Is Remote Counselling as Good as Face-to-Face?

Choosing the right type of counselling shapes your experience and results. You have the option to meet with a counsellor online or in person. More people have started exploring remote sessions in recent years. You want to know if remote counselling offers the same benefits as face-to-face sessions. This blog will help you decide which approach works for you.

Understanding Remote Counselling

Remote counselling uses video calls, phone calls, or sometimes even secure text-based platforms. You and your counsellor interact from different locations. This approach grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face-to-Face Counselling Explained

Face-to-face counselling involves meeting your counsellor in person. Sessions often take place in a private room, such as an office or a dedicated therapy space. Many people feel more comfortable sharing personal information in a physical setting, where body language and non-verbal cues are easy to observe.

Comparing Accessibility and Convenience

Remote counselling offers greater flexibility. You book sessions without worrying about travel time. This saves money and fits more easily into your schedule. If you live in a rural area or if mobility is a concern, remote sessions remove barriers. Research shows that 37% of people in rural areas struggled to access mental health support before online options became widespread.

Face-to-face sessions mean you go to a physical location. Some people find the act of attending sessions in person helps them build a routine, which can support recovery. It also helps if you might struggle to get privacy at home for a remote session.  If you value routine and enjoy a change of scenery, you might prefer this approach.

Building Rapport and Therapeutic Relationships

Good counselling depends on trust between you and your counsellor. Meeting in person makes it easier to pick up on facial expressions, gestures, and other non-verbal signals. The presence of another person in the room helps some people feel more connected.

Remote counselling can still create strong relationships. Video calls let you see your counsellor and talk in real time. Many people report feeling comfortable opening up from their own home. Studies found no significant difference in client satisfaction between online and in-person therapy, as long as both parties were comfortable with the technology.

If you have concerns about privacy at home or worry about technical issues, face-to-face sessions might suit you better. If you value comfort and privacy, remote sessions may work well.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy is essential in counselling. In a remote setting, you need a quiet space where others will not interrupt. Reliable internet and secure platforms are important for protecting your information. The BACP provides guidelines to therapists for securing online sessions.

Face-to-face counselling allows your counsellor to control the privacy of the room. You do not need to worry about digital security, but you may still need to arrange transport or take time off work.

Effectiveness

Both remote and in-person counselling help people manage mental health challenges. A 2022 report found similar outcomes for clients using either method for problems like anxiety and depression. In some cases, remote counselling helped people who struggled to leave home or who felt anxious in new environments.

You might worry about missing out on body language cues or subtle signals when meeting online. Good therapists use other methods, such as clarifying questions and summarising, to compensate for this. You can ask your counsellor about their experience with online sessions.

Suitability for Different Issues 

Some issues respond well to remote counselling. Anxiety, low mood, stress, and grief are examples.

For trauma, complex relationship issues, or severe mental health problems, in-person sessions may offer more support. If you struggle with technology or need hands-on exercises, face-to-face counselling is often better.

Actionable Steps

You have options. To choose the right approach:

• Think about your daily routine and commitments. Would remote sessions fit more easily?

• Ask your GP or mental health provider what types of sessions they offer.

• Try a remote session to see if you feel comfortable. Many counsellors offer both options.

• Make a list of your privacy needs. If your home is busy, a physical location might suit you.

• Consider your comfort with technology. Practice using video calls with a friend before your first session.

  
  

If you’d like to explore whether remote or face-to-face counselling is the right fit for you, please feel free to get in touch for a confidential chat.