Should I have my Counselling face to face or online?

There are pros and cons of each approach, so it really is up to you how you decide to work. I charge the same fee whichever approach you prefer.

You can create a comfortable and private space in your own home from which to attend therapy.
You may find it easy to talk, focus and express yourself in your own environment.
Avoiding travel and parking for an appointment can alleviate stress cost.
For people with disabilities or certain anxieties, working online is more accessible.
You won’t be ‘seen’ going to therapy if privacy is important to you.
We may be able to be more flexible about scheduling as there will not be an issue regarding room availability.
During concerns of Covid19 working remotely prevents the spread of infection.
Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy.
I can work with clients who are based anywhere in the UK, as you don’t need to travel to meet in person.

Internet connection difficulties or problems with older technology.
It is important that you have a private space at home where you will not be disturbed or overheard by anyone. This can sometimes be a challenge in family life.
Given that only the top half of our bodies will be visible, we will have to use more verbal explanations as a result.
If you work using a screen all day, it may be demanding to have another online activity.
If you are interested in exploring the more creative aspects of therapy that might include working with objects or art for example, this can sometimes be a bit more limited online. Having said that, often with some lateral thinking we can find ways around some of these challenges.
Whilst I follow best practice security measures, when using 3rd party applications there is always a very low risk of a breach of security.

Being out and meeting someone in person can be a rich experience if you do not have many social connections
Some clients like the energetic connection that meeting in person can bring
Some clients need body language and vocal tone to effectively communicate with a therapist
Meeting face to face is what feels more familiar
No technology difficulties
A wider range of creative approaches can be used

For those with physical disabilities, social anxieties or practical constraints, sometimes meeting outside of your own home is difficult
More time is needed to travel to the venue
I can only meet with clients who are local to my area in Totnes, Devon
You might need to wait longer before starting therapy as a room booking has to be made (I don’t have my own permanent room currently as so many clients are now using Zoom for their Counselling).

I am also happy to run Counselling sessions on the telephone if you prefer.

The technology is familiar
A mobile phone is portable so it is possible to move away from interruptions
You are not actually, physically, faced with a therapist. This may be better for clients who feel particularly anxious about having counselling.
Telephone counselling allows the client to remain as anonymous as they choose to be.
Useful for clients who do not have access to transport or perhaps live in a remote location.
For some clients, not seeing the Counsellor face-to-face allows makes it easier to open up, which can lead to deeper engagement

Telephone reception can be variable and unreliable
The client and Counsellor can only hear each other, so sometimes non-verbal communication is harder to pick up.
When the Counsellor allows silences for the client to process their thoughts, it can feel strange on the phone as we are not used to having gaps in conversation usually on the phone.
For some people, it is important to get out of the house to have enough privacy for Counselling
Clients have variable phone contracts and sometimes calls are costly. Therefore I generally make the phone call to you, to avoid any problems with high charges.