[LilacLime]

So I'm moving about an hour away to university in January! I'm really excited, but the only downfall is that I'm probably going to have to change my twice weekly appointments down to one week because I can only justify traveling an hour there and back for an hour long session once a week. My T however did suggest that we could do phone sessions for one of the days that way I still can "see" her twice a week. In theory it sounds like a good idea, but I'm not so sure if I'll like it or not. Have any of you had phone sessions before? Anyone have them on a regular basis? Are they actually helpful?

[Ididitmyway]

I haven't had phone sessions as a client, but I've done phone sessions as a therapist. It didn't really feel good, I think, for both me and my clients. I feel that something important is missing if I am not with the person face-to-face whether as a therapist or as a client. In my personal life it works the same way. I am not someone who forms online "friendships" or enjoys chatting on the phone with anyone I have an established relationship with whether it's a family member, a friend, a colleague..whoever. I prefer personal meetings. But that's just me..

[RedSun]

Not therapy, but I have supervision by phone sometimes. I like it, cos I can stay in bed
I think phone therapy can be difficult, but as you have a good connection with your t and will see her one-to-one each week anyway I imagine you'd be able to feel connected.

[JaneTennison1]

I hate the phone but I have done one or two phone sessions and find it helpful because I don;t see her face so I open up more.

[ThisWayOut]

I'm really uncomfortable on the phone, even with my family and friends. I have heard it going well though. I know a few people that did phone or Skype sessions after moving away from their t, or while they were on extended trips.
You can always give it a try for a few sessions and see how you like it. Worst case scenerio, you decide you dislike it and either stick to once-a-week sessions or find a way to make the extra drive work..

I had a therapist who moved away and offered phone sessions, but I could not do it because she had the worst voice ever. Flat affect, monotone, cold. I only talked to her on the phone once (it was not a session) and I thought she was angry, but it was just her awful sounding voice. If you feel comfortable with your therapist's voice, it might be worth it. As JaneT says above, you are a little freer on the phone without being seen.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I've done a few phone sessions, but it is not my preference. I don't feel as connected on the phone, and I don't really like talking on the phone anyway. My T is awesome on the phone - nearly as perceptive as she is in person - I just tend to not connect as well to my emotions or my T when I can't see her in person.

As a regular thing, I wouldn't do it, but once in a while, it's okay.

[UnderRugSwept]

I have phone sessions with one of my Ts once in a while, when necessary...like when I have been sick or when I was stuck at home waiting for the repair guy. They have always gone fine. I agree with Red75 that since you will be seeing your T for the other appt during the week, you will probably still be able to maintain the connection you need to find the phone sessions beneficial.

[junkDNA]

i did phone sessions with my T when he was sick and also when he left the facility i was in and was setting up a private practice. it was ok. i hate talking on the phone but it was ok talking to him. i would have preferred in person though. i think if u see her once a week face to face anyway the phone thing wont be such a drastic difference

[ScarletPimpernel]

I've only ever done phone check-ins, not full sessions (ranging from 5mins to 30mins usually). It's either been because I was in a crisis house, got my teeth pulled, or I was in a crisis. I hate phones, but it was better than nothing. I did find it awkward and weird, but it was also comforting to hear her voice. Plus I'd rather talk to her than someone from the crisis line.

After seeing her in person weekly for a year, my t moved 1,300 miles away. We had developed such a healing therapeutic relationship that we decided to do phone sessions after she moved. It has been over 2 years now since she moved, and we are still doing phone sessions, and I continue to see positive changes in myself all the time. I am certain that some of the progress has been specifically because we are talking on the phone - she can't SEE me when I am talking about something difficult! Phone sessions have worked out very well for me.