When you decide to start counselling, one of the first practical choices you will have to make is where your sessions happen. A few years ago, almost everyone met their counsellor face-to-face in a therapy room. Today, online and telephone sessions are just as popular.
If you are trying to decide between the two, you might be wondering if staring at a screen or talking on the phone feels as helpful as sitting in the same room. The short answer is yes. Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person counselling for challenges like anxiety, depression, and navigating tough life changes. It all comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable.
Why Face-to-Face Counselling Works
For many people, there is something irreplaceable about physically entering a dedicated therapeutic space. Roberta offers face-to-face sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays at her quiet, fully accessible room in Sutton Plaza.
- A Physical Boundary: Leaving your house and travelling to a therapy room creates a clear boundary between your everyday life and your counselling session. It gives you a dedicated physical space to focus entirely on yourself.
- No Distractions: In a professional therapy room, you do not have to worry about the Wi-Fi cutting out, family members knocking on the door, or your phone buzzing in the background.
- Natural Connection: Some people find it easier to open up when they can see their counsellor’s body language clearly and share the physical warmth of the same room.
Why Online and Telephone Counselling Works
Roberta also offers online and telephone sessions across all weekdays and some evenings. If you have a busy schedule or find it difficult to travel, remote therapy can make getting help much easier.
- Comfort of Home: Sitting in your own favourite chair, with your own mug of tea and perhaps a pet nearby, can make opening up about difficult feelings feel a lot safer and less intimidating.
- Ultimate Convenience: You do not have to factor in travel times, traffic, or train delays. You can log on from anywhere in Surrey or the wider UK, meaning therapy fits seamlessly around your work or uni schedule.
- More Flexible Hours: Because there is no commute involved for either of you, online therapy often opens up more flexible appointment times, including evening slots that fit around your routine.
The Core of Therapy Remains the Same
Whether you meet Roberta face-to-face in Sutton or connect with her via a video link from home, the actual therapy does not change. You still get the exact same undivided attention, confidentiality, and professional support.
Roberta’s integrative approach blends different therapeutic styles to match your pace, regardless of the format. The most important factor in how well counselling works is the trust and relationship you build with your counsellor—and that connection can be built just as strongly through a screen as it can in person.