be a place of strength and stability for people who need it. The branches offer shelter and shade for people who need respite and comfort. The branches also symbolise all the different ways I can care for, support, and empower people. The leaves are the people who are impacted by the support and care and the results of the work. The leaves help me to see that I may help 1 person at a time, and then that person can impact many others. I truly believe that when we help 1 person, we impact that person’s family, who then impacts their communities, who then impact our country and in time will impact the world. There are also a couple of birds in flight from the tree, and they symbolise the people who have been sheltered, who recovered to the point where they can move on to the next tree.
Jodie Gale
Grad. Cert. Professional Supervision (Clinical), MA Psychotherapy, Dip. Therapeutic Counselling, BSW.
Blog Author and founder of The Psychosynthesis Centre: Coaching & Courses for Therapists.
I am a psychotherapist in private practice online and in-person on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, the founder of The Soul Centre for women who are seeking to recover from early childhood trauma, disordered eating and the trance of unworthiness. I am also the host of the Soul Sessions with Jodie Gale podcast.
My online space is in my recently built, home office therapy room. Although attached to my house, it has a separate entrance and it now feels like I am going out to work. I spend many hours here writing, podcast interviewing, participating in online training courses and seeing clients in person and via Zoom.
I sort my books according to themes – the books on the shelf next to my desk are for business building and clinical supervision. I also have on my shelves my mug from my VIP goodie bag from when I met Oprah, a Know Yourself painting from the rooftop terrace at a favourite guest house my husband and I stayed at in India, a size diverse statue and other bits and bobs from my travels. The handmade dream catcher I bought from a woman in the Ukraine via Etsy to provide some privacy from the next door neighbours but to still allow the sunshine in. Above my desk is a painting I commissioned by Australian artist, Arna Baartz.
Most clients do a combination of in person and online so I like that consistency of being in the same space. Clients have a view of my bookshelf which is similar to their view if sitting in the room. This is important for building a sense of safety and security.
Because I spent a lot of time in my office, I have made sure that my space is set up with many creature comforts that nourish and nurture the soul. I have books to nourish body, feelings, mind and Soul, Jurlique organic products in the pantry and restroom, many herb teas to choose from, a fruit and snack bowl, pretty tumblers, a chair that supports and holds my body for long periods of time and in the build, I planned meticulously a temperate environment so I have good insulation and soundproofing, double glazed windows and a wonderful heating and cooling system.
You can connect with me in my Facebook group for therapists where I am currently running a 52 week practice building challenge, Opening the Door on Private Practice.
Karen Bieman
Zoom Inside 19 Online Therapy Spaces Blog Author.
Registered Counsellor, AOTT Qualified & Certified Online Practitioner™, Professional Member of Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO). Bachelor of Counselling, Specialist Course in Integrative Couple Therapy. Based in Melbourne, Australia and working online.
I am a grief, loss and relationship counsellor in private practice, specialising in disenfranchised grief, non-death losses, and life transitions. As the founder of Not My Closet, I provide counselling and coaching for heterosexual/cisgender people who have discovered that their partner, or parent, is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Knowing how specialised this work is, I was aware that I would be primarily working online across a broad geographical area, so I undertook extensive training in online therapy to enable me to be well-equipped to hold the emotional space well in a highly technological environment.
I chose this speciality due to my own lived experience, and my awareness of how difficult it can be for people to hold space for the complexities and disenfranchisement of the journey. When a person discovers that they have been living in someone else’s ‘closet’, they typically feel blind-sided, confused, uncertain, and “lost in someone else’s story”, often without much external validation of their challenging situation. I offer a therapeutic space in which they can experience relational safety and connection; a secure base in which they feel seen, heard, and emotionally held, as they make sense of their situation, rediscover themselves, and find hope for the future.
My ‘office in a closet’ symbolises the journey from darkness and secrecy, to vitality and hope. When the doors open up, the light gets in!
The coffee cup on my desk is particularly sentimental – a gift from a dear friend prior to discovering that my husband of 24 years was gay. My marriage is long over but the cup remains, somewhat tattered and worn, a symbol of enduring love and care, even when so much is lost.
As a counterbalance to the technological environment of online counselling, elements from nature create a sense of groundedness: plants depicting life and growth, a water feature for movement and renewal, a candle for light and hope…
I am a book lover! I own a number of books about the experience of mismatched heterosexual/LGBT relationships and the experience of the straight partner, as well as books on trauma and grief, sending a message that I’ve got this, I’ve lived this, and I am equipped to help.
I want my clients to feel comfortable and safe enough to explore their relationship distress, work through their grief and betrayal trauma, and rebuild their sense of Self. Using the medium of online counselling, I can reach people who are going through this experience, wherever they are.
You can connect with me on Facebook.
Laura Clifford-Jones
I am a Counsellor/Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor based in Poole, Dorset, England
Like so many other people, I too have had to deal with life’s ups and downs and took a ‘leap of faith’, which was very hard at the beginning, moving out of my comfort zone and headlong into the Big Wild World of Personal Development and Therapy.
