Choosing face-to-face, online or telephone counselling
What do I need for online counselling?
I have lots of experience in offering counselling sessions face-to-face, over the telephone or via online platforms; which means that you can chose the right style for you.
Face-to-face allows us both to sit together in an environment largely without distractions, where body language and other non-verbal cues are more easily read. However, it does require that you allocate time not only for the session but also for travel to and from.
Online sessions are a great way to get that 'in-person' feel without the need to travel. You can still see facial expressions clearly and this method works especially well when time is tight, or for those who would struggle to access face-to-face sessions. It does require that you have a good internet connection and somewhere private for you to talk uninterrupted (see 'what do I need for online counselling?' for more details).
Telephone counselling is great where internet connectivity is difficult and allows those who would struggle with in-person sessions to access therapy. It does, however, mean that neither party is able to use non-verbal cues such as smiling etc. as easily.
If you choose to have face-to-face therapy sessions then you will be able to swap to either telephone or online counselling should you ever need to.
This can be helpful if you are going to be away but would like to still continue your sessions, or if you are incapacitated and unable to attend in-person.
If you have a contagious illness, such as COVID19, a bad cold or stomach bug but feel well enough to continue with therapy, then you would be able to do so either online or over the phone.
Face-to-face sessions would of course resume as soon as you were able and wanted to.
To be able to see and hear the session, you will need a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone with a camera and microphone. A bigger screen and something you don't have to hold can be more comfortable but a phone will work perfectly well.
You will also need to make sure you have sufficient internet bandwidth for a video call.
If you share your home with others, you will need to ensure you can go somewhere quiet and confidential where you will not be interrupted during the session.
You will need to choose your location carefully to give you the space and privacy required for your session.
Sessions are easy to access; I will send you a link a few minutes before our session is due to start for you to join me.