Telephone counselling - when words fail and listening becomes important
There are times in life when everything feels difficult. Thoughts don't come to rest, worries accompany everyday life and questions circle at night to which there are no quick answers. Perhaps someone is missing who really listens. Perhaps there is a feeling of not wanting to be a burden to anyone. Or simply the longing for a voice that is there - without expectations, without judgement, without time pressure. It is precisely in moments like these that Telephone counselling be a silent but powerful support. A conversation that demands nothing and yet can give so much. At the other end of the line is a person who has time. Who listens, even between the words. Who doesn't judge, but goes along with you. You don't have to explain anything, prepare anything, do anything „right“. You can talk about what moves you - or keep quiet if you feel like it.
Many people find that it is easier to talk on the phone about what hurts inside. The distance creates closeness. Anonymity gives freedom. An honest conversation can help to sort out thoughts, categorise feelings or finally find words for what has long remained unspoken. Telephone counselling does not mean that solutions have to be found immediately. Sometimes it is enough to be heard in order to get some air again, to feel hope or to see the next small step.
What does telephone counselling really mean?
Pastoral care for us means: being there. Not judging, not analysing, not lecturing. Instead, we listen, sympathise and endure. A conversation on the phone can open up precisely this protected space - anonymously, honestly and without expectations. Many people get in touch because they don't have anyone they can talk to openly. Others because they want to organise their thoughts first. And some because they are longing for comfort, support or hope. In all of this, counselling is not a ready-made concept, but an encounter from person to person.
When can a helpline help?
A phone call can help when worries get out of hand. When loneliness becomes loud. When grief has no place. Or when questions arise to which there are no quick answers. Our Worry phone is there for all those who want to pause for a moment - and need someone to share this moment with them. It doesn't matter how big or small your concern seems. What moves you is important. And it can be expressed.
Our attitude: listen instead of judge
We are convinced that every person has a story inside them. Some are quiet, others painful. Our volunteer counsellors listen with respect, patience and openness. They do not provide quick solutions, but accompany you in recognising your own path. It's not about right or wrong. It's about understanding, acceptance and finding some inner peace again.
Sometimes it takes courage to pick up the phone. But the first step is often the hardest. Our Pastoral care number is deliberately kept low-threshold - so that help remains accessible when it is needed. You don't have to prepare anything. You don't have to explain anything. You can simply call and be.
Why is Christian counselling different?
Our work is characterised by a Christian view of humanity: every person is valuable, regardless of performance, strength of faith or life situation. In the Christian pastoral care combine compassion, hope and trust - without coercion, without dogmatism. If you want, faith can be part of the conversation. If not, that's perfectly fine too. The only important thing is what is good for you.
What happens during a phone call?
A conversation develops in a way that suits you. Maybe you want to talk. Maybe you want to keep quiet first. Maybe you want to cry. There is room for everything. Our counsellors listen carefully, ask gentle questions and give you time.
Many people report that something is released during the phone call - a pressure, a knot, an inner restlessness. Not because everything is suddenly resolved, but because they feel seen.
Who is behind the counselling phone number?
Behind our Pastoral care telephone number are people with life experience, empathy and an inner attitude of service. They take their time, listen between the lines and meet you at eye level. Pastoral care is not seen here as an offer „from above“, but rather as guidance. As a shared journey in challenging phases of life.
Sometimes one conversation is enough to feel hope again. Sometimes it takes several steps. Both are fine. The important thing is that you can speak up. You can accept help. Our Telephone counselling is there for you - quietly, respectfully and openly. Because everyone deserves to be heard.
