Both Online and Telephone counselling are easily accessible and convenient. Unlike face-to-face counselling, you are not limited geographically, offering a greater choice of counsellor. You may find it easier to talk, focus and express yourself online or over the phone.
How it works
For online counselling I use MS Teams. I will send an email with a link to our meeting. If you don’t have an MS account you can join as Guest. You will be taken to the virtual lobby and I will let you in at our appointment time.
Benefits and Challenges of Online and Telephone Therapy
Some of the benefits of online counselling include:
- Easy accessible and convenient
- Creating a comfortable, private space in your own home from which to attend counselling
- Enjoy wearing comfy clothes, bring a cup of tea and avoid travelling
- Often it is easier to talk, focus and express yourself online
- If you are unable to leave the house for any reason, you can still attend therapy
- Online and telephone therapy can be as effective as face to face counselling
As with most things in life, there are challenges as well as benefits. Some of the challenges we face could be due to the internet connection. I will share suggestions to help you get set up and reduce the chance of this happening. Although if your internet connection is particularly unstable, telephone counselling may be a better option. Online counselling can also be demanding, especially if you use computer screens in everyday life.
Making the most of your session
Find a comfortable space with privacy. This could be a comfy armchair, your desk, garden or even a parked car. You may wish to put a note on the door of the room requesting that other people do not disturb you except in an emergency. Using headphones or earphones is worthwhile because it keeps the content of our sessions, private, improves sound quality and minimises distractions. Give yourself time after the session to process and ground yourself before rejoining your family, working, or making other calls. Read more on making the most out of your online therapy sessions at BACP – Online Counselling – how to make the most out of a session with your counsellor.