When we talk about counselling, we often think about counselling “face-to-face”, that is, a direct contact between two or more people.

In the last two decades, the rise of the digital age has provided a wide variety of electronic and online counselling opportunities, such as telephone counselling, email counselling, apps, forums and websites created and curated by experts and other professionals.

Counselling centres can opt for only one form of counselling, or develop several options.

Due to its specific features, telephone and online counselling has certain drawbacks, but also incredible benefits (easy accessibility, anonymity and availability to the widest possible range of potential users).

Indirect counselling is particularly beneficial in the short-term therapy model, aimed at solving the current problem.

Telephone counselling

It is not limited by place of residence, age, mobility.

Only individual phone counselling is possible, not that of couples or family simultaneously.

Conversation is initiated when the user wants to, when they feel the need and readiness to talk, and when the conditions for unhindered communication with the counsellor are met.

Possible difficulties lie in busy phone lines at the moment of the user’s desire to talk.

Online counselling

It is limited by access to the Internet and ownership of an electronic device.

It’s available to the widest range of potential users, to people of all ages, places and backgrounds.

The person can establish contact with a professional through many means, sending a question, comment or request for advice and support whenever they feel the need to, and expect a quick response.

Some difficulties may arise due a need to wait for a response, however small the time, and in case of no internet connection.

Nowadays, an increasing number of people are seeking counselling services not only in difficult situations, but also for personal growth and because they want to fully utilise their potential. In fact, they greatly rely on various forms of counselling in order to increase their quality of life.