
Telephone Therapy Sessions: Everything You Need to Know
What Are Telephone Therapy Sessions?
- Telephone therapy sessions involve psychological counselling over the phone instead of in-person sessions
- Online therapy – It can be as effective as in-person therapy for those facing barriers to traditional therapy
Benefits of Telephone Therapy Sessions
- Accessibility and Convenience:
- Therapy can be done from the comfort of your home, car, or outdoor locations-
- No need to travel or wait in a clinic, making therapy more convenient and fitting into your life
- Flexibility:
- Evening and weekend appointments are often available-
- Key benefit – Offers flexibility in scheduling, making it easier to commit to regular sessions
- Anonymity and Comfort:
- Some individuals feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues over the phone due to the sense of anonymity-
- Being in a familiar environment can help clients feel more relaxed during sessions
If you are simply looking to access the 10 Free Psychology Sessions Medicare via telepehone, feel free to skip ahead to the “Get Help Now From Our Registered Psychologists” section.
How Do Telephone Therapy Sessions Work?
- Initial Consultation:
- Initial Consultation – First meeting to get to know your therapist
- Discuss concerns, set goals, and determine if you’re a good fit-
- Therapy Introduction – It’s like the first date of your therapy journey
- Setting Up Sessions:
- After the consultation, schedule regular sessions (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Therapist provides a phone number or calls you at the agreed time
- Conducting Sessions:
- Conversations are similar to in-person therapy, where the therapist guides you
- The therapist helps you explore thoughts and feelings, providing coping strategies or homework
- Progress is made through consistent phone calls
- Confidentiality and Privacy:
- Therapists follow strict ethical guidelines to ensure privacy
- Find a quiet, private spot for your sessions to maintain confidentiality (e-g-, cozy home corner, parked car)
Who Can Benefit from Telephone Therapy Sessions?
- Busy Professionals:
- Ideal for individuals with tight schedules
- Convenient, fitting into your day without requiring in-person appointments
- Individuals with Mobility Issues:
- No need for travel, making it perfect for those with difficulty getting around
- Online Access – Receive support from the comfort of your home
- Residents of Remote Areas:
- Technology Solutions – Bridges the gap for individuals in remote locations
- Access to professional support regardless of geographic limitations
- Those Preferring Anonymity:
- Easier to open up without face-to-face interaction
- Offers a level of anonymity, making sensitive topics easier to discuss
Finding a Telephone Therapist
- Research and Recommendations:
- Look for therapists offering telephone therapy sessions – Chat Corner Psychologists, Chat Clinic
- Ask friends or family for recommendations
- Check online directories and professional organisations
- Checking Credentials:
- Ensure your therapist is licensed and qualified
- Read reviews and verify credentials to ensure compatibility
- Initial Consultation:
- Quick and easy – Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs
- Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your choice
Preparing for Your Telephone Therapy Sessions
- Finding a Quiet Space:
- Choose a private, quiet spot (eg, a room at home, your car, or a secluded outdoor area)
- Minimise distractions for an optimal session experience
- Minimising Distractions:
- Turn off electronics such as TV, computer, or other devices
- Prepared engagement – Have a notepad and pen ready for taking notes
- Setting Goals:
- Be mindful – Think about what you want to achieve in therapy
- Setting clear goals will help guide the conversation and maximise each session’s effectiveness
During the Session
- Being Open and Honest:
- Create a safe – Share your thoughts and feelings openly with your therapist
- Honesty is essential for making real progress
- Asking Questions:
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear-
- Always supportive – Your therapist is there to help and provide the information you need
- Taking Notes:
- Take notes during the session to remember key points and strategies
- Notes are useful for applying what you’ve learned between sessions
After the Session
- Reflecting on the Session:
- Always remember – Take time to reflect on what you learned during the session
- Consider how you can apply the insights to your daily life
- Reflection helps solidify your progress
- Implementing Strategies:
- Consistently follow – Implement the strategies and techniques suggested by your therapist
- Consistent practice is key to making improvement
- Scheduling the Next Session:
- Schedule your next session before finishing the current one
