Counselling is taking many forms in today’s modern world, including online therapy, computerised cognitive behaviour therapy, and telephone counselling, to name a few. That’s because even therapists have to adapt to today’s clients changing needs and busy lifestyles.
In fact, research suggests that one of the most common reasons why people don’t attend face-to-face appointments is being busy with other commitments, including working late, lack of childcare, or the inability to afford commute costs to traditional therapy offices. But that’s not all! People also don’t attend face-to-face therapy in conventional settings because they still fear the stigma around seeking counselling for mental health issues.
Now, telephone counselling may be the solution to all these challenges that stop people from seeking counselling when they need it. So, let’s see what are the benefits of telephone counselling and how does it work.
How does telephone counselling work?
Before we talk about the benefits of telephone counselling, let’s first understand how it works.
The name of this form of therapy is pretty self-explanatory: telephone counselling sessions are similar to face-to-face sessions only that they happen through the phone. They can be offered daytime, evenings, and during the weekend, creating wider flexibility for clients to choose the moment that fits their lifestyle the best.
Now, you may be wondering “But does it work?”
Data shows telephone counselling has been found to be beneficial and satisfactory at improving the specific problem that made the client seek therapy. Moreover, research also suggests that people have found the same levels of satisfaction with online and telephone therapy as they did with traditional, face-to-face therapy.
Benefits of telephone counselling
Telephone counselling is the modern-day form of therapy that caters best to busy individuals who need counselling for their mental health issues.
Compared to traditional face-to-face counselling, telephone therapy brings many benefits on the table, including:
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Clients save time and money they would otherwise spend on commuting to and from counselling appointments
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Clients receive counselling from the comfort of their home, office, car, or any other place by simply using their phones
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It provides clients with an added level of anonymity
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Clients can continue their therapy sessions even when they’re out of their town
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Clients who can’t leave home can get access to therapy (people with disabilities, victims of domestic abuse or convicts in house arrest, for example)
Now, perhaps the biggest benefit of telephone counselling is the level of anonymity it provides to clients.
Have you ever noticed that it is sometimes easier to talk about sensitive problems with strangers than your loved ones? That’s because we usually fear that we will disappoint our loved ones or that we will be judged for our problems. Yet, when you are talking to a stranger, you feel more comfortable to speak openly about your experiences and feelings.
For those who fear being judged or stigmatised for seeking therapy, telephone counselling works best as it provides a genuine and real understanding in a non-judgmental way and happens from the comfort of clients’ homes.
