People often ask whether online or in-person counselling would suit them better. There is no single answer. A useful choice is one that gives you enough privacy, feels manageable from week to week and can be agreed clearly with the counsellor.
Marie offers in-person sessions in Kanturk, Co. Cork. If you would prefer to meet remotely, you can ask whether a Zoom appointment is currently available and appropriate for your circumstances.
A quick comparison
| Practical point | In person | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Place | A dedicated counselling room | A private place that you arrange |
| Travel | Requires time to reach and leave the appointment | Removes the journey but needs a reliable connection |
| Technology | No video-call setup | A suitable device, connection and agreed platform are needed |
| Separation | The journey can create space around the session | It helps to plan quiet time before and after the call |
Neither format is automatically right for everyone. Suitability and current availability should be discussed before an appointment is arranged.
In-person sessions
In-person counselling may suit you if you:
- prefer a clear separation from home life
- find it easier to focus in a dedicated room
- want a journey before and after the session
- do not have a reliably private space for a video call
You can read more about the Kanturk practice and first appointment.
Online sessions
Online counselling may be worth asking about if:
- travel is difficult
- work or family demands make attendance harder
- live farther from the practice
- you can arrange a private place and reliable connection
People in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and elsewhere in Munster can read the dedicated online counselling page before enquiring. It explains the locations Marie welcomes enquiries from, Zoom, the suitability checks and the practical details that are confirmed before booking.
When an online appointment is agreed, Marie uses Zoom. Before booking, Marie will confirm how the link is shared and what happens if the connection fails. A phone number can provide a simple backup, but the exact arrangement should be agreed in advance.
The website does not assume that online appointments are always available or suitable for every person or concern. Please ask Marie directly rather than relying on a general statement online.
Privacy for an online appointment
For an online session, it helps to consider:
- whether other people can hear you
- whether headphones would provide more privacy
- whether notifications can be silenced
- whether your device and internet connection are reliable
- what you would do if the call stopped unexpectedly
The counsellor should explain the agreed technology, confidentiality arrangements, any limits to confidentiality and how personal data is handled. The privacy notice explains how website enquiries are processed; any separate video-calling arrangements should also be confirmed before an online appointment.
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy treats remote practice as work requiring specific competence, safeguards and clear contracting. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission also recommends checking the privacy and security of video-conferencing services and limiting unnecessary sharing of personal data.
Your location still matters
Even when a session takes place online, the counsellor may need to know where you are physically located and how to contact support near you if an urgent concern arises. Ask which locations the service can accept before booking, especially if you are outside Ireland or travelling.
Marie Harding Counselling Service is not an emergency or crisis service. If there is immediate danger, call 112 or 999. Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123. The support resources page lists further official options.
Questions that can help you decide
- Where would I feel more private?
- Which option is more realistic week to week?
- Would travelling help me prepare, or add strain?
- Do I have a quiet space if I am online?
- Is my internet connection dependable enough for a private call?
- What is the backup plan if the technology stops working?
- Is this format available for my circumstances and location?
Ask before you book
You do not need to make the decision alone. A short enquiry can ask about current availability, suitability, privacy and practical arrangements without explaining your full story. Contact Marie about an appointment when you are ready.