Is therapy/counselling an essential meeting?

[BuckingFrolics]

Are people still seeing their counsellors? Would you, if you did see one, still go?

I'm not sure about going to mine, partly as I can't see how he can get his headspace clear to work, partly sitting opposite each other in a small room isn't sensible, partly because I have nothing to say other than "arrrgh!

DD's getting her sessions through skype, is that a possibility?

I’ve had some Skype sessions, bit odd, but better than nothing maybe. I wouldn’t be making a trip to see anyone in person you don’t have too though

My therapist is now holding all sessions over the phone- it's the only responsible thing to do I think.

For a lot of people, yes counselling is essential. I’m a counsellor working face to face for now (I’m lucky to have a big room) but am transitioning clients that want to across to telephone and online working. I’ve had to do extra training to take this temporary measure so it’s taken a bit of time. I still expect to see son of my clients face to face for a few days, but after that who knows?

*some, not son

I've always seen my therapist on skype.

I won't be travelling anywhere I don't have to and he sent an email to all his clients telling them that this was also available.

But if you do decide not to attend your sessions, PLEASE contact your counsellor to say so. Your choice will be respected. It’s very upsetting and can be costly to be sitting in a room waiting for someone who never shows.

The counselling and psychotherapy professional bodies (BACP, UKCP etc.) have issued guidelines about this, I think many have changed over to phone/online sessions now.

My nhs psychotherapist did a telephone consultation for me a few days ago.

I did go to one on Monday, I see her roughly once a month. I did see it as absolutely essential - I have been in MH crisis for months and I was very aware that this would be my last chance for a long time. However I am not booking any for a while now - having to then cancel, and being anxious about it for weeks, would be worse for me than not having one in the first place. She was very understanding of that and although she prefers face to face, as do I, is happy to consider phone or Skype sessions.

I’m going to try and arrange my psychiatrist appt to be by phone though, I can’t not have it because I won’t get another prescription otherwise (I’m titrating dose still so it’s not on repeat or managed by my GP yet)

Should be phone / online. Hopefully you still get the support you need.

Phone online works well. It’s different but not worse.

DS sees a counsellor fortnightly. He's been forewarned that the next session will probably be over the telephone.

Ask your therapist about it. If they are UKCP/BACP they have had guidance. If they aren’t with a professional body it’s worth questioning with them why!

Phone and discuss it with him. My DH works and does voluntary counselling. He'd be happy to do a telephone session.

Thanks - yes we did it by phone and it was different. Not bad, just different I love my counsellor

That’s brilliant @BuckingFrolics