Counseling on Phone

A few years ago, I set out to investigate what helps and hinders people in accessing counseling. Participants reported that phone counseling is extremely helpful. I got curious about phone counseling and I sought phone therapy over the past 6 months. It was definitely helpful to access therapy from the comfort of my home, I did not have to commute, and it provided some ease in talking about my past family traumas. Specifically, I could have a nap after a draining session or take one of my dogs out for a refreshing walk. The distance helped with the shame piece; it was easier to talk about difficult topics. . . .

PROs

• Counseling at your place - you could be at your home, office, travelling, on a favourite walk destination and talk to your therapist.
• No need to commute – You don’t need waste time in road traffic and catching public transport. Just talk counseling wherever you are.
• No need to change counselor - You don’t need to find a different counselor just because you have shifted to a different location. You need to choose a counselor with whom you feel comfortable and understood.
• Consult a qualified counselor even if this service is not available in your place. You don’t need to compromise on your mental health just because your city doesn’t have counselor. Get counselor wherever you are.
• A great option for people with mobility issues - If you can’t move out of your house because you have a physical disability or you don’t have a car, or you can’t leave your kid alone at home, therapy can still happen - ONLINE.

CONs

• You always miss the feel of sitting in front of a counselor with all his body language, gestures, expressions and the vibes. Hmmm, they are also very useful things.
• Network problems can be really disruptive for therapy sessions because they break the flow and act as major irritants.
• Online Counseling or Phone-Counseling is not meant for severe psychiatric disorders.

So, my client finally decided to get started with phone counseling. We talked on the phone because she was in a remote area where the internet was not good enough for video calls.

So what are you waiting for? 

Just contact and talk. Break the 

Disclaimer: I am not suggesting that phone counseling replace in-person counseling, nor am I suggesting phone counseling for trauma. I recommend EMDR combined with yoga/meditation for trauma healing.