Choosing between face-to-face, video, or telephone counselling

When considering counselling, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is how you want to engage in therapy. While there are various approaches available, face-to-face, video, and telephone counselling are among the most common options. Each method has its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks, and what works best is entirely dependent on your individual needs and comfort level. This article will explore these three types of counselling, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.

Face-to-face counselling

Face-to-face counselling is the traditional form of therapy, where you meet your counsellor in person. For many, this environment offers a sense of comfort and connection that is difficult to replicate in other formats.

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Why you might choose face-to-face counselling:

1. A change of environment:

Stepping out of your usual environment and into a neutral, private space can be therapeutic in itself. Some clients find that physically leaving their home or workplace allows them to mentally separate from daily stressors, making it easier to focus on the session.

2. Leaving the session behind:

There’s something about walking out of a counselling room and closing the door behind you that can symbolise leaving your concerns in the room until your next session. This physical separation can help some people manage their emotions and feel less burdened by their issues between sessions.

3. Privacy concerns:

Not everyone has a private space at home where they can speak freely without the fear of being overheard. Face-to-face counselling ensures complete privacy, which is crucial for those who live with others and cannot find a secure, confidential space.

4. Building relationships in person:

Human connection is often strongest in person. Some people find it easier to build a rapport with their therapist when they can pick up on body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues that are sometimes lost in remote communication.

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Why you might not choose face-to-face counselling:

1. Time and commute:

Commuting to and from a counselling session requires time. If your schedule is already packed or if the location is not easily accessible, this added time commitment can be a barrier.

2. Transportation issues:

Not everyone has access to reliable transport. Whether due to cost, disability, or living in a rural area, getting to a physical location may simply not be feasible.

3. Intimidation factor:

For some, sitting in a room with a stranger, even a trained professional, can feel intimidating or overwhelming. The unfamiliar environment might add to feelings of anxiety rather than alleviate them.

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Video counselling

Video counselling offers a middle ground between the traditional in-person approach and the more remote nature of telephone counselling. It has become increasingly popular, especially in recent years, as technology has made it more accessible and reliable.

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Why you might choose video counselling:

1. Comfort of your own space:

One of the biggest advantages of video counselling is that you can participate from the comfort of your own home. This familiarity can help some people feel more at ease and less anxious during sessions.

2. Visual connection:

Video counselling allows you to see your therapist’s face, which can help in building a connection and understanding their responses more fully. This visual component can make the experience feel more personal than telephone counselling.

3. No commute:

Like telephone counselling, video sessions eliminate the need for travel. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress associated with commuting, making it easier to fit therapy into your schedule.

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Why you might not choose video counselling:

1. Discomfort on camera:

Not everyone is comfortable being on camera. If you find that video calls make you self-conscious or distract you from the conversation, this could hinder the effectiveness of your therapy.

2. Screen fatigue:

With the rise of remote working, many people are experiencing screen fatigue. If you spend much of your day in front of a computer, the idea of yet another video call might feel exhausting.

3. Lack of private space:

While video counselling can be done from home, it still requires a private, quiet space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. For those who don’t have this kind of space, video counselling may not be the best option.

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Telephone counselling

Telephone counselling offers the most accessible and flexible option for therapy. It strips away the visual component, focusing solely on voice, which can be either a benefit or a drawback depending on your personal preferences.

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Why you might choose telephone counselling:

1. Comfort in your own home:

Like video counselling, telephone sessions can be done from the comfort of your home. This can help create a relaxed atmosphere where you feel safe and secure.

2. Less intimidating:

Some clients find it easier to open up when they don’t have to look at their therapist. The absence of a visual component can make it feel less intimidating, encouraging a more honest and open conversation.

3. Anonymity:

Knowing that your counsellor cannot see you might make it easier to discuss sensitive or difficult topics. This level of anonymity can help some clients feel more comfortable expressing their true feelings.

4. No commute:

As with video counselling, there is no need to travel, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.

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Why you might not choose telephone counselling:

1. Need for visual connection:

Some people prefer to see who they are talking to. The lack of visual cues can make it harder for some people to build a connection or feel fully understood.

2. Privacy concerns:

Just like with video counselling, you need a private space where you can speak freely without interruptions. If your living situation doesn’t allow for this, telephone counselling might not be suitable.

3. Hearing difficulties:

If you have any hearing issues, telephone counselling can be challenging. Misunderstandings may occur, and the overall experience might not be as effective.

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Choosing the right type of counselling is a deeply personal decision and one that should be made based on your individual needs and comfort level. There is no “best” option that suits everyone; rather, the effectiveness of therapy depends on how comfortable and supported you feel in your chosen method.

Whether you opt for face-to-face, video, or telephone counselling, you can rest assured that your therapist will be trained to provide the best possible support in that format. For example, you may be worried that a counsellor won’t be able to fully connect over the phone, but from my experience as a counsellor trained to work over the phone, I find I am able to pick up on subtle cues like your tone of voice, long pauses, and shifts in energy, which all contribute to a meaningful therapeutic experience.

If you’re still unsure which type of counselling might be best for you, I encourage you to book an introductory call with a counsellor. Not only will this give you a taste of how speaking over the telephone feels, but it will also allow you to discuss any concerns with the counsellor to help you make an informed decision. Remember, the most important factor in successful therapy is that you feel safe, heard, and understood, regardless of the format.