Therapy online/phone does it work?

[scaley45]

I'm considering individual and couples counselling. I'm wondering if it works just as well virtually as it does face to face.

Any better or worse ?

F2F much better but it’s difficult atm due to COVID

Hello, on-line or telephone therapy is different, for sure, but yes, it certainly can work. In some ways it can be challenging: even if you can see your therapist’s face, on a screen it is two dimensional so it can be a bit harder to ‘read’ their expression. It can be a bit of a pain if your wifi signal breaks up. Etc. A good therapist who has had some training in working this way will help you manage any barriers. Some people actually find they prefer having therapy like this as it fits better with their routine/ you don’t have to build in time to travel for example. It’s important you can find somewhere at home that’s private and where you won’t be interrupted. It’s also a good idea to allow yourself about ten minutes after a session to settle back into the room as part of your home (or it can feel a little weird that you’ve just had counselling there).

Some therapists will consider offering couples work remotely, some won’t. It’s important to check the person is accustomed to working in this way first. Hope this is helpful.

I have a lot of experience with counselling/therapy. During lockdown etc I've had Zoom with a counsellor, then a psychologist, and also a support group.

It really suits me.

Therapy, and you don't even have to leave the house.

I've found it better. I have therapy over zoom and I find I talk a lot more when I'm sat in my pants at home rather than in an office environment.

Swings and roundabouts. Can be a little harder to pick up on the nuances but it can be much easier to talk freely when relaxed in your home environment. Also means you can pick the right therapist for you, rather than only being able to choose from those located nearby.

Yes my experience of phone therapy was positive, better than F2F mainly because the phone therapist was heavily specialised in the area I was struggling with, IMO that's what makes the difference.

It’s better in my opinion. My therapist does zoom online. I can be comfy in my own home with a cup of tea. It’s lovely