- Regular appointments are important for sustained progress
Challenges and Considerations in Telephone Therapy Sessions
- Lack of Non-Verbal Cues:
- Telephone therapy lacks visual cues like body language and facial expressions, which can be important in understanding emotions
- However, therapists are trained to pick up on verbal cues and can still provide effective support
- Technical Issues:
- Technical issues like poor phone reception can disrupt sessions
- It’s important to have a reliable connection and a backup plan in case of technical difficulties-
- Not Suitable for Severe Cases:
- Telephone therapy might not be suitable for severe mental health conditions or crises
- In such cases, in-person therapy or more intensive interventions may be necessary
Alternative Options for Remote Therapy
- Online Therapy:
- Also known as teletherapy or e-therapy
- Involves video calls, instant messaging, or email communication with a therapist
- Provides visual interaction, which can be beneficial for some individuals
- Text-Based Therapy:
- Communicate with your therapist via text messages or chat platforms
- Ideal for those who prefer written communication
- Video Therapy:
- Combines the benefits of telephone and in-person therapy
- Allows you to see your therapist while maintaining the convenience of remote sessions
How to Get Started with Telephone Therapy Sessions
- Contacting a Therapist:
- Reach out to a therapist who offers telephone therapy sessions
- Contact them via phone or email to inquire about services and availability
- Scheduling an Initial Consultation:
- Schedule Now – Set up an initial consultation to discuss your needs
- Determine if telephone therapy is the right fit for you
- Therapeutic Connection – Establish rapport with your therapist during this session
- Preparing for Your First Session:
- Find a quiet space
- Minimise distractions
- Set goals for the session to ensure a productive and effective experience
Insights
- The transformative power of therapy firsthand
- Core Principles:
- Focus on establishing a strong therapeutic alliance with your therapist
- Ensure that a customised approach is used to meet your needs
- These principles apply to telephone therapy sessions
- Core Principles:
Telephone consults are great for:
- Busy Professionals:
- Who Found it impossible to attend in-person appointments
- Those who need flexibility to have sessions during lunch breaks or while commuting
- Eg: This flexibility helps stay committed to therapy without disrupting work schedules
- Rural Clients:
- Struggled with isolation and lacked access to local mental health services
- Telephone therapy provides consistent support without the need for long travel times-
- This support helps to navigate his challenges and improve his overall wellbeing
Conclusion
- Convenience and Flexibility:
- Telephone therapy offers a convenient, flexible, and accessible option for mental health support
- Who Can Benefit:
- Ideal for busy professionals, individuals with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those who prefer the anonymity of phone communication
- Understanding and Getting Started:
- By understanding how telephone therapy works and its benefits, you can take the first step towards improving your mental health-
- Reach out to a qualified therapist to discuss your options if you have any questions
- Bridging the Gap:
- Telephone therapy bridges the gap between need and access
- Providing essential support to those who might not otherwise have it
- A modern solution for mental health support in today’s world, ensuring everyone can seek the help they deserve
Get Help Now From Our Registered Psychologists.
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References:
Department of Health. (2022). Better Access initiative. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative#:~:text=Extra%20support%20is%20available%20until,Read%20about%20these%20extra%20sessions.
Australian Psychological Society. (2023). How much does seeing a psychologist cost? https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs
Department of Health. (2010, November) Evaluation of the Better Acess Initiative Component D: Summary of consultation with stakeholders. Retrieved from: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-eval-dsum-toc~mental-ba-eval-dsum-8~mental-ba-eval-dsum-8-1
Australian Association of Psychologists. (2021). Submission to the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. https://www.aapi.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/SCMHCP%20AAPi%20Submission%202021.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Department of Health. (2023). Medicare Benefits Schedule – Item 91170. Retrieved November 1, 2023, from http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=91170&qt=item
Private Healthcare Australia. (2023). Private Healthcare Australia. https://www.privatehealthcareaustralia.org.au/