Online or in person counselling:
how do you choose?

When you’re thinking about starting counselling, one of the first decisions is whether to meet online or in person. For some people, the choice is straightforward. For others, there may be more to consider than they first expected.

Convenience is part of it, but it’s not the only consideration. Where you feel comfortable talking, the privacy you have, and how counselling fits into your everyday life can all influence your decision.

Where can you speak freely?

Being at home does not necessarily mean having privacy.

You might share your home with a partner, family or housemates. Even with a closed door, knowing someone could overhear might affect what you feel comfortable discussing.

The reverse can also be true. Travelling somewhere for counselling, or being seen arriving and leaving, might feel uncomfortable for different reasons.

It’s worth considering where you’d feel most able to speak freely, without worrying about who might be listening.

The experience of being together

Some people prefer sitting in the same room as their counsellor. Being physically present together can feel important, and having a space away from everyday life may help them focus on themselves for a while.

Others find that meeting through a screen creates a little distance that makes talking easier. Being in familiar surroundings, perhaps sitting on their own couch, can help them feel more comfortable.

Neither experience is necessarily better than the other.

Being in the same room does not automatically mean a stronger connection. The two experiences are also not identical.

You might already have a preference, or you might discover one as you begin counselling.

Making counselling fit into your life

There are practical considerations too.

Work commitments, rehearsals, caring responsibilities and travel time can all affect how easily counselling fits into your week.

Online sessions remove the need to travel, which can make attending more manageable, particularly if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule.

On the other hand, if much of your day is already spent looking at a screen, you might appreciate the opportunity to step away from it.

For some people, the journey to and from an in-person session also provides time to prepare beforehand or reflect afterwards.

How does online counselling work?

At The Listening Finch, online counselling sessions take place by video using Halaxy’s secure telehealth platform.

Before your appointment, you’ll receive a link to join your session.

You can attend from home or another private location where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

Phone sessions may also be available when video isn’t practical.

In-person counselling is available in Camperdown, New South Wales.

Can you change between online and in-person counselling?

Yes. You’re welcome to move between online and in-person sessions as your circumstances change.

You might usually attend in person but find that an online session works better during a particularly busy week.

If your plans change unexpectedly, or you’re unwell and unable to travel, switching to an online session may be possible, including close to your appointment.

The important thing is to get in touch so we can work out what’s practical.

Finding what works for you

You might already know which format you’d prefer, or you might be unsure.

What feels comfortable now may also change over time. A format that works well at the beginning of counselling might not always be the one that suits you best.