There is mounting evidence to suggest that the outcome and benefits of telephone and video call counselling is at least equal to that of face to face counselling. Whilst face to face counselling is still the most conventional and popular way of counselling, there are many reasons that telephone and video call counselling might suit you better:
Accessibility – There are ‘counselling’ times that tend to be in high demand, such as evening appointments, as these tend to fit better with people’s schedules. However, with telephone and video call counselling, both clients and counsellors can be more flexible – therefore, reducing the waiting time for treatment.
Anonymity – If you are concerned about the stigma attached to mental health problems or that someone could discover you are having counselling – telephone and video call counselling provides greater privacy and the option to remain anonymous.
Convenience – You can receive counselling from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you may be, which is especially useful for:
- Housebound and/or disabled individuals
- Carers who are unable to take a break from their responsibilities even for a short time
- Parents who can’t afford childcare
- Employees who travel frequently or are too busy to commit to regular face to face appointments
- People living in remote areas who are far from a therapist’s office
Flexibility – due to the nature of Telephone and Video call counselling, a greater level of flexibility can be offered by the therapist. This can be particularly useful for short notice necessary changes to appointment times due to unforeseen circumstances and also short notice appointments.
Continuity of Service – often your life schedule (holidays, family commitments, etc) can have an impact on the ability to maintain the regularity of a course of treatment. Telephone and Video call counselling is able to overcome this issue in most cases.
Location – conventional face to face counselling restricts your choice of therapist to those within a reasonable travelling distance of your home base. Telephone and Video call counselling does not have this restriction. In addition, service can be maintained should the client/therapist move area.
A Home Service – it is rare that a therapist is able to visit a client in their own home, an environment that they generally feel most relaxed in, more in charge of their own decisions and as a result more able to freely express themselves. Telephone and Video call counselling can bring sessions into your own home, thus giving you the greatest opportunity to be able to communicate as effectively as possible.
Telephone and Video call Counselling
Telephone and Video call counselling works in the same way as that of face to face counselling, but is conducted over the telephone/other device. During the initial call, the counsellor will take the opportunity to discuss the areas that need to be addressed, to find out background information about the client, and clarify fees and cancellation policy.