This page explains how online and telephone sessions with Marking Therapy run, so that nothing about the practical side is a surprise on the day.
The platform
Online sessions run on Microsoft Teams. The link arrives in the booking confirmation and again in the reminder; nothing needs installing on a computer, and the free Teams app works on a phone or tablet. Telephone sessions are a call from the practice number, +44 191 249 6127, at the booked time. Teams and the booking system are the only tools used; sessions are never held over social media messaging or personal accounts.
Privacy at both ends
The therapist works from a private room with the door closed and no one else present, on a device used only for the practice, with the screen not visible to anyone else. You are asked to do the same as far as you can: a room where you will not be overheard, headphones if that helps, and a few minutes either side of the session to arrive and to leave it. If privacy is not possible where you are on the day, say so at the start and the session can be moved rather than held somewhere unsafe.
Where you are, and who to call
At the first session the therapist asks for the address you will usually be at during sessions and the name and number of someone who could be contacted in an emergency. This is asked because, on a video call, the therapist cannot see the room you are in; if you became unwell or unsafe during a session the therapist would need to know where to send help. The details are held in your record and used only for that purpose. If you are joining from somewhere other than usual, say so at the start.
If the connection fails
If the video drops, the therapist waits two minutes and tries to reconnect; if that does not work, the therapist telephones the number on your booking and the session continues by phone. If neither works, the session is rebooked without charge and the time lost is not counted against you. If you lose the connection, come back to the same link; the therapist stays in the meeting until the booked end time.
Recording
Sessions are never recorded or transcribed by the therapist, and you are asked not to record them either. Brief notes are written afterwards so that the work can carry on from one meeting to the next; they carry no details that would identify you, and they are destroyed once the work has ended. Notes are brief and factual, kept as the privacy notice describes.
What is not suitable online
If you are in crisis, in danger, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the session, the session does not go ahead, and you are given the emergency and urgent routes instead. If you are in immediate danger call 999. For urgent support call Samaritans on 116 123, free at any time, or NHS 111 and choose option 2. Online work is also reviewed with you if, over time, it seems not to be the right format, and an in person alternative is offered where possible.
Where you can be
Online sessions are open to clients in the United Kingdom and to clients living or working abroad, and can be booked directly through this website. If you are outside the United Kingdom, say where you are when you book, so that the emergency information you are given is right for your country. Sessions run to UK time.
Access needs, adjustments and how to ask for them are on the Access and adjustments page.