4 Key Benefits of Phone Counseling with an Addiction Expert

The advantages of telephone counseling compared to in-person, face-to-face sessions are numerous and diverse. I've highlighted the main points below.

1. Convenience

The convenience of phone counseling lets you or us 'meet' on your schedule—in your own environment. Most people feel much more comfortable at home than in an office, which involves driving, finding parking, dealing with the weather, arranging childcare, and sitting in an unfamiliar setting meant for someone else's comfort. And you never know who you might meet in the waiting room!

Using a speakerphone allows more than one person to join the session. Sometimes, a significant other or family member is hesitant to visit a counselor’s office. Often, relatives in another part of the country are essential to the process’s success. If appropriate, we can include them in the call.

Since we are in different locations and not face-to-face, I can take notes while speaking and stay hands-free to search online when needed. This benefits both of us, especially you, the client. Many people feel awkward talking, listening, and taking notes at the same time when the counselor is right in front of them. I provide my clients with a lot of information and multiple insights—things that should be written down rather than trying to remember them later.

2. Comfort

The idea of attending therapy or counseling might feel uncomfortable for some, especially at first. Being able to do it from your own home makes the process of “showing up” much easier. Often, family members are either too embarrassed to visit an office or not motivated enough to make the trip. When counseling by phone, our clients get all the help they need with full privacy and minimal effort initially. The results are highly effective.

3. Economy

Because I ask my clients to send me a brief one- or two-paragraph summary of their situation before the session, I have time to prepare and ensure the session is very productive. This step is optional and at your discretion. We can hold sessions without it during times of immediate crisis.

4. Privacy

The belief that a counselor must be physically present for effective counseling is simply not true. I find that people often feel more comfortable opening up during phone sessions. While body language and facial expressions are important in face-to-face therapy, they matter less in family counseling because family members usually share their thoughts and concerns about a loved one who isn’t present.

When I work with families, I don’t need to worry much about honesty and truthfulness. There’s no logical reason for them to give false information. It’s a different situation when counseling an addict or alcoholic who may or may not want to change. Since I don’t accept insurance, there’s no permanent record of our sessions or discussions—I don’t have to fill out forms or reports for reimbursement.

Is it time to end the drama?

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Call Joe at 303.775.6493
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