E-Counselling
What's Telehealth all about?
What is telehealth?
Telehealth, also called online, virtual or E-counselling, are forms of counselling done using technology, normally through video chat or talking over the phone.
How does it work?
Our secure video-conference platform “Jane” will be used for video chats; it's compliant with Canada’s privacy laws surrounding online counselling to ensure your safety. It is easy for people wishing to access sessions through video chat to get set up- you can schedule an appointment directly online through the client portal if you wish, and then you just click on a link to the secure chat room which will be sent when an appointment is booked. If you prefer to speak over the phone or text, I will contact you using an encrypted phone number for enhanced security. All that’s required is a smartphone or laptop/computer/tablet with video and an internet connection.
Is it effective?
Yes! Telehealth has become more common as an easy way to access help and it's found to be as effective as traditional in-person counselling for many mental health challenges.
Benefits of Virtual Counselling?
Has the same benefits of traditional counselling but without the hassle and expenses of trying to get to a physical location.
Allows you to access counselling from the comfort of your own home (or work, or vacation- wherever!). It can be comforting to open up from your own space where you have familiar supports, such as objects or pets, especially when talking about hard stuff!
It protects your anonymity as there is no chance you could run into someone you know in the waiting room.
More accessible if you live in a rural area without many supports or where mental health care is limited.
You can mix it up! If we normally use video chats but a phone call works better for you on another day, no problem at all. Flexibility is always an option.
Web counselling can facilitate communication for those who are more comfortable with opening up online than face to face.
Being able to connect with a counsellor who specializes in the specific issues you are dealing with without them needing to be in the same location. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor, I am certified to offer counselling services to many clients living across Canada, including those who live in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. I am unable to offer services to residents of Quebec or Ontario.
Drawbacks of Online Counselling?
Privacy considerations. If you are accessing counselling while other people are around, there is an increased risk they could overhear the conversation. Some steps you can take include using headphones with a microphone, playing soft music on your phone or getting a white noise machine, asking others to go out for an hour or taking your session with you- cars are a common spot for appointments these days! Regarding cyber-security, the online system we use ensures everything done online is encrypted, none of the data is saved anywhere and no video, audio or chats are recorded, as required by Canadian privacy regs to protect you.
Potential for technical difficulties. I try to prevent this as much as possible by using a well supported platform, a fast computer and high-speed internet on my end, but inevitably we may run into problems sometimes. Checking that your audio and video are accessible before the session and using Chrome or Firefox on a computer will provide the best online experience.
Lack of body language and visual cues can increase the likelihood of misunderstandings or miscommunication sometimes, especially on phone or texting appointments. I will increase my efforts to check in with you throughout the conversation to see if I am understanding properly and ask you to help me by sharing if you feel misunderstood or confused about something so we are always on the same page; video chats are the most recommended option when possible :)
Online counselling is a great option for a lot of people but it may not be the best fit for all; those experiencing severe suicidal crisis, addictions, or more complex mental issues may benefit from more intensive, in-person treatment.
If there are any further questions or concerns that have not been answered above, please feel free to reach out and we can discuss more about what would be the most appropriate fit for you to access support at this time.
