Online Counselling
For our community’s health and wellness, counselling sessions are available through secure video or by telephone.
Online counselling can also benefit those who live in rural communities, experience busy schedules or have care-giving responsibilities. These tele-health services offer convenience, without compromising the quality of the counselling you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online counselling effective?
How does video counselling work?
Is online counselling safe & secure? What are the risks?
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My computer is equipped with encyption, virus protection/malware hardware, and secure passwords
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A secure internet connection is always used when conducting video sessions
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I use a landline when conducting telephone sessions to ensure security
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I use a software called Jane for video sessions, secure client messaging and file sharing. The software is compliant with provincial (Nova Scotia) & federal health protection laws in Canada, along with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. All data transmitted on this platform is encrypted and password protected.
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Video and telephone counselling sessions are never recorded through audio or video
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There is a higher risk of information being misunderstood or construed through online counselling, especially through telephone counselling. Not being able to clearly read body language and facial expressions can contribute to this risk. You may notice that I will ask for clarification or check in with you frequently during sessions to ensure that I’m understanding you accurately.
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Although unlikely given the security measures put in place, any online platform can theorticially be compromised or “hacked”. Please see the section on increasing your security while engaging in online counselling.
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There is a higher risk of other household members/room mates/partners over hearing your conversation or accessing your private messages online through your at-home electronic devices. Please see section on increasing your security while engaging in online counselling.
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Noise and interruptions are a possiblity. There is also potential for equippment or technology malfunction to occur in the middle of sessions. In this case, I will always attempt to reconnect with you.
How much does it cost?
Adult Counselling (19+): Online or telephone sessions cost $160 per 50 minute session (the same as face-to-face sessions). This is the minium rate recommended by the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers for master level clinicans.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment mutliple ways.
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You can book directly online by clicking here. Please be advised that you will be sent an email confirmation of your appointment day & time if you book through my website via Jane Software. If you need direction on booking online follow the guide at this link: https://jane.app/guide/online-booking/booking-an-appointment-online-for-patients
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By calling the office number: 902-562-742. Allow up to 2 business days for me to return your call.
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Through the secure contact form at the bottom of this page. Please note that if you ask me to respond via email-it is a less secure way of communicating.
Additional Tips for Online Counselling:
Getting the Most Out of Online or Telephone Counselling
- You will need one of the following: phone, computer/laptop, tablet or smart phone.
- Find a spot that is safe, private & free of distractions. You may want to use music or white noise outside your room to control noise. We can create a code word during our initial call together if safety is an issue for you.
- Using headphones, or headphones with a microphone may help you stay focused
- Get comfortable (ex: use a comfy chair to sit in for long periods)
- You may want to consider having the following items close by: a drink of water, note pad if you think it would be helpful, and some tissue.
- If using video on your device give yourself 10 minutes before your appointment time to log in & set up. If you have any technical issues call this counsellor’s office number.
- Ensure that your face is clearly visible on the video (you may need to play with the camera, change locations in the room or use extra lighting)
- If using video, dress as if you were attending a face-to-face counselling session
- Let the counsellor know if you can’t see the video clearly, if there is “cutting out” or if the volume is too low.
- Provide a phone number you can be reached at during the beginning of each session, in case of technical issues.
Making Online Counselling More Secure
Consider the following:
- Protecting your electronic devices and email with strong passwords (don’t save passwords on shared devices, like a family computer; disable “auto-fill”).
- Using a location that is private, where you can shut the door or be at a distance from others.
- Using a secure internet connection (a home connection). Avoid using public wi-fi (at cafe’s, restaurants, library).
- Using virus and malware protection on your electronic devices.
- Turning off email notifications on your smart phone/tablet, that may display on your locked screen.
- Keeping your device updated
- Email can be a less secure and confidential way of communicating with your counsellor, if you are concerned about this please call the office or use the secure messaging platform your counsellor set up for you.
- Explore your device’s security settings and research ways to make it more secure.
** Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive & not legal advice but merely general guidelines to help increase the security of your devices. You are responsible for securing the devices you intend to use if engaging in online communication.
Specializing in Anxiety Treatment,
Depression and Trauma Therapy
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