Video Call Sessions
What happens in a session?
A few minutes before our scheduled session, I will send you a Zoom meeting request via email. You just need to click ‘join session’ and fill in the number to start with me.
Drama therapy uses a bunch of imaginative and creative techniques, soI may ask you to tell me a story, or to bring an object that’s important to you. Sometimes we will play with masks and costumes using the app SnapCamera.
How often are sessions?
This is up to you and your schedule. Most often we will meet once a week, but we can meet more or less often to suit your needs.
What tech do I need?
We will use a program called Zoom, which is similar to skype. It’s free and you can download it or use it directly from your web browser here.
You should have a laptop or desktop computer and an internet connection that can handle video calls. You can also use Zoom on an iPad or tablet.
You may also want to have some earphones handy, in case you can’t hear me well with your computer’s speakers.
What do I need to prepare?
Once you have booked a session, I will send you the link to my intake form, which you should complete before our first session. The formgives me important background details about you so that we can get straight to work in the sessions.
For your first session, make sure you have a quiet, private space to take the call, where you are comfortable to chat and get creative. You don’t need any extra stuff, just bring yourself, and maybe have a cup of tea or some water on hand in case you need to take a sip during our session.
Text Message Sessions
What happens in a session?
Before your session I will ask for your Signal contact, so that we can add each other on the app. When the session starts, I will initiate the conversation, so don’t worry about having to say something first.
I may ask you to tell me a story, or ask you about the roles you play in day-to-day life. In drama therapy we don’t have to talk directly about your issues, but we use creativity, imagination and play to figure out a better, healthier way of being.
How often are the sessions?
This is up to you and dependent on your schedule. Often we will set up one session a week, but this can change to be more or less often depending on your needs.
What kind of tech do I need?
We will use a free app called Signal, which you can download for your phone or your computer here. It’s available for both android and IOS. As long as you have a phone or computer with Signal loaded on, as well as internet access, you’ll be fine.
What do I need to prepare?
Once you book a session, I will send you a link to my intake form, which you should fill out and send to me before we meet.
On the day, all you need to do is find a quiet, private space free of distractions, and settle down with your phone or computer. You don’t even have to get out of your pyjamas!
Email Therapy
How does email therapy work?
Email therapy works in blocks, where one block is an email from you and a reply from me. To start us off, I will send you an email (this doesn’t count as a block) and ask you to write me something. It may be a story, or a diary entry, something that we can start with.
From there, I will write to you, inserting my thoughts into your email, kind of like you have a live journal that speaks back to you.
Because we are using drama therapy, you can expect me to ask you to think creatively with storytelling, roles/characters, being imaginative, and other interesting ways to look at your life.
Do email blocks have an expiry date?
No. Once you email me, I aim to respond to you within 72 hours. When you respond is up to you, and dependent on your schedule.
What do I need to prepare?
Once you buy a block of emails, I will send you a link to my intake form, so that I know a little bit about you and your background. Once I receive this I’ll send you the first email telling you exactly what our journey forward will be.
What kind of eqipment do I need?
I use an encrypted email service called Hushmail ato make sure that no one can accidentally read your emails. When you get the first email from me, you will be asked to set up a passcode. Please write this down somewhere safe, as it can’t be reset, and it will be needed each time you want to read an email from me.
You can use any device you normally use for your email, and your already existing email account.
How many blocks should I buy?
This is entirely dependent on you. If you feel that you just need a little bit of support or insight into a particular situation, then 5 blocks will be enough. However, because the blocks don’t expire, any blocks you don’t use immediately can be saved for the future, and will never be lost.
General FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on why you have started therapy. Some problems can be dealt with in just 5 or 6 sessions, while others may take longer. After the first 1-2 sessions, we will have a discussion about the length of your therapy, but ultimately you are in charge and can choose to stay as long as you feel is beneficial.
How can I pay?
You can book directly through the website and pay via Payfast, which is the South African version of Paypal, and it allows payment via local and international cards, as well as local South African bank transfers. If you would rather pay via Paypal, I can send you a payment request.
What if I can’t afford the sessions?
The rates on my site are my standard rates, but I do have a number of slots available on a sliding scale. This means that, depending on your income and situation, we can try to work out a reduced rate that works for you. Please get in touch with me directly to talk about reduced rates.
What are your qualifications?
I was trained by the University of the Witwatersand in South Africa, where I received my MA in drama therapy. After that, I completed a year long internship in order to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
I also am a certified cyber therapist with the Online Therapy Institute based in the UK.
How can I check if you’re legit?
You can check my HPCSA qualifications here by typing in my registration number: AT0001287
What if I have an emergency?
If you are feeling suicidal, or like you may harm yourself or others, please consider calling the following hotlines:
Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322
Click here for helplines in Korea
Click here for helplines in Thailand
What can you help with?
Online drama therapy is good for problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social anxiety, stress, relationship issues, body image issues, expat issues, learning disorders, addiction, and more. If you’re unsure if I can help, book a free 20 minute consultation, or email me directly to chat further.
What can’t you help with?
Because I am not physically in the room with you, I cannot help with severe depression and suicidal ideation. I am also not able to help with issues such as schizophrenia, DID, or other psychotic disorders. If you need a referral to someone in your area, please get in touch.
Do I need drama experience?
Not at all! Drama therapy is client led, which means I will never ask you to do something you are uncomfortable doing. As long as you are interested in accessing your creativity and imagination, and open to a bit of play, you are more than qualified to take part in drama therapy.
Do I need to be good with computers?
It would be helpful if you know your way around your computer or phone, but it is not necessary. I can guide you through the process, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it is nothing complex or confusing.
What hours are you available?
Please check my calendar to find my available times. Generally I am available from 8am Thai time, till around 10pm at night during the week.
What if I am running late?
If life gets in the way, please let me know as soon as possible that you will be late. If you miss our consultation there may be a fee for rescheduling. However, if possible, we may be able to adjust your times. Get in touch early if you can.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel your appointment at any time, but if it is less than 24 hours before your session, you may be required to pay, unless it is completely out of your control. You can find my full terms and conditions here.
What if I see you in real life?
It may happen that we bump into each other in real life. I will always follow your lead in these situations. If you want to greet me, you can, but if you would rather just ignore me that’s fine to, and I will do the same. You are in charge!
Do you take medical aid/insurance?
At this time I do not submit to medical aids or health insurance companies. If you wish to claim you’ll need to do that with your company directly, and I can provide you with an invoice.
Can I see you in person?
If you are in Phuket and wish to come to see me for in person therapy please get in touch, as it is possible.
Can I have more info about drama therapy?
Sure! Have a look at the North American Drama Therapy Association, or the British Association of Dramatherapists.
Can I have more info about cyber therapy?
Sure! Have a look at the Online Therapy Institute.
Can I contact you if I have questions?
Of course! The best way to get in touch is via email: moniqueh@dramatherapyonline.com
You can also book a free 20 minute consultation via video call or instant message to see whether drama therapy is a good fit for you.