What does the Look and Sound Professional in Your Online Practice course include?

About the course

Look and Sound Professional in Your Online Practice is a self-paced CPD course designed to help therapists, trainers, and professionals refine their online presence — creating a professional, warm, and engaging environment for clients.

Important note: this course does not teach online counselling. It is designed for practitioners who are already working or qualified to work online, and who want to get the most out of their current setup — improving the visual, audio, and environmental quality of their online sessions.

What you'll be able to do by the end

• Improve your video, lighting, and sound setup
• Create a professional and welcoming online space
• Increase client engagement and trust through visual and auditory enhancements

What's included

• Practical, implementable tips through video tutorials, pro tips, and case studies of the presenters' own professional setups
• A complete equipment list featuring the cameras, lighting, and sound tools used by the course presenters
• Five in-depth modules (see below)
• Certificate of Completion on finishing the course
• Self-paced — no deadlines, no live sessions

The five modules

Module 1: Professionalism in Online Therapy

• How first impressions shape client assumptions
• Creating a safe, confidential, and welcoming online space
• The three pillars of online professionalism: clarity, warmth, and respect
• Identifying small changes that enhance your online presence

Module 2: Basics of Video Setup

• Framing, headroom, and positioning for an engaging online presence
• Maintaining eye contact and reducing distractions
• Built-in vs. external camera options
• Pro tips for using your existing equipment effectively

Module 3: Lighting Techniques for Online Counselling Sessions

• How lighting affects client perception and engagement
• Choosing between natural and artificial lighting
• Best practices for positioning lights to create a professional look
• Budget-friendly lighting solutions for small spaces

Module 4: Optimising Sound and Environment

• The importance of clear audio in the therapeutic relationship
• Creating a quiet, controlled environment for online sessions
• Microphone options and best positioning for crisp sound
• Strategies for reducing echo and background noise

Module 5: Background & Personalisation

• How your background influences client perception
• Creating a distraction-free yet inviting visual environment
• Best practices for personalising your space while maintaining professionalism
• Cautions and alternatives for virtual backgrounds

Technical requirements

The course is designed to help you achieve a professional online presence with as little or as much investment as you choose. Suggested equipment includes:

• Camera: built-in laptop camera, external webcam, or phone camera
• Lighting: desk lamp, LED panel, or ring light
• Sound: built-in mic, USB microphone, lavalier microphone, or noise-cancelling headphones
• Space: a quiet, well-lit, and thoughtfully arranged background

Who is the course for?

There are no formal entry requirements. The course is suitable for:

• Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists already working online who want to improve their setup
• Trainers and professionals delivering online sessions
• Anyone wanting to present themselves more professionally in a digital space

Certification

A Certificate of Completion is awarded on finishing the course. No formal assessments are required, though self-reflection and application of your learning are encouraged throughout.

Need help?

For any technical issues — logging in, navigating the course, password reminders — or questions about course content, please contact us at support@counsellingtutor.com.