Online Counselling and Telephone Therapy

Telephone Therapy. A hand holding a mobile telephone.

Online and telephone therapy sessions can be a really accessible option for people who may not be able to attend therapy sessions physically. As a therapist, I practice therapy in the same way as I do in-person, Online and by telephone, making some adaptations (e.g.) where visual body language is not available when working by telephone. It is a different option to in-person therapy sessions, in that we connect through a videocall or by telephone call, rather than being in the same room.

Is therapy the same Online/by telephone as it is in-person?

It is important to note that every person has a different experience of therapy and different preferences in how they are supported. Some people report feeling a difference in their therapy experience due to their individual preference for having someone physically present in the same room.

As with any therapy offer, there are some additional points you may want to consider in helping you to decide whether this might be a suitable option for you.

Considering your options

Online Therapy. An open laptop on a wooden desk. A white coffee cup and saucer sits to the left.

Benefits:

You can access therapy from the comfort of your own home, in familiar surroundings.

Online or telephone therapy can be a useful option if you worry about feeling overwhelmed getting to a therapy space or about being physically in a room with someone new.

Online or telephone therapy can be a helpful option if you have limits to your time. You can arrange your appointment at a time that suits you.

There is no need to travel or find suitable parking options.

Access to therapy times might be more immediate if a therapist’s availability is not dependent on room space.

Online or telephone therapy can offer an accessible option if you manage health conditions or mobility challenges that may fluctuate from day-to-day. Managing ‘spoons’ can be an important factor in decision-making.

Challenges:

You will need access to a confidential and private space (e.g.) a room with a closeable door, where you can work free from distractions and interruptions.

Digital technology can be unpredictable (e.g.) internet connections may dip in/out; telephone reception can vary.

If you are using a room in your home or an office at work and there are additional people in your environment, you will need to consider whether you might be overheard. Headphones are recommended. Some people may put a radio or white noise machine playing outside their room to help maintain confidentiality.

It is not suitable to be driving whilst undertaking therapy sessions.

If you have caring responsibilities, you may need to make arrangements for the duration of your session time (e.g.) it would not be appropriate to be caring for young children in the room at the time of your therapy sessions.

There are some client issues that might be unsuitable for online working (e.g.) in instances where high levels of risk and personal safety need to be taken into consideration.

Sometimes, the absence of non-verbal cues, such as limited visibility of body language, may lead to misunderstanding.

Is Online/Telephone Therapy effective?

The effectiveness of therapy can depend on many things, including the relationship you have with your therapist and the therapist’s modality but most importantly, you! Taking part in therapy sessions is an active and collaborative process which requires commitment and dedication, both emotionally and financially.