COUNSELLING FROM A DISTANCE (TELEPHONE OR ONLINE) CONTACT

Internet Counselling Informed Consent

There are pro’s and con’s to everything in life, and counselling and styles of counselling are of no exception.  Depending on the person, what that person is hoping for in regards to support and counsellor-client relationship, distance counselling can be a great match OR not ideal.  Additionally, given the recent significant health circumstances with the Covid – 19 situation, face to face counselling is presently not an option.  This doesn’t mean that there aren’t many needs out there that but counselling from a distance is the primary way that is the safest for counselling support that is available at this time. 

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Pro’s;

Although there can’t be guarantees when it comes to outcomes in counselling, there’s a real possibility that time spent engaging with a therapist can help you to understand yourself and the situation and/or feelings you’re experiencing.  Counselling could improve your relationships, help you to consider and develop new skills for coping and working through challenges, reduce stress and possibly improve your quality of life. 

Con’s;

You may enter the counselling arrangement with goals in mind that you find you haven’t been able to be reached with the counsellor or a client/counsellor relationship.  This could be because of a feeling related to less comfort than expected or for other reasons.  You may find that the engagement through technology doesn’t result in a strengthening of your feelings and coping skills.  It may feel uncomfortable specific to utilizing distance means in which to connect (phone or video style chat) verses the option to meet face to face in an office.