Therapy Is Always Available- Even During a Pandemic

Since the end of March 2020, I have been seeing all of my clients virtually by video or telephone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I give people the option of either with most of them choosing video. I use an secure encrypted Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)-compliant video platform which is of a superior quality to any of the free options people often use for face-to-face video chats.
 
While I miss seeing people in person, I have to admit that video sessions work far more effectively than many people thought they would initially. This technology is nothing new to me however- I have been using it for over a decade working with clients all over Canada with great success. The only difference now is that the people I would normally see in person I’m working with virtually either by video or telephone. In fact, a large portion of my client-base live in Victoria and yet we have never met in person! I honestly feel just as connected to these clients as those I have seen many times in my office. If you are still on the fence about online or telephone counselling, consider the following…
 

Top 10 Advantages of Video/Telephone Counselling 

 

1. The ability to have therapy sessions wherever you happen to be at the time
2. A convenient way to access the help and support you need without having to travel to a therapist’s office
3. Fun fact: 94% of people who used online counselling services preferred it to in-person counselling
4. video/telephone counselling can be an excellent alternative for people who are unable to leave their home due to mental illness or physical limitations
5. Being able to access counselling online or over the phone makes mental health treatment more accessible and makes it easier to overcome the stigma attached to mental health issues
6. There is ZERO chance of either one of us making the other one sick
7. I can meet your pets! 
8. No money spent on gas or bus fare 
9. A ‘greener’ option which helps us leave less of a carbon footprint 
10. Virtual travel! I get to ‘travel’ to your home/office/vehicle and you get to ‘be’ with me in my office on a regular basis