Online therapy and counselling
Online therapy gives you a safe, confidential space to talk from the comfort of your own home or wherever you are. At The Clearing, all of our experienced therapists offer remote therapy options both online or over the phone.
Online therapy is at the heart of how The Clearing works. We work with clients across the UK - providing thoughtful, supportive therapy, shaped to you without the need to travel.
Some people choose online therapy because it feels more flexible. Others find it easier to speak from familiar surroundings. What matters most is finding a therapist and a format that fit with you.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy works in exactly the same way as in person therapy.
All you'll need is an appropriate device and a good enough internet connection.
You'll meet your therapist via a secure video calling platform and start your healing journey from there.
Why choose online therapy?
Flexible support
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, study, parenting, caring responsibilities or daily life.
Therapy from your own space
Some people feel more comfortable talking from familiar surroundings, where they can settle before and after a session.
More choice of therapist
Online therapy gives you more options when looking for a therapist whose experience and approach feel right for you.
Is online therapy right for me?
Online therapy can be a good option if you want flexible support, prefer not to travel, or feel more comfortable speaking from your own space.
It may suit you if:
- you want therapy from home
- travelling feels difficult, tiring or stressful
- you live outside the local area
- you need to fit sessions around other responsibilities
- you feel comfortable speaking by video call
- you want access to a wider choice of therapists
Online therapy may not feel right for everyone. You may prefer in-person therapy if you do not have a private space at home, find video calls difficult, or feel more grounded being in the same room as your therapist.
How online therapy works
Step 1
Choose a therapist
Browse therapist profiles and choose someone whose approach, experience and availability feel like a good fit.
Step 2
Book your first session
Once you have chosen a therapist, you can view their availability and book through their individual profile.
Step 3
Join from a private space
Your therapist will confirm the details of your online session. You can join from wherever you feel comfortable.
Step 4
Take things from there
Your first session is a chance to talk, ask questions and determine the best way forward.
What do I need for online therapy?
Starting online therapy is simple.
All you'll need is:
- a private, quiet space where you feel able to speak openly
- a decent internet connection
- a phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- a little time before and after your session to settle in
- headphones, if they help you feel more comfortable
Your therapist will send you the meeting link and let you know what to expect before you begin.
FAQs
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Online therapy can offer meaningful support for many people. The relationship you build with your therapist matters most, whether sessions happen online or in person.
Some clients find online therapy more accessible and easier to fit into daily life. Others prefer being in the same room. The right choice depends on what helps you feel most comfortable and able to engage.
Is online therapy confidential?
Yes. Online therapy is still a confidential therapy space. You will just need a private place where you feel able to speak freely.
Do I need to know what to talk about?
No. You do not need to arrive with everything planned. Your therapist will help you to begin with and the conversation will flow from there.
Can I have online therapy if I live outside the North East?
Yes. Online therapy allows our therapists at The Clearing to support clients across the UK.
What if I feel nervous about online therapy?
That is completely normal. Your therapist will do what they can to put you at ease and the first session is a chance to get a feel for the process, ask questions and see whether online therapy feels right for you.
Can couples have online therapy?
Yes. Some of our therapists offer online couples therapy. You can use the filters on our therapist profiles page to find a therapist or get in touch if you are unsure.
What if online therapy does not feel right for me?
That's OK. Some of our therapists offer in person therapy at locations across the North East. You can explore our in-person options before booking, or get in touch to arrange.
Therapists offering online therapy
Our friendly therapists are all qualified, registered with professional bodies and very experienced
Annette
BACP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Jade
BACP Registered Psychotherapist
Dr Rhian
Chartered Counselling Psychologist | Founder of The Clearing
Elizabeth
Senior Accredited Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Joanne
BACP Registered Counsellor & Clinical Supervisor
Sharon
UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist
We are here for you
Whether you know what you need or are still figuring things out, we’ll take things at your pace. To help you decide whether it’s right for you, we offer 50% off your first session, giving you a gentle, low-pressure way to begin your journey toward feeling better.