When to Choose Phone Counseling
Phone Counseling can be a very useful service in many different situations. People choose to see professional counselors, usually at times of stress, or when they are having difficulty coping with life's events on their own. Often times, things happen in people's lives which create sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or many other emotions that can be difficult to understand and cope with. This is when professional counseling can be very useful.
Ideally, professional counseling is best when done face-to-face. Counselors are trained to look at many different aspects of communication during a counseling session, one of which is called "affect." A person's affect consists of facial expressions and other aspects which convey one's mood or emotional state. Although affect can be conveyed over the phone, it is more difficult to convey via telephone, than it is when counseling is done face-to-face. One of the most important aspects of counseling is the relationship that develops between you and the counselor. The telephone presents an extra barrier to this relationship. With that being said, phone counseling is still a valuable service, and is especially useful in certain circumstances.
Phone counseling can be useful when there is a lack of professional counselors in your area. If you have tried to find a counselor nearby and have been unable to, then phone counseling is an option to consider.
Others may not be able to travel to see a counselor face-to-face, either because of transportation issues or medical issues. This is another case where phone counseling is a viable alternative.
Some people may feel an urgent need to speak with someone, and waiting for an appointment or researching therapists is something that will take too long for them to get the help that they need. You may be going through emotional turmoil. If you feel that your need to speak to a professional therapist is urgent, then phone counseling can be an excellent solution.
To get connected with a therapist, click on one of the "Connect Live" links on this website, then follow the instuctions that are presented.