Online Counselling: Cardiff, South Wales & UK-Wide
Confidential counselling by video, from the comfort and privacy of your own home, with a BACP-registered counsellor based in Cardiff.
How Online Sessions Work
- Book a time online. Choose a slot in the booking calendar and pay securely. New clients start with a 30-minute initial consultation for £20.
- Receive your link. I'll email you a secure video link before your session. There's nothing complicated to set up.
- Join from somewhere private. At your session time, click the link from your phone, tablet or computer.
- Talk, at your own pace. Sessions are 50 minutes, the same as face-to-face, with the same confidentiality and care.
What You'll Need
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- A reasonably stable internet connection
- A private space where you won't be overheard or interrupted
- Headphones, if you'd like extra privacy (optional)
Some people take sessions from a parked car, a spare room or a quiet corner at work. What matters is that you feel able to speak freely.
Privacy and Confidentiality Online
Online sessions follow the same confidentiality as face-to-face counselling, as set out in the counselling agreement. I take sessions from a private room, use a secure video platform, and never record sessions.
On your side, it helps to use a device and space that others can't access, and to close the session window when you finish. If privacy at home is difficult, we can talk about what might help.
Is Online Counselling Right for Me?
Online may suit you if
- you'd rather talk from the comfort of home
- travel, health or childcare make getting out difficult
- you'd prefer not to be seen going to a counsellor locally
- you live outside Cardiff
Face-to-face may suit you better if
- you don't have a private space at home
- you find it hard to connect over a screen
- you'd value the routine of going somewhere
Face-to-face sessions are available in Whitchurch, Cardiff. You can start online and switch later if you'd like.
Who Online Counselling Can Help
People across South Wales
- Newport, Caerphilly and Pontypridd
- Barry, Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan
- The Valleys, and anywhere else in the UK
Busy lives
- Parents of young children
- Carers who can't easily leave home
- People fitting sessions around work
Health and access
- People living with chronic illness or pain
- Anyone with limited mobility or energy
- People who find new places anxiety-provoking
Privacy within communities
- People in close-knit communities
- Anyone worried about being recognised
- People who'd rather keep counselling discreet
What I Can Help With Online
Everything I offer face-to-face is available online, including:
Working With Me
I'm Asma Shariff, a female BACP-registered counsellor based in Cardiff, working in a person-centred way. I've worked with clients aged 17 to 70, from diverse cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Alongside private practice, I counsel at CCAWS, a Cardiff mental health charity.
I work within the BACP Ethical Framework, attend regular clinical supervision, and hold professional indemnity insurance. More about me.
Your First Session
Start with a 30-minute initial consultation for £20.
It's a chance to meet on video, talk a little about what's brought you here, and see whether we're a good fit, with no commitment to anything further. It's also a good way to check that online sessions feel comfortable for you.
If you'd like to continue, ongoing sessions are 50 minutes and £45, weekly or at a pace that suits you. Payment is taken securely online when you book, and you'll sign a short counselling agreement before your first full session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online counselling as effective as face-to-face?
Many people find online counselling just as helpful as meeting in person. What matters most is the relationship between you and your counsellor, and that can develop well over video. Some people even find it easier to open up from their own home.
Do I need to live in Cardiff to have online counselling?
No. Online sessions are available wherever you are in the UK, including Newport, the Valleys, the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond.
What if my internet connection drops?
It happens occasionally. If the connection drops, try rejoining the same link. If we can't reconnect, I'll contact you, and we'll agree how to use the remaining time.
Do I need to have my camera on?
Video helps us connect, so it's encouraged, especially at first. If being on camera feels difficult, let me know and we can talk about what would make it more comfortable.
Can I switch to face-to-face sessions later?
Yes. Face-to-face sessions are available in Whitchurch, Cardiff. If you start online and would later like to meet in person, we can arrange that.
If You Need Help Now
Counselling isn't an emergency service. If you're in crisis or at risk of harm:
- Call 999 or go to A&E if your life or someone else's is at immediate risk
- Call NHS 111 for urgent help. In Wales, press 2 for mental health support, 24 hours a day
- Call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, anywhere in the UK
Because online sessions can take place anywhere, I'll ask in our first session where you'll usually be joining from, so I know which local services to point you to if ever needed.
Counselling from wherever you feel comfortable
Book a 30-minute initial consultation for £20, online by video.
Book an initial consultation →