Would you ,or have you, used a telephone counselor?

I'm a very private person, and I have been for a counseling session before and I found it very invasive. I never went back. I can see how for people like myself, telephone counseling would be a preferable option. For people who are busy or have disabilities, it is also a brilliant idea. I just hope the idea doesn't get abused by people who don't need it, so that the people with REAL problems get left behind. x

I have rung up helplines a couple of times at very low points in my life. They are great as an emergency outlet when you are feeling very desperate and have no one else to talk to. Some people also find it easier to be honest with someone when they can't see their face. A bit like a modern version of the Catholic confessional I suppose. However, I don't think many people would argue that they are a serious long-term alternative to face-to-face counselling in person. People give off all sorts of non-verbal clues as to what they are really thinking and feeling, and if the counsellor cannot see them then it makes their job much harder. Also, I personally found that it was harder to explain my problems over a telephone line than it would be face to face. Once or twice the counsellors would jump to conclusions and I think it would have been easier to clarify things if I had been talking to them in person. But if it is the only option available then it is much better than nothing.

Here in Australia we have had free telephone counselling for years and years. The one that first springs to mind is Life Line. It's a charitable organization that does many things and telephone counselling is one of them. In the community Help section of the phone book there are all sorts of free calls you can make for help and assistance 24 hours a day. The organisation you ring offer a range of services and sometimes the first person you contact is a counsellor. I've used Life Line in the past when i've been in despair and just wanted someone to listen and comfort me and point me in the right direction. The last woman I spoke to about 8 years ago when I was going through a period of unemployement was rather patronising I felt and when I mentioned this she switched to telling me to pray. It wasn't what I needed or wanted to hear. I think it's really important to get someone on the other end of the phone who is genuine a nd a good counsellor. I think a lot of folk volunteer for this work to make themselves feel better and they have no real empathy for the client. I've seen things from both sides.

I have never used a telephone couselor and have never known anyone to. However, if I were troubled, I think if I knew the person on the other end was lisenced and a true professional, I would consider it. I think people are more likely to open up over the phone and able to tell things in their hearts easier than face to face. It removes the fear of seeing the other person's body language that may reflect shock or rejection or diappointment or judgement.

There are good and bad to having a telephone counselor. It is easier for some people to open up to a counselor on the phone then in person. The bad part is the counselor cannot read body language. Some people can lie on the phone better than they can in person. I do not know if I could use a counselor via the telephone.

Well, I am a telephone counselor! So my answer would be a little prejudiced. I beleive that it is an excellent alternative beacuse #1 it is inexpensive compared to the alternatives, #2 it is convinient-and that this is very alluring in our modern day fast-paced society. #3- It's easy, just pick up the phone or drop a line in an e-mail and you've got the answer to the big questions you may have. I answer questions on several different sites and currently accept calls on dating, marriage and relationships. It turns out to be good therapy for ALL involved! www.igenio.com/IsaidIt

I have had a great deal of counseling in the past 95% of it has been face to face, but I have rang Samaritans if that counts and I found it very helpful but I still prefer the personal touch. Although you are in the comfort of your own home, it is not always easy to find quality time to sit down undisturbed to talk to someone. I always prefer to face my counselor as I get vibes from them and you can't pick up vibes from the telephone.

Well, I do not think that I have heard of this one before. It has to be new and no I haven't tried it just yet. Maybe someday.

I've never actually been counselled by telephone, but I have sought advice and prayer, and found it helpful.

I have never used a helpline before. I call customer service for help with different issues, but never called an actual helpline. I worked for something similar to a helpline, and now I work at Lifeline, which I guess you could consider a helpline. I've never actually used one for myself or someone else. I'm not against them, as I know that they are helpful. I just don't think I would call one. I'd be more likely to either ask my counselor, or go online. I'm not big on the telephone, probably because I'm on the phone all day for work. I would you know that the person is even certified to help you? Well, I guess it's the same as online. I mean, which websites are actually giving you th real advice from real, certified indivuduals?

Personally I have never yet felt the need to have telephone counseling (or face to face counseling for that matter). This is not because I don’t agree with it but because I have never been in a situation so far where I haven’t been able to talk my problems through with family or friends. If I did not have this close support group available I would not think twice about using telephone counselors. I don’t know if you’ve heard of The Samaritans in the UK, who are a voluntary counseling service for people in need (they've been around for many many years). You can call up anonymously and/or go in to see a counselor in person. I went to see The Samaritans when I was about 17 with a friend to give her moral support as she was having family problems and she found them extremely helpful. Over the years I have actually done counseling courses myself but these were more related to counseling in the workplace for staff members. I have always been told that I have good listening skills and this is essential for a good counselor. Some people are put off by counselors as they think they will tell them what to do, a good counselor should listen to the person more than speak!

Telephone counselling is good. It would make it easier to reach counselors. It would also make people more comfortable if they are to shy to talk to a counselor face to face. Even though its good, I wouldn't use it. Are you insane? Telephone bills are expensive. Its not like they don't charge you for that. Although, I would recommend it.