Telehealth ~ Online Video or Phone Sessions

Online video or phone sessions provide a great opportunity for us to meet. Many clients use these services whether for convenience or other reasons when meeting in person isn't possible such as the current pandemic, a busy schedule, extended vacations, health reasons, poor weather driving conditions, etc.

As a reminder, online support is not offered or suitable for all issues you may seek help for. For instance, I do not provide services in cases of self harm, suicide risk, or severe depression.

Are online sessions just as good as being in person?

Yes! While I know that there are people who just prefer to be in person, online therapy is just as effective as meeting in person. Also, many of my clients have commented that they prefer online sessions because they do not have to allocate additional time to travel and sometimes it's more convenient to be in their home or office.

Benefits of Teletherapy

Here are a few of the research-based benefits of Telehealth services:

  • Increased access. Many people live in an area with limited access to healthcare. Telehealth can play an important role in our rural communities by increasing accessibility.
  • Reduced costs for clients. Telehealth saves money when compared with traditional approaches to providing care. For clients, this often means lower transportation costs, less time missed from work, and less money spent on child care expenses. These are some of the “hidden costs” of therapy beyond the session fee that many do not factor into the cost of their therapy services.
  • Same-level client care. Studies have shown there is no difference in client outcome between Telehealth appointments and face-to-face office visits.
  • Better client experience. For some clients, they are more comfortable and can open up more given their increased comfort having their session in their own space.
 
Major therapy associations have endorsed Telehealth services. As this form of therapy continues to progress and become more widely used by clients and practitioners, online therapy is on course to become as mainstream as face-to-face therapy.

How does online therapy work?

Doing counselling online in your own home may require a little planning, especially if you live with others.
  • Choose a room where you have some privacy and won't be disturbed.
  • Allow yourself some time prior to your session to prepare for and connect to the call. You will be sent an email with a link to join the call.
  • All you need for our online meetings is a computer/laptop, cell phone or other device with a webcam. We will be able to see each other. 
  • If possible, disconnect all other devices from your Wi-Fi network during the meeting, as this can sometimes affect the quality of your connection.
  • If you can, allow some time after the session has ended to reflect on your session, perhaps make some notes, and allow for transition time before you get back into your life routine.

Your online safety and privacy

The benefits of using Zoom online video calls:
  • It’s available to users with lower bandwidths.
  • You don’t need to download software or set up an account.
  • It meets a very high standard of confidentiality and data security.
  • Zoom will not collect your personal information and sessions are not recorded.
  • Video calls take place using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to ensure they remain confidential. Also, the upgraded Zoom version uses GCM encryption.

Are online sessions suitable for you?

Do you have a secure internet connection and webcam via laptop or cell phone? If yes, then we're good to go!

For online video newbies ... here is a guide to help Zoom 101.

Ready, set, go ... click the link below to connect with me.

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