Aberdeen Bespoke Counselling
Telephone Counselling
Telephone counselling sessions operate in a similar way to an online session and have similar benefits for those with busy lifestyles, physical or mental health limitations, limited time or would simply prefer counselling from the comfort of their own home.
Who is this for?
Telephone counselling is a form of counselling that takes place over the phone (mobile, via messaging app or landline) at a pre-determined time. It is also a good solution for those who may feel more comfortable being on the phone than in person, know they may open up more on the phone or may not like or feel comfortable with the internet.
Telephone counselling has similar benefits to that of online counselling. These include - no travel complications, travel costs, weather interruptions, difficulties leaving home, and a higher level of anonymity. Also, for those in rural areas, or commute between cities, or travel regularly – the sessions can still be easily accessible.
Remember to make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before your session!
“I was asked what I would like to achieve from the sessions which was important to me. I was also assessing my counsellor to see how we got on. Most importantly I felt comfortable with you and that you were someone I felt I would be able to talk openly with.”
What can you expect?
Aberdeen based trained Person Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works with adults over the age of 16.
I can help with a wide range of difficulties such as depression, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, stress, work-related stress, self-harm, low self-esteem / self-confidence, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, trauma, childhood emotional neglect, burnout, bereavement, bullying, individual relationship difficulties, family issues. I am particularly passionate around issues relating to neurodiversity such as ADHD or Autism and I am experienced in working with those who are currently facing or recovering from Narcissistic abuse or any form of gas lighting. I deeply understand the importance of slowly building your confidence and regaining a sense of identity after having experienced this type of abuse.
I am fortunate to have worked in a generalist counselling capacity and have experienced a wide range of client issues. I have always felt it a privilege that clients share their lives and experiences with me and therefore fully understand the need and importance of confidentiality with each and every client.
“I found the sessions relaxing and comfortable and were all about me and whatever I wanted to speak about. As an introverted person I find it difficult to open up and speak, Catherine was patient and asked the key questions to get me speaking and understanding myself and my thinking better.”
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Telephone counselling is counselling that takes place via a landline, mobile phone or messaging app to help you to explore how you’re feeling, understand what you are going through and support you to make the changes in your life if you need to.
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Before the session you will receive a text 24hrs prior to your session confirming the time and date of the call. I will always call you and hopefully you will have saved my mobile number from our introductory call, if not my mobile can be found under FAQs.
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Practically:
It is vital that you have a private space where you will not be interrupted for the duration of our 50 minute counselling session. It may be that you are in a house with others and the use of headphones may help to further keep the session confidentially safe for you. Headphones are also a good idea for your comfort, holding a phone for 50 minutes can be tiring!
Also handy tip – remember to ensure you battery of your phone or laptop/ipad has a full battery or can be charged whilst in session!
Personally:
Belief in the counselling process and a little patience will also be beneficial, the mind takes time to recover just like the body! Making sure you have the time for counselling at this point in your life is also worth considering. Time for not just the appointments but time to reflect on them, working through things and maybe even a little homework inbetween sessions (dont worry this is optional!) And finally with the above in mind, for it to work, all I ask is that you have an open mind, are open to personal growth and to learning about yourself!
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Some benefits might be…
Convenience – it may be beneficial for those with busy work or travel schedules. Your session can be carried out in the comfort or your own home.
Accessibility for those with physical limitations – if you are unable to leave your home for various reasons, such as physical or mental illness, you may find online therapy a useful alternative to traditional face to face settings.
Regularity - more consistent therapy - telephone therapy decreases absences due to poor weather conditions or sickness, allowing clients to participate in therapy on a more regular basis.
Confidentiality – there is no likelihood that you may be seen entering the counsellors practice.
Some concerns might be…
Non-verbal communication – although we are seeing each other on the computer, it is thought there may be some subtle signs such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice or even speed of breathing could be missed on occasion. However, attending an online and telephone counselling course means the likelihood of this may be reduced and requires me to listen more deeply and look harder for non-verbal signs.
Security – may also be a concern in regard to confidentiality and often clients ask is it safe? I can hopefully reassure you that Whatsapp and Google Meet offer end-to-end encryption as standard. Please however ensure your security and software as are up to date as possible and this may reduce the risk of any security issues.
Some questions might be…
Is the timing right for you just now?
Can you commit to weekly sessions?
Can you afford the sessions and for how long?
Get in touch for an introductory call.
If you are unsure of which method is best for you, please don’t worry – we can discuss this in our free of charge introductory call and go from there.