Online or telephone counselling?

We live in an age of online communications. So it is, perhaps, not surprising that 75% of therapists offer telephone and online services* . Video call apps, including What's App, Skype, Zoom amongst others, are being utilised by many counsellors, making counselling more accessible, particularly during this difficult time.

You can have video counselling in the comfort of almost any space...

as long as you are safe, cannot be overheard, overlooked or interrupted. There's no need to travel, so no travel costs, which makes the overall cost of accessing therapy more affordable. Appointments can be fitted into almost any schedule.

But what if you're uncomfortable with the idea of video?

If using a video call app seems like virtual reality to you, then perhaps you'd prefer telephone counselling. It may seem like stating the obvious but a counsellor uses their skills differently when counselling via the telephone.

Video counselling can feel more private than conventional counselling, partly because you do not have to venture out into public in order to meet with your counsellor. Instead, your counsellor is conveniently 'beamed' directly into your personal space. To begin with, you may feel self-conscious. But this may change as you relax into the comfort of your chosen space.

Telephone counselling also offers privacy and convenience. But a loss of inhibition may be more the case with telephone counselling. Inhibition and our sense of privacy are usually affected by whether or not we can be seen. If you have any qualms about how you sound on the telephone, you may find that you soon get used to being heard by your counsellor in this way.

According to the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)**, 'disinhibition' can affect the process of therapy in several ways. Part of your counsellor's role will be to monitor and maintain a balance.

Finally, you may find it useful to know that telephone counselling is sometimes more affordable than other counselling services.

Please note: this blog is meant to be helpful and is not promoting any single method of counselling above another.

(*European Association for Counselling, 2020/**BACP 2020)

Online therapy is the new face-to-face - for now

Are you thinking that counselling would really help you right now but concerned that therapy would be difficult to find in the current climate? Well, take a moment to think again.

Although counselling is customarily face-to-face, with the client and therapist seated opposite one another in an ambient room, there are other ways to 'do' counselling.

In light of the government directive to 'socially distance' during the pandemic, many therapists have suspended face-to-face appointments. Some therapists and their clients have chosen to take 'a break' from therapy for the time being. But what if the idea of waiting feels too difficult or risky?

The aim of the counsellor is to offer therapy that suits you.

If you are new to considering counselling, you may find it helpful to know that many counsellors include telephone and/or

e-counselling (which can range from video counselling to email and text counselling) in their practice.

Currently, many counsellors with a preference for face-to-face therapy are switching to telephone and e-counselling to meet client needs during this very difficult time.

So, if you're looking for a talking therapy during Lockdown, know that there is the right help for you out there.

You may find the following links useful:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2020/13-may-speaking-to-a-counsellor-online-has-been-a-lifeline-during-lockdown/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling

https://www.baatn.org.uk/

How much does talking therapy cost?

If you have been thinking about starting talking therapy, you may be wondering how you can achieve this in the current climate.

Due to COVID-19 many of us have had to change the way we work and this applies to therapists who have suspended face-to-face work in line with the current guidance.

Please be assured that support is still out there. Many talking therapists offer telephone or online counselling, which may involve messaging, email or video communication. Some practitioners are offering telephone and/or online counselling as an alternative to a suspended face-to-face service.

Fees will vary

Funded counselling services charge

between £10 and £45, based on ability to pay.

Private practitioners' fees vary between

£30 and £100, or more, depending on location. Some practitioners also operate a sliding scale or offer concessionary rates. Sometimes, a lower fee is charged for telephone/online counselling. Hope this helps.