Although the majority of my counselling and psychotherapy work is in-person, I also offer telephone sessions. I trained in telephone therapy before the COVID-19 pandemic and before online working became widespread, and I find that for many people it more reliable and comfortable than online (screen-based) sessions.

Who is telephone psychotherapy for?

Telephone psychotherapy may be especially suitable for you if:

• It is difficult for you to make time for sessions –for example because you work long hours or you have caring responsibilities. There is no travel time involved in attending, which can make it easier to fit around your other commitments.
• You are unable to travel or access an in-person appointment because of illness, injury or disability.
• You live in more than one place, or travel a lot within the UK, or are planning to move home– with telephone sessions, you can continue therapy when you move from place to place.
• You find it easier to speak freely by telephone – if you need to speak about issues which you find very painful, embarrassing, frightening or shameful, then you may find that being on the telephone makes it easier for you to open up and speak freely.

Please note that I only offer telephone psychotherapy to UK-based clients.

How does telephone psychotherapy differ from in-person?

When I work by telephone I am drawing on the same knowledge, training and experience as I use when I work in-person, and I am using the same skills. Many people find that they are able to be more open and honest on the telephone, because of the ‘visual privacy’ that the telephone allows.

Telephone psychotherapy is not a ‘helpline’ service. It involves a regular appointment at a fixed time each week – just like in-person psychotherapy.  In terms of length it can be anything from a few weeks to a few months or even years, depending on your needs.

One difference between telephone and in-person therapy is that without being able to read cues from your body language, I will be guided much more by your voice and words to pick up emotional meaning. I may also check with you more often, to make sure I am understanding you correctly.

I will call you at the time we have agreed, unless you tell me that you would prefer to make the call yourself.

How can I book an appointment?

To book an appointment, please email me on steff_riddle@yahoo.co.uk with

• A few sentences about yourself and your reasons for seeking therapy at this time. You do not need to write a lot – just a few lines is fine.
• What days/ times you are available for a telephone appointment.

For more information about my training, experience, and the way I work, see the ‘About Me’, ‘FAQs’ and ‘Integrative Psychotherapy’ pages of my website.