Online Counselling in Edmonton

So you are considering therapy and you’ve stumbled upon online counselling. What is online counselling (also known as telehealth)? Online counselling involves meeting with your psychologist online through a secure video chat platform for your session instead meeting in person. Are you wondering if online counselling is effective? Fortunately, research has found that online counselling can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy. We are able to provide online counselling to adults, couples, teens, and children.

Are you wondering if online counselling might be a fit for you? We have a list of potential advantages to online counselling for you to think about.

1. COMFORT

Starting therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming, scary and daunting. Meeting your psychologist in a place where you feel comfortable, like your home, office or even car, can make taking the first step easier. Once you start your session, many people find it easier to open up and discuss your life, feelings, thoughts and concerns.

2. PRIVACY

Online counselling provides extra privacy and confidentiality as you do not need to walk into an office. Online therapy is also a great option to reduce barriers for people who are not ready for their family members to know they are needing some extra help.

3. FLEXIBILITY

Life is can get busy. Figuring out when you have space to add an appointment can be a major obsticle to accessing counselling. Online counselling can be an great alternative as it allows you to fit in a session around your schedule, without the time for driving. Saving time can be critical for professionals, busy parents and for people who prefer online envorinment. Sometimes challenges come up in life such as feeling sick, or your childcare cancelling. Rather than rescheduling, your appointment online can still allow you to get the support you need.

4. CHOICE

Your relationship with your psychologist rather than the type of therapy best predicts success in therapy. With online counselling, you are not limited to a certain location or part of city as you are able to access many more options. We are able to provide online counselling to people all over Alberta – from Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Medicine Hat and rural Alberta.

If you are considering online therapy, we would love to answer any questions you have. You can contact us to learn more! If you are ready to get started with online counselling, you can book now online.

Here are some tips for online counselling:

1. You don’t need a perfect setting. You can have your session wherever you would like. People have online counselling from their bedrooms, walking and even from their cars (either hands free or parked).
2. Limit distractions. You will get the most out of your session if you are able to be present. Silence your phone and carve out some time where you have some space for yourself. You might want to turn your phone to do not disturb if you are using your phone. Also, make sure you aren’t checking emails, on social media or googling websites.
3. Turn your view of yourself off. One of the biggest distractions can be seeing yourself while you are in therapy. Turn off your preview of yourself on the video, or use a “Stickie note.” This way you can focus on what you need, think and feel instead of what you look like.
4. Give yourself 15 minutes before the session to test out the software. While you are waiting, you can do ground yourself and do a body scan to see what is processing in your body.
5. Use headphones. Using headphones can make your session feel more private, improve the sound quality, and change the dynamic of your session. Wifeless headphones are even a better option if you have them so you can move more freely.
6. Ground Yourself Before Your Session. Often before an in-person session, you have some time to settle in the waiting room. Create a routine to connect with yourself. This may a tasty beverage (we love peppermint tea), something to smell (a candle, essential oil), and something to feel comfortable in (put on comfortable cloths or get a blanket). Focus your mind with a meaningful song or your favourite quotes that help you connect with yourself.
7. Be prepared. Often, it helps to have a list of what you want to talk about. This can include patterns you noticed, difficult moments, and strong feelings.

We Can Help With

 Anxiety, fear, stress & overwhelm

 Low mood and depression

 Relationships struggles (individual and couple’s counselling available)

 Anger or resentment

 Difficulty controlling emotions

Relationship struggles (individuals & couples)

 Insomnia & sleep struggles

 Feeling isolated & disconnected

 Difficulty adjusting to the new normal

 Persistent negativity or irritability

 Unhealthy coping mechanisms (ie. alcohol, food, over exercising)

 Self-care & boundaries when you are stuck at home

 How to support your kids and family

 Child anxiety & difficulty coping (with a Child Psychologist)

 Perfection & control issues

 Insomnia & sleep struggles

 Loss of identify

 Processing trauma

 Grieving losses & processing unfairness (ie. a special event you had to cancel, career implications, loss of support)

 Guilt & shame

 Struggling to make decisions & shutting down

 Fatigue, exhaustion & burnout

 How to process the “What if’s”

 Disordered eating & body image

 Difficulty turning your mind or body off