Video Sessions During COVID-19
Mental Health Counselling
Resilience
COVID-19
Self-Compassion
Physical Health
Relationships
Self-Care
Mental Health
Video Sessions During Covid-19
What do I need to have for a video session?
- A computer, smartphone, or tablet
- The ability to download zoom to connect with your counsellor in a secure, confidential way (just click the link they send you and it downloads automatically).
- A secure, confidential space
How do I find secure, confidential space when I’m in my home trying to stay in and keep “social distance”:
Secure, confidential space can be tough to find during the pandemic. People are working from home, kids are home from school and many people are now practicing “social distancing”. So people are getting creative:
- If you’d like to combine movement with therapy, you can choose to take a walk while talking with your counsellor over the phone (maybe your counsellor wants to walk too!).
- Try to use headphones with a mic in them so you don’t need to speak as loud and you will be the only one hearing the counsellor.
- If you are struggling to find a place to set up for a video call that is confidential, please contact us or email your counsellor directly and we’ll try to help you find a solution.
- If none of these ideas work, we can postpone your sessions to a later date when the recommendation for people to practice social distancing is lifted and we’re back in the office
- Please let us know if you have questions
How effective is therapy over video or phone?
Since the pandemic, many researchers are looking to answer this question in a detailed manner. Some studies have actually found that sessions over video or on the phone are as comparatively effective as sessions in person. We have these articles for you to read if you are interested in learning more:
- Castro, A., Gili, M., Ricci-Cabello, I., Roca, M., Gilbody, S., Perez-Ara, M.A., Seguí, A., & McMillan, D. (2020). Effectiveness and adherence of telephone-administered psychotherapy for depression. Journal of Affective Disorders: 260, 514-526.
- Murphy, L., Parnass, P., Mitchell, D.L, Hallett, R., Cayley, Pl, & Seagram, S. (2009). Client satisfaction and outcome comparisons of online and face-to-face counselling methods. British Journal of Social Work. 1-14.
Here’s more information on how to get the most out of your video or phone sessions.