Steve Garufi, M.A. LPC, Psychotherapist, Telephone Counseling, Office Located in Buena Vista, Colorado
eMail: stevegarufi-at-juno.com - Phone: (719) 395-2426
The Benefits of Telephone Counseling
 I'm frequently asked: Is telephone counseling as effective as face-to-face counseling?
My short answer this:
Face-to-face might be preferable, but there are definitely benefits to telephone
counseling in many circumstances. Below are four:
The Advantages Of Telephone Counseling
People Living in Rural Areas - For those living in rural areas,
doing counseling via telephone might be the only practical option. As an example,
group participation is usually imperative
for those seeking help for sexual addicton, and small town environments and
rural areas simply do not have the resources. Additionally, the risk for
"small town gossip" is greater in low populated areas which makes in-person group work difficult and sometimes impossible.
High Profile Clients - Some potential clients may be
"high profile" in some manner and may not want to be risk going to counseling or participating in a group setting.
While the stigma of seeing a counselor has greatly diminished over
the years, the stigma of sexual addiction remains very high. Also, instances exist where
it may be too "risky" for a client to expose oneself face-to-face in a group setting.
Examples may include a religious leader, political leader,
celebrity or one who's job would be at risk "if everyone knew." In this type of scenario, a telephone-based group may be very helpful and critical for one's growth.
A Therapist With A Unique Specialty - Some clients may want to work with a counselor
who has a unique specialty.
For example, the number of therapists who are knowledgable and trained in the
area of sexual/pornography addiction
is still relatively low, and these specialized therapists (including myself) have been known to carry a significant
number of long distance clients on their caseload.
A Therapist With A Strong Reputation - Similiar to the lure of specialized
therapists, some clients may bypass a face-to-face counselor to work with a therapist who has
a solid reputation or where rapport has already been built from previous contact, which may have come from
prior counseling, a weekend retreat or attendance at a seminar.
My Offer Of Telephone Counseling
For those living long distances, I offer men's telephone counseling (individual and groups)
for those seeking freedom from sexual and pornography addiction. If a client
insists on seeing a counselor face-to-face, I will do my best to locate a counselor in their area.
However, if a client's circumstances fits any of the advantages noted above,
I would be more than happy to work with them.
Please contact me more if you have any questions about my philosophy for telephone counseling or to seek more information.
Steve Garufi, M.A.
Journey of Hope Counseling
Ph: (719) 395-2426
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