Face-to-Face, Online or Telephone Counselling: Which Is Right for You?
When starting counselling, one of the first choices you’ll make is how you’d like to attend your sessions. Sunny Coast Counselling offer counselling sessions via face-to-face, online (via video), or over the phone. Each option has its own benefits and challenges, and the “right” choice depends on your needs, lifestyle and comfort level.
Face-to-Face Counselling
Pros:
- Allows for a strong personal connection through body language and presence.
- Some people find it easier to open up in a private, dedicated therapy space.
- Fewer technical issues or distractions compared to online sessions.
Cons:
- Requires travel time and transport.
- May be harder to fit into busy schedules.
- Can feel intimidating for people who feel anxious about meeting in person.
Online (Video) Counselling
Pros:
- Convenient and flexible – attend from home or another safe space.
- Ideal for people in regional or remote areas.
- Can feel less confronting than sitting in the same room as a counsellor.
- Saves travel time and costs.
Cons:
- Relies on stable internet and technology.
- Less access to non-verbal cues than in-person sessions.
- Privacy can be a challenge if others are nearby at home.
Telephone Counselling
Pros:
- Accessible and simple – no video or travel needed.
- Helpful for people who feel more comfortable talking without being seen.
- Can be done from almost anywhere.
- Useful when technology or internet access is limited.
Cons:
- No visual connection, which can make it harder to read emotions.
- Some people find it harder to feel engaged without face-to-face contact.
- Sessions may feel less personal for certain clients.
Choosing What Works Best for You
There is no single “best” way to do counselling. What matters most is that you feel safe, supported and able to talk openly. Some clients prefer one method, while others combine options depending on their circumstances (for example, face-to-face sessions most of the time and online when travelling or unwell).
The most important step is simply starting. Whether you choose in-person, online or telephone counselling, each format can be effective and meaningful when the relationship with your counsellor feels right.
If you’re unsure which option suits you, we can help you talk through your preferences and find the approach that feels most comfortable for you. Please contact us with any questions that you have.