Online and Telephone Counselling

Research evidence suggests that online or telephone counselling can be just as effective as face to face counselling, but there are benefits and disadvantages to online and telephone counselling. Please read this document to decide if online or telephone counselling might be the right choice for you.

Webcam counselling 

Zoom is a way for you to see your counsellor face-to-face from your computer whilst engaging in therapy. You do not need to have a Zoom account – you can simply click on a link sent by the counsellor and you will be connected in a secure and confidential link with audio and video if you choose to have these switched on.  Audio and video can be turned on an off during the session and communication can also be made via a chat function in the Zoom window if for any reason you do not wish to be seen or your voice to be heard. Zoom offers end to end encryption of information and your counsellor will lock the meeting to prevent anyone else joining in.

Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Being able to see your counsellor gives you more of the benefits you get from face-to- face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy. By talking you hear tone of voice which is a way to convey empathy and with video you see non- verbal communications such as facial expressions. The chat function does not have these benefits but you can communicate in real time.

Telephone counselling 

You can participate in therapy over a telephone. An advantage of telephone counselling is that non-verbal communication can be carried in you tone of voice or the pace of speech which can be picked up by your counsellor but visual cues that are available in Zoom video will be lost over the telephone.

Benefits of Online and Telephone Counselling

• Counselling therapy from your own home at a time that suits you. 

• You do not have travel, mobility or accessibility issues.

• There is no additional cost in travel time.

• Secure encryption software offers confidentiality and peace of mind.

• You may wish to have counselling that is more private than face to face.

• You will not be seen entering a counselling room.

• If using Zoom online chat, you are able to review what you are saying before sending.

Things to consider 

• Reduced or absent nonverbal cues or body language for you or the counsellor to read can lead to misunderstanding.

• Are you comfortable using internet technology? 

• Would you prefer to see your counsellor face-to-face? 

• Can you have a private conversation in your own home?

• You may not want others in your home being able to find out what you have done over a telephone or computer.

• Is there a computer terminal that you can use privately without interruption? 

Confidentiality 

Online counselling therapy take place within a secure, encrypted environment to offer you confidentiality and safety. The counsellor will be in a private space with no interruptions guaranteed during your counselling session.

Research evidence suggests that online or telephone counselling can be just as effective as face to face counselling, but there are benefits and disadvantages to online and telephone counselling. Please read this document to decide if online or telephone counselling might be the right choice for you.

Webcam counselling 

Zoom is a way for you to see your counsellor face-to-face from your computer whilst engaging in therapy. You do not need to have a Zoom account – you can simply click on a link sent by the counsellor and you will be connected in a secure and confidential link with audio and video if you choose to have these switched on.  Audio and video can be turned on an off during the session and communication can also be made via a chat function in the Zoom window if for any reason you do not wish to be seen or your voice to be heard. Zoom offers end to end encryption of information and your counsellor will lock the meeting to prevent anyone else joining in.

Sessions are 50 minutes in length. Being able to see your counsellor gives you more of the benefits you get from face-to- face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy. By talking you hear tone of voice which is a way to convey empathy and with video you see non- verbal communications such as facial expressions. The chat function does not have these benefits but you can communicate in real time.

Telephone counselling 

You can participate in therapy over a telephone. An advantage of telephone counselling is that non-verbal communication can be carried in you tone of voice or the pace of speech which can be picked up by your counsellor but visual cues that are available in Zoom video will be lost over the telephone.

Benefits of Online and Telephone Counselling

• Counselling therapy from your own home at a time that suits you. 

• You do not have travel, mobility or accessibility issues.

• There is no additional cost in travel time.

• Secure encryption software offers confidentiality and peace of mind.

• You may wish to have counselling that is more private than face to face.

• You will not be seen entering a counselling room.

• If using Zoom online chat, you are able to review what you are saying before sending.

Things to consider 

• Reduced or absent nonverbal cues or body language for you or the counsellor to read can lead to misunderstanding.

• Are you comfortable using internet technology? 

• Would you prefer to see your counsellor face-to-face? 

• Can you have a private conversation in your own home?

• You may not want others in your home being able to find out what you have done over a telephone or computer.

• Is there a computer terminal that you can use privately without interruption? 

Confidentiality 

Online counselling therapy take place within a secure, encrypted environment to offer you confidentiality and safety. The counsellor will be in a private space with no interruptions guaranteed during your counselling session.