Why I offer only online counselling
Simple. Because male clients prefer seem to prefer the anonymity and convenience of online counselling.
Benefits of online counselling
While there is a growing body of research evidence (for example, Kazdin (2015), Pescatello et al (2020); Tucker (2024) to suggest that online counselling is as effective as face-to-face counselling (have a look at this post), let me outline what I have found to be the advantages of online counselling from my experience:
Convenience
Online counselling allows clients to book an appointment that suits their availability rather than adding travelling time to any session time. Clients can also engage in counselling at their convenience, in an environment they are already familiar and comfortable with.
Flexibility
I have been offering limited online counselling for a few years for people who have mobility issues, travel for work, or want to work with a specific specialist counsellor anywhere in the world. Currently, I am counselling clients from across the UK and several different countries and continents across the world, both as private clients and through several different international companies.
Emotional and Physical Safety
One of the strange things about online counselling is that many clients feel safer. Clients feel in control of where they see the counsellor. For some, the safe space is their home; others travel to a safe space in their car and talk to me away from home or work. Another aspect is that clients don’t seem to feel the need to maintain a ‘social mask’ in their initial session and tend to offer me a glimpse of who they are, being more honest and transparent in the session – meaning that our work can progress at a faster, deeper pace. I think this is because they feel safer in their chosen space.
Reduced Stigma
Not having to go to a counsellor’s room, and therefore not being seen or having to explain to people what they are doing, seems to be a benefit hat some experience from online counselling.