3rd September 2021

As we come out of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, you have the choice of coming to my practice in Harrogate or doing sessions online. And if you are seeking bereavement counselling for the first time, you may be unclear about which format is best suited to your needs.

To help you arrive at a decision that is right for you, this blog post outlines the key reasons why someone might choose either remote or in-person counselling.

Remote Counselling

Following a bereavement, it is natural to feel anxious, withdrawn, fragile, or simply uncomfortable with the confrontational aspect of sitting across from a professional counsellor. The prospect of going to a practice may feel like too much at the moment. In this instance, speaking to a counsellor online would be preferable, as this format enables you to talk through your issues from a place where you feel comfortable.

Remote counselling also saves you from travel expenses and gives you greater privacy. You might not want others to be aware you are seeing a counsellor and have an absolute guarantee that only your counsellor knows you are getting help.

More generally, receiving bereavement counselling remotely means you can be more flexible with your timings, giving you more room to do things at your own pace. It is a good place to start if you feel anxious about bereavement counselling. You can then progress to in-person counselling if it feels right later on.

In-Person Counselling

Remote counselling may be helpful for those who feel uncomfortable in a new public setting, but for others, in-person counselling might provide a reliable safe space for people whose home life is not peaceful. It may be that your home environment reinforces certain challenging feelings of grief, meaning my private practice in Harrogate can act as a sanctuary for you. Visiting the same place every week can act as a reference point that keeps you grounded during a time of crisis, playing an important role in your progression towards a place of acceptance.

Many prefer in-person counselling due to the deeper relationship they build with their bereavement counsellor. Not everyone can feel capable of voicing their true feelings online, whereas being in the same room can forge a closer connection between you and the counsellor. Having that sense of comfort during bereavement counselling is crucial, as it means you are more prepared to honestly vocalise and make sense of difficult emotions, thereby enabling you to move past them faster.

Still unsure about whether you would prefer to receive bereavement counselling in Harrogate or online? If so, feel free to give me a call to ask any further questions you have.