Virtual Counselling
Welcome to Technology Assisted Counselling
The modern way to engage in therapy!
Technology Assisted Counselling (TAC) is therapy that is offered by phone or video conferencing. This can be used as a complement to in person sessions, for instance when people have limited time on a certain day, inability to travel to the office, or are physically unwell but would still like to participate in counselling. It can also be the only modality for counselling service delivery, which works well for people who may be limited in their mobility, live in rural or remote locations, or are more comfortable with phone or video calling than face-to-face but are interested in exploring counselling.
What Are the Benefits of TAC?
- Opportunity to process thoughts and feelings with a neutral person
- A place to gain awareness around patterns and challenges
- Somewhere to get feedback to support you
- A comfortable way to share things that may be difficult to bring up in person
- Accountability
- Structure to healing
- Neutral ground. Some people find TAC improves their therapeutic process as it allows them to get out of their own way, meaning, with less shame, self-consciousness, and self-judgment
- A safe place
- Convenience
- Accessibility to services that may not otherwise be possible
- Continuation of care
- Flexibility
What Are the Downsides of Virtual Therapy?
Of course, with anything there are pros and cons. It is important to be considerate of all angles before making a decision about whether to pursue virtual therapy or not. Some commonly reported downsides of virtual appointments can include:
- Feeling less connected with the therapist
- Frustrations with technology
- Possibility of the connection being poor which can result in a disjointed conversation
- People must have access to technology
- Less ability to read non-verbals
- Privacy can be impacted on the client side
Please take some time to consider the benefits as well as potential downsides for you personally before deciding whether to proceed with TAC. The relationship with your therapist is an essential part of the counselling process so it is important that you have a modality that allows you to experience this connection.
What Issues Are Addressed Using TAC?
At Sana Psychological, all issues that we treat for both Addiction & Mental Health can effectively be addressed using virtual therapy. The main difference is that you are responsible for establishing a safe, private environment for the session. Otherwise, the same respect, approach, and treatment will be provided as it would in person.
We support change with:
Anxiety, OCD, Trauma, PTSD
Depression & Mood Disorders
Addiction Issues
Chronic Pain
ADHD
Grief and Loss
Anger
General Wellness
Treatment Approach
Virtual counselling can be a short-term process, particularly if you already have good self-awareness, support network, and self-care resources. Even those with these coping tools appreciate the opportunity to check in every few months or even once or twice per year to ensure they are staying diligent and accountable to their mental health plan.
For those who are new to virtual counselling, those who may have spent limited time self-developing and reflecting, are experiencing more severe issues, and/or have multiple challenges they are dealing with, virtual counselling may be a longer, more intensive process.
For all individuals, sessions are recommended every 1-3 weeks initially depending on where you are at. There is always lots to learn about you at the beginning of the counselling process and, the more we know, the better able we can support you in helping yourself. After a few sessions at this frequency, it may be appropriate to expand the time frame to sessions every 2-6 weeks. This will be collaboratively decided between you and your clinician.
We would prefer to see people over a longer period of time rather than condense sessions into a short period. This is because the changes that people are generally seeking from therapy are slower and require effort between sessions. Virtual counselling is usually most intense for the first 3-6 months, than it may terminate if you would like, or can continue at a check-in pace at 6+ months. Life is chronic and mental health issues often are too, so we are there to support you, even as issues and treatment focus change. If specific issues are not remediating or shifting, alternative recommendations and referrals can be provided. From our perspective, the door is always open. If you leave counselling for a period of time, you are always welcome back.
Our therapists have been trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as 12-Step and SMART Recovery treatment models.
Follow-up appointments generally involve a check-in to see presenting issues and immediate things that have come up that you may want to process, follow-up on any suggestions provided in past appointments to get an idea of progress as well as roadblocks that are coming up, followed by more in-depth exploration of challenges, patterns, and coping. Sessions are active and engaged as we like to ask lots of questions and provide reflections, challenges, and psychoeducation along the way. At any point if the therapeutic approach or goals need to be changed, please speak up and this will be processed. Sessions come from a non-judgmental, compassionate, empathetic place. All services are collaborative and designed to support you in a way that makes sense for you.
Logistics
At Sana Psychological, virtual therapy is currently offered using phone or online video conferencing using software that is encrypted and privacy compliant based on the standards of the provincial licensing body. Our consent process outlines more specifics around the process, logistics, pros and cons. You will also be provided clear directions on how to access services when you choose this option.
Cost varies depending on your clinician. Sessions are available to anyone who is in the province of Alberta, Yukon, and New Brunswick at the time of appointment.
Payment options for virtual services include: Credit card, e-transfer, and direct billing with a number of different insurance carriers.
Virtual counselling can be short or long-term, depending on your needs. While we prefer to meet with people over a longer period of time (6+ months) to ensure sustainability and maintenance of progress, if this does not work for your needs, that is okay too. We will do as much work as we can in the available sessions to get you building a healthy recovery plan that you can tailor as needed.
Wherever you are at, Sana Psychological is happy to support you in your journey. We look forward to hearing from you!
