While telephone counseling
has long been used for crisis intervention services,
hot lines or as an adjunct to face-to-face counseling,
it is fast becoming a primary means for delivering
psychotherapeutic services.
There are excellent reasons for this trend. For
clients who have limited time, eliminating travel
is a major consideration. Research shows that
a client who is at ease in their own home is likely
to be less inhibited and guarded about discussing
difficult topics. The privacy afforded by the phone
makes it uniquely useful for someone who may be
fearful about seeking counseling services. It
is essential to mention that the use of the
telephone does NOT change the counselor’s
obligation or ability to provide sound, competent
services and to protect the client’s confidentiality.
In conclusion, current research correctly points
out that telephone therapy offers a potent combination
of intimacy and convenience.
