Online Counselling
I offer counselling online, through secure video call or telephone. Our calls are completely confidential and meet privacy laws and standards in Canada. It's convenient, accessible... but the best part? You're free to choose the spot that feels best for you while we were are in session — a comfortable chair, with a cozy blanket, or maybe under your favourite tree.
Online counselling also has its limitations — sometimes the internet cuts out, or background noise is distracting. But I do my best to limit these issues, and with the many other benefits, it may be the perfect choice for you. Online therapy sessions could be a great option for you if:
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It's tough to commute to a physical counselling centre due to schedules, obligations, transportation access or a mobility limitation
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You live in a remote area where it's a challenge to access counselling sessions in person, or the right kind of counselling
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You would like to keep your sessions discreet from those you live with, and travelling to sessions might draw unwanted attention
IMPORTANT: Online counselling is not appropriate if you are in immediate danger, experiencing psychosis, or intending to complete suicide. If you are experiencing any of the above or need immediate support for another reason, please call 911 or click the button below.
How to "show up" for online therapy
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Place. Setup your own simulated therapy space. Could be a anywhere! As long as it will be quiet enough for both of us to tune into each other.
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Attire. Bring "you" to therapy - dress as you feel comfortable.
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Materials. Have some useful things on hand, such as paper and pens for notes, water or tea, and a box of tissues. It's recommended to use headphones for the best sound. If I can't hear you well, I may ask you to check your microphone input level to see if it's turned up. You can find this by going to your computer Preferences or Settings and looking for the Audio/Video menus.
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Distractions. Aim to minimize interruptions as best you can: pets, children, deliveries, alarms, notifications and so on.
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Be in view. Put yourself in view of the video display - neither too far from the camera nor too close. If you can think a little about lighting, it's best to have light on your face and not coming strongly from the back or you will be in shadow.
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Bring flexibility. There might be an initial awkwardness with online work, but we'll both do our best and find our way to a good rhythm.
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After the session. If you're able, I encourage clients to set aside some extra time after the session before they go back into the world. This can be used for note-taking, a walk, creative reflection, meditation, a stretch, a quick nap or your favourite way of relaxing and thinking. I call this your After Care and it can help you to sink into new ideas, relax after an emotional session, or leave space for post-session epiphanies. Feel free to add 15 minutes to your session time in your calendar so that you don't book the next thing — and so that anyone looking at your calendar knows not to expect you out of your simulated therapy space (physical or mental) — until your After Care is complete.
