Telephone counselling

Instant Messaging

I do not currently offer counselling or therapy through email, text or instant messaging (chat).

However, I do offer telephone, online video and face-to-face counselling, giving you a choice of ways to access therapy.

If you are unsure which option would suit you best, please feel free to get in touch and we can discuss this together.

Telephone Counselling

Counselling From Wherever You Feel Comfortable

Telephone counselling offers a convenient and flexible alternative to meeting face-to-face or online by video.

You may prefer telephone counselling because you don't have a reliable internet connection, don't feel comfortable using video, find travelling difficult, or simply find it easier to talk when you are not sitting face-to-face with someone.

For some people, not being seen while they talk can make it easier to discuss difficult thoughts, feelings or experiences.

How Does Telephone Counselling Work?

Telephone counselling works in much the same way as meeting in person. At an agreed time, we speak by telephone and you have the same dedicated time to explore whatever has brought you to counselling.

You might be going through a difficult period in your life and need someone to talk to. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, stress, relationships or loss, or you may have an important decision that you would like some help thinking through.

You don't need to commit to a particular number of sessions. Some people choose regular telephone counselling, while others may only need a small number of sessions.

Some clients also begin counselling by telephone and later decide they would prefer to meet face-to-face or online. Where appropriate, you can choose the way of working that feels most comfortable for you.

What Are the Benefits of Telephone Counselling?

Telephone counselling can offer a number of advantages:

• Convenience — there is no need to travel to and from appointments.
• Flexibility — sessions can be easier to fit around work, family and other commitments.
• No internet required — you don't need a computer, webcam or reliable broadband connection.
• Comfort — you can speak from your own home or another private place where you feel at ease.
• Talking can feel easier — some people find discussing difficult or personal subjects easier when they are not sitting face-to-face with another person.
• A gentler introduction to counselling — if meeting a counsellor in person feels daunting, telephone counselling can provide another way to begin.

Finding Somewhere Private

It is important to have your telephone counselling session somewhere you feel comfortable speaking openly and where you are unlikely to be overheard or interrupted.

For some people, a parked car can provide a quiet and private space away from a busy home. If you choose this option, your car should be safely parked with the engine switched off for the duration of your session. Counselling sessions should never take place while you are driving.

Is Telephone Counselling Right for Me?

Telephone counselling works well for many people, although it will not necessarily be the right choice for everyone.

Because we cannot see one another, we don't have access to the facial expressions, gestures and other visual communication that can form part of face-to-face or video counselling.

There may also be circumstances where another form of therapy or support would be more appropriate for your individual needs. We can discuss this before beginning and decide together what is likely to work best for you.

Taking the First Step

There is no single 'right' way to access counselling.

You may prefer meeting face-to-face, talking online by video, or having your sessions by telephone. What matters is finding an approach in which you feel comfortable enough to talk openly and make use of the therapeutic space.

If you would like to arrange telephone counselling, or you are unsure which type of counselling would suit you best, please use the Contact page to get in touch.