Risks and Benefits

Risks and Benefits of Counselling

Most people come to counselling seeking change. Change takes time, effort, and commitment, as well as openness to new ways of thinking and being. The rate of change will depend on the issues to be addressed, how long-standing they are, and the effort put in during and between sessions. While counselling can result in benefits like greater self-awareness, better coping strategies, and improved relationships, it can also present some risks, like bringing up uncomfortable feelings or difficult memories. As you experiment with new behaviours, it can also affect relationships, either for better or for worse.

Results are never guaranteed, and, as with any relationship, misunderstandings or miscommunication in the therapeutic relationship can occur, resulting in ruptures. Working through these with openness, trust and persistence can be a vital part of the therapeutic process, so be honest with your counsellor if you feel there is a problem.

Change is inherently unsettling and can increase anxiety until new behaviours become more familiar. Please discuss any doubts, fears or concerns with your counsellor at any point in the process.

Risks and Benefits of Telehealth Counselling

Telehealth refers to real-time mental health services that are provided remotely using some form of electronic transmission (eg video and/or audio transmitted over the internet or telephone system).

Telehealth can be just as effective as in-person sessions, and can ensure continuity of care when in-person sessions are not possible. Remote services reduce the time and cost associated with travel, and can allow for greater accessibility for those with mobility or transportation challenges, or those with limited access to services. With video sessions, critical verbal and non-verbal cues can be similar to in-person sessions, promoting equally effective therapeutic communication and relationships. However, with phone sessions, these cues are more limited, which can impact the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

For some clients, participating in sessions from the comfort of their own home can lead to greater freedom to express themselves than with in-person sessions. While this can promote clarity, quicker resolution, and fewer sessions, it can also result in more being disclosed than was intended, and therefore some regret or embarrassment after sessions. In contrast, other clients may find it difficult to achieve the same level of comfort or safety as with in-person sessions, which inhibits openness, honesty, and progress.

Telehealth requires comfort with the use of technology as well as access to suitable devices and networks. The technology itself can be unreliable, resulting in delayed response times, dropped connections, and potential confidentiality breaches. Should a connection be lost, your counsellor will make every effort to reach you via an alternative method, to complete your session. Telehealth can be an effective adjunct to in-person sessions; however, it is not recommended in all cases, and if concerns arise at any point, clients will be referred back to in-person sessions, either within Valley Reflections or to another community resource.

Video sessions are conducted using the confidential platform embedded in the Janeapp software. Instructions to ensure you are prepared for your session can be found on the Janeapp website here.