This may fit if
- You would rather not be seen walking into a counseling office.
- Your work hours or commute leave little time for travel.
- You live in a smaller town or out in the county.
- You want to know how privacy works at home before you book.
Why does Ian work online?
All my sessions, counseling and hypnotherapy alike, happen by secure video (Zoom) or by phone. For many men that removes two hurdles at once: the drive and the waiting room. You can join from the same chair at home each time, which also helps if you are learning a relaxation or self-hypnosis routine.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists the upsides of virtual sessions as convenience, flexibility, access for people who cannot easily travel, and comfort, since connecting online may feel less intimidating. It also names the downsides honestly: you need a device and an internet connection, technology can fail, and a session can feel less private if people nearby might overhear.
How do online sessions with Ian work?
- Introductory callYou reach out by phone, email or the contact form. We have a short introductory call so you can ask questions and see whether the fit feels right.
- Choose video or phoneVideo lets us see each other, which helps with hypnosis. Phone is a good option if your connection is weak or you prefer it.
- Get your linkFor video, I send a secure Zoom link before the session. You usually do not need a Zoom account to join.
- Join from a private spotAt the start I confirm you are in Washington and in a place where you can talk freely.
- Wrap upWe agree on anything to practice and when to meet next, if you want to continue.
How can I keep online sessions private at home?
Privacy is the most common worry men raise about video sessions, and most of it comes down to a little planning.
- Pick a room with a door, and pick times when the house is quiet.
- Use headphones so only you can hear my side of the conversation.
- A white noise app or a fan outside the door can help mask your voice.
- Use a personal device, not a work laptop or a shared family computer.
- If home is not private, a parked car can work for a talk session. Do not take part while driving.
- Close email and messaging apps so nothing pops up mid-sentence.
What technology do I need?
Not much. A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone is enough for video. Headphones help with sound and privacy. A stable internet connection matters more than a fancy device, so sit close to your router if you can.
If the call drops, wait a moment and rejoin with the same link, or we switch to phone. MedlinePlus notes that technical problems are one of the common downsides of telehealth, so a backup plan keeps a dropped call from ending the session.
Who can book online sessions?
My registration is with the Washington State Department of Health. Online sessions are for clients who are located in Washington State at the time of each session. That includes Bellingham and the rest of Whatcom County, and anywhere else in the state. If you will be traveling out of state on a session day, let me know ahead of time and we can find a time when you are back.
I work one-on-one with adult men. To learn more about the work itself, see counseling for men or online hypnotherapy. Your first session is described on what to expect, and my training is on the about page. Fees, payment and superbills are on the fees page.
Is an online session right for a crisis?
No. Online sessions are scheduled during business hours and are not set up for emergencies. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911. Ian Whitelaw Counseling for Men is not an emergency service. Veterans can dial 988 and press 1. More numbers are on the crisis resources page.
Common questions
Do I need a Zoom account?
Usually not. You can join from the link I send using the Zoom app or a web browser. Installing the app ahead of time and testing your camera and microphone saves a few minutes at the start. If video is not working that day, we can switch to phone.
Can I have a session by phone instead of video?
Yes. Phone sessions work well for conversation, and for hypnosis if you have a quiet, private place and headphones. Some men find it easier to talk without a camera, especially at first. You can switch between phone and video from one session to the next.
What hours are online sessions available?
My hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time. Because sessions are online, you can sometimes fit one in from a private spot during a break in your workday rather than taking extra time off for travel. Ask about current openings when you call.
What happens if I am traveling outside Washington?
Online sessions are only for clients located in Washington State at the time of each session, so we would move the session to a day when you are back. Let me know about trips as early as you can so we can plan around them.
References
Published by Ian Whitelaw Counseling for Men, the practice of Ian Whitelaw, Washington State Registered Hypnotherapist (HP61341961). Last updated October 27, 2026. This page is general information, not medical or mental health advice, a diagnosis or a substitute for care.