Telephone therapy is an excellent option for individuals dealing with divorce.

Talking to a divorce counselor over the telephone is a wonderful alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy for many individuals who are considering, going through, or recovering from divorce.  It saves time, is convenient, and is less intimidating for many clients.  There are some issues to consider when starting divorce counseling by telephone; many are relevant to all types of counseling, and others are specific to phone counseling.  These tips are designed to help you feel more comfortable with and get the most out of the process.

• -Look for a counselor who offers a free first session. This getting-to-know-you session will familiarize you with the process and help you decide whether you have a rapport with a particular therapist.  You’ll have a chance to tell the counselor your main reason for seeking therapy and the counselor will be able to offer information about how she will be able to assist you.
• -Decide how often you will “attend” phone counseling sessions. Many clients begin both telephone and face-to-face counseling with weekly sessions, with more frequent sessions during times of crisis if necessary.  As you recover, you may wish to decrease the frequency of phone counseling sessions, particularly as you near termination of therapy.  Regardless of the frequency, counseling sessions must be attended consistently and regularly for maximum effectiveness.
• -Ask how long each session will last. The typical length is around one hour for both telephone and in-person therapy.  This timeframe will allow you to relax into each session without lasting so long that it becomes overwhelming.  Some sessions may be tiring, so try to select a time slot that allows you to have a relatively light schedule for a few hours after each session.
• -Ask how many sessions there will be before a progress review. Divorce counseling isn’t meant to last indefinitely, but some individuals avoid therapy out of fear of becoming dependent on it.  You may feel more comfortable if you schedule regular progress reviews (typically every six to eight weeks) so you and your therapist can discuss what’s working and which issues need more work, as well as set new goals.
• -Decide how you will obtain privacy for your sessions. This is of greater concern for phone therapy, since the sessions won’t take place in a brick-and-mortar facility.  If you’ll be at work during your sessions and don’t have an office door you can close, you might want to use a conference room, walk outside, or sit in your vehicle.  Be sure that you won’t be interrupted by colleagues (or by children, if you’ll be at home) while you’re on the phone.
• -What happens if you have a crisis? You may wish to call your counselor at times other than your scheduled appointments; for example, after a particularly heated exchange with your spouse or prior to an anxiety-producing court date.  This is usually an option, but you will experience less consternation if you discuss the possibility with your therapist beforehand.  Be aware that your counselor has appointments with other clients that could delay a return call.

Telephone counseling is a wonderful option for people who are dealing with the trauma of divorce.  These tips will help you get the most you can out of your sessions so you’ll become a healthier, happier person after divorce.

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