Online & Remote Working Policy — Carl Argent Counselling and Coaching

1. How we meet online

Online sessions take place by Google Meet or FaceTime, and telephone sessions are also available. For Google Meet, your confirmation email includes a private link for that session. We agree which option suits you before we start. My accounts are password protected and use secure sign-in.

I never record sessions. Please do not record them either, so that what you share stays confidential.

2. A private space for both of us

• My space: I work from a private room where I cannot be overheard or interrupted, and I use headphones where needed so your voice is not audible to anyone else.
• Your space: please join from a private, quiet place where you will not be overheard or disturbed. Please do not take sessions in public places, such as cafés, or while driving. If privacy becomes difficult during a session, we can pause or rearrange.

3. If the connection fails

• If the connection drops, I will try to reconnect straight away.
• If we cannot reconnect within 5 minutes, I will phone you to continue by telephone or to rearrange the session without a cancellation fee.

4. Where you are

• My insurance covers work with clients who are in the UK. If you will be abroad at the time of a session, please tell me beforehand, as I may not be able to work with you while you are in some countries.

5. Safety

Online and telephone sessions are not a crisis service. If you are at immediate risk, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can also call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123. My Emergency & Crisis Intervention Policy explains what I will do if I am concerned for your safety during a session.