FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online supervision takes place either via email or in a conference room (chat).

You email your supervisor , telling him/her you problems and he/she will reply within an agreed time. This is known as one exchange. You will continue for as long as has been agreed between you.

Using the ‘chat’ facility the work is in real-time and you can ‘talk’ to your supervisor using a chat facility such as MSN Messenger or AOL’s Instant Messenger. 

How does it differ from face-to-face supervision ?

The obvious difference is that you and your supervisor rely on the written word - text. Neither of you can see or hear each other's body language. Your supervisor may not be able to see you are angry, so you will need to make this clear in your writing.

 What are the advantages of Online supervision ?

• You can access the system when it suits you. There is no need to go out of the house or office. 

• You can take as much time as you want to form your thoughts on to paper (well screen actually).

• For some people it is less stressful than face to face supervision.

• You can stay in touch with your supervisor from anywhere in the world.

• You have a permanent record of all your exchanges

What are the disadvantages of Online supervision?

• You cannot see your supervisor.

• You need 'good enough' keyboard skills.

• You need to feel at ease using the written word.

What should I do if I can’t get online ?

Skyways have an emergency telephone number you can call to let your therapist know if you cannot get online to write emails or attend a chat session.   

What do I do if my supervisor hasn’t replied to me within the contracted time ?

Send him/her a second email explaining what has happened. Very occasionally emails don’t get through . If this doesn’t work, phone the emergency number. 

How do I set up a Hotmail account and/or MSN Messenger ?

Go to http://www.msn.com/. If you are having difficulties ask your supervisor and he/she will send you an attachment which explains how to do it.

What happens if I have a breakdown in my computer system ?

If you have contracted to exchange phone numbers with your supervisor, please get in touch with him/her personally.  

All of our members have a backup system and will inform you if there is to be a delay in replies. This also applies to holidays and when a therapist has to be away from their computers for a time due to emergencies such as illness.