Telephone Counselling Across England
Confidential counselling from wherever you feel comfortable
Not everyone wants to talk to a counsellor face-to-face or over video. For some people, speaking on the telephone feels more private, comfortable or accessible.
Telephone counselling gives you the opportunity to talk to a qualified counsellor without needing to travel or use a video call. You can access professional, confidential support from a private place where you feel comfortable.
We offer telephone counselling to adults aged 18+ across England.
Why choose telephone counselling?
Telephone counselling can be a good option if you:
- Prefer talking without being on camera
- Feel more comfortable speaking without visual interaction
- Don't want to travel to a counselling centre
- Have difficulty attending face-to-face appointments
- Have limited or unreliable internet access
- Prefer the privacy and flexibility of talking on the telephone
- Find it easier to talk about personal things when you're not face-to-face with someone
For some people, being able to talk from the privacy of their own home makes starting counselling feel a little easier.
What can I talk about?
Telephone counselling is individual counselling, so you can talk to your counsellor about whatever is affecting you or causing concern.
You might be:
- Feeling stressed, worried or overwhelmed
- Going through a difficult life change
- Experiencing relationship or family difficulties
- Coping with grief or loss
- Struggling with confidence or self-esteem
- Feeling stuck or unsure what to do next
- Finding everyday life difficult to manage
- Wanting some space to understand your thoughts and feelings
You don't need to have everything worked out before you start. Your counsellor will help you explore what's happening and work with you at your own pace.
What is telephone counselling like?
Telephone counselling works in much the same way as other individual counselling. You'll have a regular appointment with your counsellor, but instead of meeting in person or using video, you'll speak by telephone.
Your counsellor will listen to what you want to talk about, ask questions and help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
You don't need to prepare anything special for your session other than find somewhere private and comfortable where you won't be interrupted.
Is telephone counselling right for me?
Telephone counselling isn't necessarily right for everyone, but many people find that not having to use video or attend a counselling centre makes it easier to access support.
It may be particularly suitable if you:
- Feel uncomfortable being on camera
- Prefer to keep your counselling completely separate from your home environment on screen
- Have mobility, travel or access difficulties
- Live somewhere in England where attending one of our centres isn't practical
- Simply feel more comfortable talking on the phone
If you're unsure whether telephone counselling is the right option for you, get in touch and we'll help you understand your choices.
Where is telephone counselling available?
Telephone counselling is available to adults aged 18+ across England.
You don't need to live near one of our counselling centres. You can have your sessions from a private place where you feel comfortable and able to talk confidentially.
How much does telephone counselling cost?
Telephone counselling is a lower-cost counselling option and costs £44 per session.
Telephone counselling is available at a lower rate than face-to-face individual counselling.
Telephone counselling is already subsidised so our bursary scheme cannot be used for this service.
If you're concerned about the cost of counselling, please get in touch. We're happy to talk through the options with you.
Do I have to commit to a set number of sessions?
No. There is no fixed number of counselling sessions.
We usually recommend an initial appointment followed by around six counselling sessions as a starting point. You and your counsellor will regularly review how things are progressing and decide together what feels right for you.
Some people find they need fewer sessions, while others benefit from continuing for longer.
What happens when I enquire?
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you've never had counselling before.
When you contact us, we'll ask a few questions about what's brought you to counselling and help you understand your options.
We'll then offer you the earliest suitable appointment we have available. Your initial appointment gives you the opportunity to talk about what's brought you to counselling, ask questions and decide whether counselling feels right for you.
There's no pressure to know exactly what you want to achieve before your first appointment.
Why choose Relationships Sussex?
Relationships Sussex is a not-for-profit counselling charity with more than 60 years experience of supporting people across Sussex and beyond.
Our qualified and experienced counsellors provide a safe, confidential and professional service.
As a charity, we aim to make counselling as accessible as possible. The fees you pay help us continue providing counselling and relationship support in our communities.