I work in a Pluralistic nature. This means I work on the basis that different individuals are helped in different ways. As a Pluralistic counsellor, I will engage with a client in a collaborative dialogue and shared decision-making to maximise their involvement within their own therapy. I work with all client issues; however, I do have a number of specialisms that interlink; namely, eating disorders, neurodiversity (Autism/ADHD), sexual abuse & trauma, and young people.
My clients have described my therapy office/room in many differing terms, so I use this acronym: QUIRKY (Quirky, Unique, Restful, Kalming (kick-ass), Yoga-riffic (aka reflective). They also describe it as a place where they feel confident to explore and gain a deeper capacity for resilience in their life.
Why do I have what I have in my space? Everything is connected for me. I love my books! I am what you would call a forever learner, and pass this onto the client when it is appropriate. For example, I am very much into understanding how the brain and body connect in times of stress, trauma and elation. I pass this information onto clients through psycho-education, as it helps them understand why they do certain things without wanting or meaning to.
One individual item I love which means so much is the ossified wood. I picked this up when I completed a charity trek across the Sahara Desert. What an awesome experience that was! it reminds me of being able to extend my own comfort zone and how this can support my client work.
I also love nature and things that can be calming and therapeutic, hence my Ganesh Water feature, the plants, and a teddy for clients to cuddle.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn.
Mari A. Lee
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), CSAT-S, CPTT-S, MBATT-S, founder of Growth Counseling Services, The Counselor’s Coach, and author of, “Facing Heartbreak: Steps to Recovery for Partners of Sex Addicts”, and “Healing from Betrayal”, and “The Creative Clinician: Exercises and Activities for Clients and Group Therapy”. Based in Glendora, California & Cambria, California, in the US
I am located and licensed in Southern California, U.S. which is a heck of a big state, larger than some countries! Because of this, extending a telehealth option has been very helpful for clients who are not located near my office or have schedules that are challenging but still want to work with me due to my therapeutic specialization. I am an EMDR and Gottman couples trained therapist, a certified sex addiction therapist, a certified partner betrayal trauma therapist, and a certified mindfulness-based trauma and addiction therapist specializing in betrayal trauma, sexual compulsivity, and porn addiction. For clients who are elderly, or those who are dealing with a health issue, are physically different and/or unable to drive, or for new parents, telehealth has been a supportive and effective alternative to in person therapy.
As a native Californian, I love living in the “golden state” which is known for its friendly people, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful weather, not to mention great fish tacos and guacamole! However, California is also notorious for bumper-to-bumper traffic. During the summer heatwaves, we experience forest and brush fires, along with electrical black outs which can take power out from a few minutes to a few hours. This makes it very uncomfortable for clients if the air conditioning is off at the office, or there are road closures due to fires or gridlock.
When I began providing Telehealth sessions over a decade ago it was still considered out of the ordinary, “Telehealth? What is that? Is that even legal?” After I became certified in Telehealth therapy, I shifted completely to a Telehealth practice 6 years ago, long before Corona Virus (AKA Covid) made its debut on the world stage.
When ‘rona hit the scene in early 2020 and everything shut down here in California, I was very grateful to have an established online practice. I was also honored to support over 400 therapists around the world legally, ethically and calmly transition from in office to telehealth via my business coaching role.
While I still maintain a cozy office in the village near my home for in person workshops and business-related meetings, 95% of my work is online and will remain that way. My clients share that they deeply appreciate the convenience of telehealth sessions, and I love helping hurting people heal within the comfort of their confidential and sacred living spaces.
It is also enjoyable to work from my private outdoor space or my small home office that opens to nature. As you can see, Oliver the kitty also takes pleasure in making an appearance occasionally, which brings joy to my clients who love animals and nature. And…what can I say? Bare feet can’t be beat!
While telehealth may not be the right fit for all clients or therapists, my clients continue to share how much they attach and attune to our work via online sessions, that they feel seen, heard, and supported via telehealth, and most importantly, that they are able to heal, recover and grow as they move toward their clinical goals. The great news is that we now have research that supports the efficacy of telehealth for the doubters and naysayers. I’ve provided a few research links below for those who are interested in this fascinating and evolving research.
You can connect with me on Facebook.
Marlee Greer
AssocDec Holistic Counselling, BCouns & Post Graduate Training in Somatic Psychotherapy. Counsellor and Psychotherapist based online and in the Yarra Valley in Melbourne, and educator specialising in attachment, trauma and holistic approaches to wellbeing.
I work with women who are struggling with disordered eating, substance use and relationship difficulties.
During the COVID 19 lockdown, I began working with clients online. I had been reluctant to do this previously, as I valued being physically in the room with clients but was surprised to find that both myself and my clients enjoyed the accessibility of online sessions and found that we were able to work well together via video chat.
I have attempted to create a fresh and light space so that my clients can see and connect with me properly via webcam. As many of the women I work with have experienced trauma, I support them to reconnect with their bodies and the wisdom that they hold. I monitor what is happening in my own body through the session as this provides me important information about the therapeutic process. My yoga equipment on my bookshelf is an important aspect of my therapy practice as I use simple yin yoga postures to reconnect with myself throughout the day so that I can be more present with each client.
