Face to face, online or phone counselling – which is best for you?
Choosing whether you want to have your counselling face to face, online or over the phone is a personal thing. What suits one person, might not suit another. The most important thing is that you feel as comfortable as possible during your sessions.
Why choose face to face counselling?
If you feel more comfortable with face to face interactions, in-person counselling might be a good choice for you.
The benefits of face to face counselling include:
- You can see facial expressions and body language;
- It provides a space for your counselling which is separate from the rest of your life;
- It is helpful if you can’t find a suitable, confidential counselling space for remote sessions;
- The travelling time can help you to transition into and out of your counselling sessions;
- You don’t need to worry about whether your phone or internet signal is strong enough.
Why choose to have counselling online or over the phone?
Remote counselling is sometimes more possible, more convenient or more comfortable.
The benefits of remote counselling can include:
- It is good for people who feel more comfortable in their own environment;
- You can access counselling, even if you are unable to travel;
- You don’t need to spend the extra time it takes to travel to and from your sessions;
Further things to consider if you choose remote counselling
If you are considering remote counselling, you will need to:
- Make sure you have a good enough internet or phone signal;
- Make sure the device you are using is adequately charged;
- Find a space where you are confident you won’t be overheard or interrupted;
- Consider allocating time before and after your session, to help you transition into and out of your counselling sessions. Stepping straight back into the demands of everyday life, can be hard.
If you are considering getting counselling and are not sure whether you want to have face to face sessions or remote, please get in touch and we can talk it through. And it doesn’t have to be one or the other, you may decide that a mixture is best for you.