How is Distance Counseling different than face to face counseling?
There are many differences. Distance Counseling may be more convenient for clients. While telecounseling takes place in real time and does depend on “making an appointment”, traveling and related formalities do not present obstacles. Asynchronous counseling communications via secure email adds even greater flexibility. On the other hand, telecounseling and various forms of email or synchronous chat techniques demand special counseling and communication skills from the counselor, and in certain ways, from the client as well. In its own way, Distance Counseling may also present its own special advantages beyond the replication of best practices from face-to-face counseling. For example, some clients prefer the anonymity of a Distance Counseling relationship and are more free to open up and self-disclose than they would be in a traditional counseling setting. We are also finding that the power of the written word in Distance Counseling provides a profound impact on both the counselor and
