Why Choose Online Counselling?
WHY CHOOSE E-COUNSELLING?
70% of health care appointments do not need to be in person
84% of consumers want to communicate with their provider over video or email
92% of clients are highly satisfied with virtual care
(Oncall Health, 2018)
There are many benefits to e-counselling. Some believe it is the best way to access therapy. It is a convenient, accessible, confidential option, available on terms that work for you, removing access barriers such as distance, work and personal life time limitations, and transportation difficulties.
Once you have registered and have paid for your therapy session, you are ready to begin with your counselling work. You will have an information package to read, review, and sign, as well as an in-depth intake package, that you can also complete online. After completing these forms, your therapist will respond to your email, within 2 business days, to begin forming a treatment plan and discuss the therapy model that works best for you. The length of time you work with your counselor, is self-directed, and on terms that work for you. Many insurance plans cover the services of a registered psychotherapist. Please check with your insurance provider to further understand the coverage that you hold.
ADVANTAGES OF E-COUNSELLING?
IT’S CONVENIENT: Access support from work or home, no need to commute to an office appointment, pay parking and transportation fees. Therapy becomes an option by eliminating barriers like work and personal commitments, child care concerns, illness, distance and transportation concerns. Access is also not limited by office hours, that often do not work around our own life schedules.
IT’S ACCESSIBLE: Support is available for those who have disabilities or difficulties with travelling or scheduling around health concerns, or where face to face counselling, is not ideal (ie. Hearing impaired clients etc). This means that remote areas and small community members, can also access therapy supports despite limited availability in their area.
IT COSTS LESS: Due to a reduction in overhead costs, such as not paying for office space, we are able to offer E-counselling at a reduced rate. Also, since there is no scheduled in office appointment, there are no late cancellation fees or missed appointment fees.
IT ALLOWS FOR MORE COMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS: Some people find communicating in face-to-face therapy very difficult. E-counselling allows clients to share their experience, in a safe way, where comfortable conversation, can occur. Many clients prefer to discuss complex issues in the privacy of their home, where they work through difficult feelings, at times that work for them. With E-counselling, you are not limited by hours in the day, and can write to your counsellor at any time. Many clients attend office sessions, and leave just to realize, “I forgot to talk about…”. With E-counselling, there is always the chance to edit your responses, and follow up easily, at any time of the day or night.
YOU CAN KEEP A WRITTEN RECORD OF YOUR SESSIONS: Having a copy of your therapy notes, allows you to look over sessions, after they have happened, review your progress, and be reflective on your experience in therapy.
IT IS EFFECTIVE: Studies have shown that online therapy is as effective as traditional in-person therapy. (Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Complicated Grief: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Wagner, Knaevelsrud and Maercker, 2005). Journalling and writing our thoughts, holds a healing aspect, in and of itself. There is evidence that writing about painful experiences, can produce measurable changes in physical and emotional wellbeing, and is a step towards healing. (James Pennebaker, Writing to Heal)
WHEN IS E-COUNSELLING NOT RECOMMENDED?
While online counselling can be effective for a wide variety of issues, challenges and situations, it is not for everyone. Since exchanges are not ‘live’ and counsellor responses not immediate it is not recommended that you use this format if you are:
• Feeling suicidal
• Involved in a crisis or emergency situation
• Living in a situation involving domestic violence or threats of violence
• Have experienced a recent traumatic event
• Suffer from psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, thought disorganization)
In these scenarios, you would benefit from an immediate, in office, counselling service in the community that you live or work. Please call or connect with local crisis services in your area, or dial 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies, if you or someone else, are at any risk.
how to get started:
Call Balance Counselling at 780-540-1425 or email sarah@balance-counselling.net