Phone Counseling - How Does It Measure Up?
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by: DaveTuro-Shields,LCSW,CEC
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Is Phone Counseling Private?
For the most part, phone counseling is as private as you make it. In a Nielson privacy study, they found out that the larges privacy breach with any online activity happens in the home. You read that right. The personal privacy scare is certainly a threat, but the most current research would shave that concern down dramatically. Basically what they are telling us is that mom, who was purchasing a phone counseling session online at a website, leaves that website open and her child sees the web page and inquires about it. This is the kind of breach we're looking at. The other privacy potential problem is having someone pick up on the telephone line you're using for your session. Keep these things in mind as you start phone counseling.
Comparing Live Counseling Sessions With Phone Counseling
I believe nothing beats face-to-face counseling. So why have I offered phone counseling for the past 10 years? Because it works! And individuals specifically request it more and more. Over the years I've noticed some powerful advantages of phone counseling over sitting with a client.
Most all of us have a need to please other people. A client sitting in a session should be focused on their needs, not the therapists needs. However, would you think a client still wants the therapist to like them in a live session? Phone counseling has taught me that there is a lot more of that going in in live sessions than we might like to admit. I came to that conclusion years ago as I noticed how direct phone clients can be. If they feel I'm heading down the wrong path, they're quick to tell me. Other times, they share pertinent information that they may have held back for a number of sessions, maybe because they would have felt embarrassed sharing it live.
So what's the outcome? I have found in phone sessions that we "get down to it" much quicker. Clients feel more empowered to stop you in mid-sentence and tell you straight-away if your approach doesn't seem to be a fit for them. This is immensely helpful as it makes the therapist adjust to exactly what the client needs. This all makes for a much more efficient session and a happier client outcome.
Phone Therapy Fits Busy Schedules
Those who are attracted to phone counseling love the convenience of it. For example, I've counseling people while they were on a train, in an airport, commuting to or from work, changing a diaper, on lunch break at work and at work in the privacy of their own office. This list could go on.
As you can see phone counseling is powerfully convenient to you and fits nicely with your busy schedule.
Is Phone Counseling Expensive?
You may have already put this together from the previous paragraphs. How much would you estimate it might cost you to take time off work? Get child care? How much is it worth to you to travel to and from appointments? Live sessions across the US range anywhere from $65-$140 per hour. When adding in the items I mentioned above you can add another 15-20%. Using phone therapy can cost you 15-20% less than a scheduled sit-down appointment.
Can You Really Get The Right Connection Through Phone Counseling?
We know that the literature shows that all therapies have about the same level of success. What makes the difference is the alliance between therapist and client. I've been pleasantly surprised at how powerful the connection can be, even in the very firt session of phone therapy. I've been counseling by phone for 10 years now. I don't do things that don't work! I like to see my clients making progress and happy in their lives. Phone counseling definitely answers the call, so to speak.
Will Your Insurance Carrier Cover Phone Counseling?
Very few insurance companies cover phone counseling as of the writing of this. However, due to the capitalistic nature of these organizations, just as soon as they see an opportunity to have more efficient therapy, for shorter duration of time. That equals less money paid out to providers and more in their pockets, you can be assured they will be jumping on board. Just last year my counseling practice was sought out for deliver of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions for 8 organizations in South Dakota. We recently renewed that contract and now provide email and phone counseling assistance to over 8000 employees.
My practice has had two EAP contracts in the last two years specifically to deliver counseling services through email and by phone. Most likely your insurance carrier will say no, but let them know when you call that it's a service you'd like to see them cover in the future.
Can Anyone or Everyone Benefit From Phone Counseling?
Phone counseling isn't for everyone. If you'd really prefer to be 1:1 with a counselor, by all means, take that route. Other times individuals struggle terribly and become suicidal or even homicidal. Phone or online counseling is definitely not for you if you're in this shape. Call 911 or the national help line, 211 in case of emergency.
Phone counseling brings many benefits. If you're stuck in life, and we all occasionally run into walls in life, then you should strongly consider phone counseling. It's fast, works with your busy schedule and returns great results from those who've participated. You should give it a try.
About the Author
For more information about Phone Counseling please visit http://www.CounselingPros.com a trusted phone counseling agency.
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