I value connecting with nature, and the plants throughout my space bring me lots of joy! The creek in the image is a 10-minute walk from my house and I try to visit often, as I find that being in nature brings me a sense of mindfulness and connection.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Renata Paczkowska
Counsellor and outdoor therapist based in Worcester, UK
I work with both Polish and English-speaking adults and young people 16+, rape and sexual abuse survivors, trauma and anxiety.
I meditate, I love barefoot walking and being in nature. Sometimes people ask if I’m spiritual. It depends, I guess. Spirituality for me is about the connection between mind, body, heart and spirit. Connection with myself, with others and nature. It’s about the balance between Me-ness- I am a unique individual, and humbleness – there is something more than my own existence. It’s about integrity and being true to myself. Under this definition, I consider myself spiritual!
I use creative and imaginative ways of working, for when there are no words to describe the feelings. I use mindfulness to help regain connection with the body and slow down the racing mind. I feel privileged to hear my clients’ stories and give emphatic support in their journey.
I have turned this small apartment into my workplace, even though it’s my home with limited space. I’m trying to keep it as minimalistic as possible, making it warm with a touch of meaningful items. I use some creative interventions in my work, hence Russian Dolls etc
I like a minimalistic style, with green plants and meaningful objects. I like mandalas, sculptures and plants. I like to stay as close to nature as possible. The vibe is all nature and perhaps a bit shamanism. Something special in my space which I love is the emotions wheel picture on the wall, which I got from a close friend.
Clients love the plants and that the background is not distractive. I feel grounded and calm surrounded by wood, stones, mandalas and my salt lamp.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
Sarah Roberts
Lived experience counsellor, trainer and founder of The Empty Cradle, a service for women transitioning to permanent involuntary childlessness.
I support women who have lost the opportunity for motherhood to grieve the loss and create a life of connection, meaning and joy. I offer online counseling, group programs, workshops, resources and the power of a loving community.
I am passionate about the complexity of the human experience and what it means to live a good life. With over 30 years experience in counseling, teaching and community work, I am completing a Social Work Masters focusing on involuntary childlessness, grief and motherhood loss. This disenfranchised non-death loss can leave women broken-hearted and excluded from the world of children, mothers and families.
The “Lair of the Childless Woman” is a studio office space for online counseling and creative work. It reflects the different way childless people inhabit their domestic spaces. We have a tiny house, yet a large shed for vintage car restoration and this creative studio space. It feels like the engine room for an alternative life and it’s an honour to share it with you.
This studio office space is busy, yet personalized, using creative organizing systems. Every morning I feel the sparkle and embrace of this colourful room of possibilities. The couch in the corner is for restorative naps and friendly visitors.
The painting collection, “Zoe’s ladies,” by the artist Zoe Scroggings reminds me of the diverse and precious stories of the young vibrant women who find themselves at midlife in the dark tunnel of childlessness grief.
When the dream of the intergenerational family has been shattered, there can be regrets, self-criticism, feelings of shame and worthlessness, and social isolation. Our work helps women navigate the grief, own their stories, connect with each other, and embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.
I love welcoming you into the often-invisible domestic spaces and lives of childless women.
You can connect with me on Facebook.
Tamara Howell
Integrative Psychotherapist, PGDip, MSC, Reg. MBACP Accred. Working online in London and Paris.
I am an integrative psychotherapist working exclusively online. I incorporate radical empathy with respectful parenting and a trauma-informed, feminist approach. I host a support community for therapists, offer an eight week experiential programme called Learn to Love Online Therapy and provide lawyer reviewed paperwork to therapists in private practice.
My clients are often people with experience of global displacement either through choice or necessity. They may identify as expatriates, immigrants and adult Cross Cultural Kids, and they come to me for support with adjusting to a new career, community, country, culture, language and relationships. I often support clients in recovery from addictive processes and burnout.
My online spaces are borne from necessity! My main space is in what I like to call “The Pantry”: a cupboard under the stairs next to the kitchen in my flat in London. I’ve kitted it out with tech, trinkets, a photo of my favourite place in the world and upgraded the lighting. I’ve also always got a selection of fidgets, worry stones, bean bags or squidgy playdoh which helps me to feel grounded, connected and focused.
You can connect with me on Facebook.
Toni Jackson
Psychotherapist based in Fremantle, Western Australia and also online with clients from all over the country.
I am a Psychotherapist specialising in working with all genders and sexulaities, around the issues of self-worth, anxiety, trauma and body image.
One day each week, I work from home, seeing clients online. My home office is tucked away upstairs. It’s light and airy and full of plants, books and knick knacks.
My favourite item is the bright yellow, retro, Japanese clock. Working from home means having lots of tea breaks in the garden. Sometimes my cat, Fred, also makes an appearance.
You can connect with me on Instagram.
We hope you enjoyed these online therapy spaces. This is part of my Therapy Spaces Series.
