In person or online? Comparing counselling options

Two paths in counselling: face-to-face and online

In recent years, online sessions have become increasingly common in psychological counselling services. Today, many people searching for a psychologist in Ankara find themselves choosing between face-to-face and online sessions. Both methods have their own unique advantages and limitations.

This guide has been prepared by the Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi Knowledge Centre to provide an impartial comparison of the two methods and help you determine the most suitable option for your circumstances.

There is no single answer to the question of which method is 'better'. The right choice depends on your needs, life circumstances, the topic of discussion, and the environment in which you feel most comfortable.

A comparison of face-to-face and online counselling

The table below compares the two methods from various perspectives. This comparison is a general framework; individual experiences may vary.

When face-to-face counselling is preferable

Face-to-face sessions are the traditional form of counselling where the practitioner and client share the same physical space. Non-verbal communication cues such as body language, tone of voice, and silences can be perceived more holistically.

Working with children, family sessions, and during intense emotional processes, face-to-face meetings are often preferred. Furthermore, for individuals who struggle to ensure privacy at home, the secure environment offered by the centre is a significant advantage.

For some clients, travelling to the centre acts as a ritual that separates the session from daily life. Reflecting during the journey and taking a walk after the session can become part of the process.

When online counselling is preferable

Online sessions provide significant convenience for people who have difficulty travelling, have busy schedules, or live in distant parts of Ankara or outside the city. Those with mobility limitations, parents with young children, or frequent travellers can also benefit from this method.

For individuals living abroad who wish to have sessions in Turkish, or for foreign nationals living in Turkey who prefer sessions in English, online counselling removes geographical boundaries.

Availability of English-language sessions

With its embassies, international organisations, and universities, Ankara is home to a significant international population. For those whose native language is not Turkish or who feel more comfortable expressing their feelings in English, the availability of English-language sessions is of great importance.

At Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi, English-language sessions are available upon request. These can be scheduled either face-to-face or online. You can find the profiles of our practitioners who offer sessions in English on our our team page.

Technical preparation for online sessions

To ensure online sessions are productive, some technical preparation is important. Connection problems or sound disruptions can interrupt the flow of the session, so it is helpful to do a quick check a few minutes beforehand.

• Use a stable internet connection; prefer a wired connection if possible.
• Use headphones to improve both sound quality and confidentiality.
• Position your camera at eye level and ensure your face is well-lit.
• Turn off notifications and close other applications.
• Test your connection 5 minutes before the session.

Confidentiality and a secure environment in online sessions

In online sessions, confidentiality is partly dependent on the client's own environment. It is important to choose a room where you will not be overheard or interrupted during the session. A closed door, headphones, and if necessary, a quiet background noise source can enhance privacy.

On the practitioner's side, it is essential that the session is conducted on a secure platform, that no recordings are made, and that personal data is protected under data protection regulations (KVKK). It is recommended that you ask which platform will be used and how confidentiality will be ensured before the session.

Situations where online counselling may not be suitable

Although online sessions are suitable for many issues, in some cases, face-to-face sessions or a different form of support may be more appropriate.

• Sessions with young children that involve play therapy
• Crisis situations where there is a risk of harm to oneself or others
• Situations where privacy cannot be guaranteed at home
• Assessments that require standardised psychometric testing

Using a hybrid approach

Many clients prefer to use a combination of both methods. For example, the process might begin with face-to-face sessions to build a trusting relationship, then continue with online sessions. Alternatively, sessions can be scheduled online during busy periods and face-to-face during calmer times.

This flexible approach helps ensure that the therapeutic process continues without interruption. You can discuss with your practitioner which method is more suitable at different times. For more details, you can visit our online counselling page.

Fees for online and face-to-face sessions

At private family counselling centres in Ankara, fees are set according to an official tariff based on the type of session (individual, family, couple). Whether the session is online or face-to-face does not cause the fee to fall outside this official range.

Choosing the right method for you

When choosing a method, you can ask yourself the following questions: Can I travel to the centre regularly? Can I ensure privacy at home? In which environment do I feel more comfortable expressing myself? Does the subject of my sessions require face-to-face work?

If you are undecided, you can discuss this with a practitioner during an initial consultation. At Özel Vivere Aile Danışmanlık Merkezi, both face-to-face and online session options are available. For any questions, you can reach us via our contact page.