Understanding telephone counselling

Telephone counselling provides unique flexibility, allowing individuals to choose their preferred mode of communication. It enables them to express themselves in a comfortable and confident environment, making it one of the best ways to seek professional support. It also encourages more openness, as clients can discuss matters they may not feel comfortable sharing in person.

Is online therapy effective?

Telephone counselling has been proven effective, with studies showing its outcomes are at least equal to traditional counselling. Due to its openness to a broader group of people, telephone counselling has also gained recognition as an effective treatment tool, especially for mental health crises. 

Research on the Benefits and challenges of conducting psychotherapy by telephone, carried out by Mohr and colleagues in 2011, stated that enough positive trials exist for telephone CBT to be considered an empirically supported treatment and additionally make therapy widely available for people that otherwise would not receive mental health care. 

Telephone Counselling

Telephone counselling supports those in a committed modern society where face-to-face counselling becomes limited. Hence, telephone counselling enables people to chat in real-time with others. For counselling purposes, the client should be in a secure, confidential place where they are comfortable expressing their feelings. 

In your first session, you can express why you are seeking counselling so that the therapist and client can build rapport and discuss which studied modalities better suit your needs. 

Some of the benefits of telephone counselling

The many benefits of using online counselling include pragmatic and emotional benefits, as well as benefits for those who would find this mode valuable, as there is no facial recognition. 

Many people find seeking counselling daunting, particularly the thought of having a face present during the session. Hence, telephone counselling somewhat supports anonymity, as many people may be concerned about taking the first leap. 

Accessibility and the benefits of time

There are many barriers to accessing in-person counselling, such as a lack of transportation or living demographics, which means time wasted commuting, including physical disability and medical complications are something that can also limit a person's ability to access the support required. For many, it's simply a matter of remaining in their comfort zone. 

Telephone counselling by therapists who work longer hours, often throughout the week. They support those with a tight schedule or irregular hours or support carers for someone else. 

Efficacy and experience of telephone counselling for informal carers of people with dementia The authors concluded that there is evidence that telephone counselling can reduce depressive symptoms for carers of people with dementia and that telephone counselling meets the critical needs of the carer.

Privacy, comfort and security

The comfort and security of feeling at home and the privacy one should have anywhere else are different, so it is essential to discuss issues more openly and genuinely. 

Valuing privacy, especially if the client is not ready to let others know they are seeking support, makes telephone counselling the most appropriate mode. 

Cost and social distancing

The Counselling cost is associated with booking a therapy room, which is extraordinary. Remote working allows for extra savings. 

Due to the historical difficulties during the COVID era, the complex seasonal weather, poor transport in London, and the traditional flu virus and bugs, telephone counselling is the most productive tool available in the 21st century. 

Qualified counsellor

Telephone counsellors provide services to a broader audience within the country, which gives them the skills and experience to expand their knowledge and approach methods in counselling sessions to aid and support the continuous care of the client.

Akhtar, (SAC Dip), Lead Counselling Psychologist. 

www.akhtarcounselling.co.uk