Online and telephone counselling
During the summer of 2020, we are all doing what we can to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. For this reason, I am currently providing counselling sessions online and via the phone. Each of these offers a convenient way of accessing support, while protecting your health.
In order to be prepared for working in a new way, I have recently completed an 80-hour course in "Online and Telephone Counselling," run by counsellorcpd.com. This has given me the knowledge and skills needed to work safely, effectively and with enthusiasm via the internet or on the phone.
You may already know whether you would prefer to work online or on the phone. On the other hand, if you would like to talk through the options, then you are welcome to contact me on 07581 325846. I can also email you some further information to help you decide.
One client said,
"Susan listens with compassion and kindness at all times. Her counselling has made such a difference to my life... I cannot thank her enough."
Another commented,
"Counselling has been a fantastic help!"
What is Online Counselling like?
Online counselling takes place over the internet using a videocall system named "Whereby" which is similar to Skype or Zoom, but is more secure than those platforms.
Some of the benefits of online counselling are:
• You can create a comfortable and private space in your own home from which to attend sessions
• You may find it easy to talk, focus and express yourself
• You’ll be able to wear comfortable clothes, bring a cup of tea/coffee and avoid commuting to and from sessions
• We may be able to be more flexible about scheduling
• Unlike phone sessions, online counselling means we’ll be able to see each other
• Research shows that online counselling can be as effective as face-to-face work
• Whereby is easy to access and you won’t have to download any software.
What is Telephone Counselling like?
If you are generally comfortable with the telephone, it offers a very convenient way of accessing counselling. Once you get started, you'll probably find it easy to talk and soon benefit from the way phone counselling helps you to focus. I have many years of experience as a telephone counsellor, and have often heard clients express surprise at how much can be achieved on the phone
Some of the benefits of telephone counselling are:
• It is a uniquely portable and flexible way of doing sessions - as long as you can't be overheard, you can be almost anywhere
• You do not feel observed while you're talking (which can be valuable if discussing subjects where you feel embarrassed)
• It may be a more comfortable option if you feel nervous about using computers or the internet.
One challenge of telephone counselling is that the elements of eye-contact and body language are not present. We may use more verbal descriptions to compensate for this.
Outcomes of Counselling
The results of counselling vary for each person, but often include things like:
NB: Please note that, for legal reasons, I work with people who are based in the UK, and not with those who live overseas.
How to get in touch
If you would like to find out more about online or telephone counselling, you are very welcome to contact me on +44(0)7581 325846 or by email to [email protected]
(Phone image courtesy of kconnors via www.morguefile.com)
(Portrait image copyright Hannah Mitchell, 2014)
(Other images copyright Selim Alkaner)
