The Benefits of Email Counselling: A modern Approach to Therapy



When I heard about email counselling it instantly grabbed my attention. As an introvert myself, I could see how this could help a lot of people who might struggle with traditional face to face counselling. One of my values is to make counselling as accessible to as many people as possible. Having since started work in this area, I wanted to share with you some of the benefits of email therapy as opposed to traditional face to face. 

1.    Convenience and Flexibility

Email counselling allows clients to chose their own schedule for their sessions. It eliminates the need to travel to a certain place at a specific time which means they are not needing to disrupt their usual routine. You may be a busy parent, a carer that has many duties to attend to throughout the day, or busy working at your job - perhaps working shift patterns, email counselling enables you to access therapeutic support at a time that suits you.

2.    Time for reflection

Unlike in verbal conversations, where responses are expected to be immediate, email counselling gives both the client and the counsellor time to reflect on what they want to say. Clients are able to have time to craft their responses, which for some people is an easier way for them to articulate their thoughts and feelings. This can often lead to deeper insight and a more meaningful therapeutic experience which can often get to the issues quicker.

For counsellors, the extra time allows for considered and thoughtful feedback. It is also helpful for clients as they can keep their feedback and may want to look back upon these at a later date. 

3.    Accessibility and Comfort

For some people, the idea of entering into traditional face to face therapy can be daunting. As an autistic person myself, I work with a lot of people who are neurodivergent, and I know that the expectation of eye contact can sometimes be a barrier for accessing therapy. Other difficulties may be, stepping out of routine, energy levels, being unsure what to expect when they arrive, and needing to know that their sensory needs are taken care of. Email counselling removes this by offering a more relaxed approach. Writing down your thoughts can often feel less overwhelming and scary than saying them aloud. 

It is also ideal for people who may have social anxiety, mobility challenges, or speech difficulties, processing delays and other clients who are neurodivergent (ADHD, dyslexic)

4.     Writing as Therapy

It has been researched in the past and discovered that the act of writing can be very therapeutic. Being able to express thoughts and emotions through writing can be a valuable tool to help process feelings and give clarity on situations.

By engaging in email counselling, the clients benefit from both the therapeutic relationship with their counsellor as well as the healing power of writing.

If you are seeking ways to explore some things that have felt difficult for you, and email counselling sounds more appealing, please get in touch or visit my website for further information. 

www.donnachestercounselling.co.uk




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