Online Counselling

Online counselling is not appropriate for every person and every issue

I offer online counselling through secure internet technology through video and by phone. Online counselling is not appropriate for every person and every issue. Please review Technology Issues and the Online Counselling Pre-Screening Questionnaire below and let me know if any of these are a concern for you.

Online counselling is experienced differently than in-person sessions

Since technology is used and we are not in the same physical location at the same time, online counselling services will be experienced differently than face-to-face in-person sessions. And that may be exactly why you are considering it! Sometimes, showing up to therapy and telling a therapist stuff that you have not been able to share face-to-face in-person with somebody is … hard (perhaps not quite the right word?) … and you find it … easier (more bearable?) … to be in your own space. Sometimes, you show up to therapy and afterwards you think … hmmm, wow, I could maybe use some extra support before my next session. Sometimes, getting to the office for regular sessions is not the easiest thing in the world because life gets in the way (I live in the real world too, you know!). 

Make yourself as comfortable as you can

Think about what you need to have nearby for your session to help you feel comfortable. For example, some people find one or more of the following to be helpful: a neutral space with a door that closes and window coverings that will reduce distractions from outside, a fan or heater, tissues, tea, water, cushions, comfortable seating, blanket, bells or chimes, essential oils, creams, stones, flowers, an image of someone or something that evokes calm or protection, mints or gum, hand lotions/creams, a stuffed animal, a fidget toy, a stress ball, a book or journal with pens and markers. Pets are welcome too of course! 

Be sure to have your phone with you

Please remember to have your phone with you in case there are any technology difficulties so you can call me at (647) 502-5405 and so I can call you. 

Technology disruptions happen

Online counselling services may be disrupted or distorted by unforeseen technical problems. You will need to do your best to ensure the proper functioning of your electronic equipment before each session begins. Please remember to have your phone with you in case there are any technology difficulties so you can call me at (647) 502-5405 and so I can call you. 

Creating privacy

Despite efforts to ensure high encryption and secure technology, there is always a risk that the transmission could be breached and accessed by an unauthorized person. Echo can be greatly reduced and privacy can be increased by using a headset/microphone. 

To protect your privacy even more during online counselling sessions:

• you will need to find a quiet, comfortable environment away from other people so that you will not be interrupted or distracted;

• you will want to turn off your notifications so you are not interrupted or distracted;

• you will not record any online counselling session;

• you are responsible for the security of the information on your computer, tablet and smartphone; and

• you are responsible for safeguarding any electronic communications you download, print or access.

Technology makes for a different experience 

Communicating by phone excludes visual communication. This means that you need to base your interpretation of me solely on my audible communications and I must base my interpretation of your needs solely based on your audible communications. 

Even though communicating via webcam includes auditory and/or visual information, providing sessions by video is not the same as face-to-face sessions. The position of webcams affects where people seem to be looking and sometimes we both need to move our eyes to reduce eye strain or because I may be taking notes. Sound and visual quality are not reliable and may be poor, delayed, "frozen,” or fail completely. Sometimes the internet connection is lost entirely. These issues are inherent to the technology and can have a significant effect on your experience of the session. This is where having your phone with you really helps us both!

Please see the Online Counselling Pre-Screening Questionnaire below to see if online counselling is appropriate for you. After you book an appointment, we will want to sort out some basic housekeeping matters – like completing an intake form and consent form. Then we can get started on whatever brings you to counselling.

Are you thinking about taking your life in the next few hours?

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please know it takes a lot of courage to admit to yourself that you think that you could take your own life. Please dial 911, contact a mobile crisis unit, call your local distress centre or our nationwide crisis line at 988, contact your family doctor, or go to the emergency department of any hospital. Please click on Crisis for more information.

Have you been the victim of violence or threats in the past three months?

If you have been the victim of violence or threats recently, I do not recommend online counselling at this time. Your safety is critical. If you believe you are safe at the moment, I encourage in-person counselling.

Have you been violent with or threatening to anyone within the past three months?

If you have been violent with or threatening to somebody recently, please know that it takes a lot of strength to acknowledge this. However, at this point in time I believe that in-person counselling is the best approach to help people become non-violent. Please understand that you can change violent behaviour and counselling can help.

Are you experiencing symptoms of psychosis?

If you think you may be experiencing psychosis or feel as though you are losing touch with reality, please seek a thorough medical assessment as soon as possible.

Are you comfortable with computers, tablets or smartphones?

If you are new to computers, tablets, smartphones or the internet, or if you are uncomfortable with computer, tablet or smartphone technology or typing, you may prefer in-person counselling rather than online counselling. If you are comfortable with computers, tablets and smartphones and with navigating the internet, are able to solve minor problems while working with computers or while on the internet and you comfortably and regularly use email and its associated features, then online counselling may be appropriate for you.

Can you find a private place to do your online counselling?

Please do not engage in online counselling from your work computer. If you do, you risk experiencing technical problems. As well, employers sometimes monitor how employees are using their computer equipment, which could expose your confidential information.

Please consider the emotional nature of counselling. If you are being regularly interrupted by friends or family or notifications on your device, you will probably not get the most out of your online counselling experience. I recommend that you make sure you have a private time and location for your device before you book an appointment for online counselling.

Think about what you need to have nearby for your session to help you feel comfortable. For example, some people find one or more of the following to be helpful: a neutral space with a door that closes and window coverings that will reduce distractions from outside, a fan or heater, tissues, tea, water, cushions, comfortable seating, blanket, bells or chimes, essential oils, creams, stones, flowers, an image of someone or something that evokes calm or protection, mints or gum, hand lotions/creams, a stuffed animal, a fidget toy, a stress ball, a book or journal with pens and markers. Pets are welcome too of course! 

Please remember to have your phone with you in case there are any technology difficulties so you can call me at (647) 502-5405 and so I can call you.