Virtual Psychotherapy

There are things to consider when you are determining if virtual psychotherapy is a good match for you. There are risks and benefits to having a virtual appointment instead of going into a therapy office. Virtual psychotherapy can provide ease of access and convenience; but In our digital age, there are also risks to information security. What are your needs? Do you have the technology to attend a virtual appointment? And what is the difference between virtual psychotherapy and asking AI what you should do?

These sections will give you information to consider when you are deciding if virtual therapy is a good fit for you. This list is not complete. Please contact us if you have questions.

Book a 15 minute Consultation with Cynthia

Do I have what I would need for Virtual Therapy?

Here's a Checklist...

Do I have a Space?

When you have a virtual therapy appointment, you should be in a private, quiet space . You should be able to focus only on your appointment and not be distracted by people or the things in your environment. Finding a place in your home is ideal. You should be able to sit in this space for the duration of the appointment.

Do I have Privacy?

Individual therapy - your therapy - is for you. You need to have the ability to speak freely to your therapist and not worry what someone else in your life may think if they heard you speak your truth. It is not ok for other people, including family members, to listen to your therapy session. Your therapy is for you.

Do I have Bandwidth?

Virtual, or Video, Sessions take more internet bandwidth than surfing the net. Your therapist will ask for a telephone number in case of internet breakdown (we don't want to leave you hanging), but you need to be seen during your appointment. Ask about ways to test your bandwidth if you aren't sure.

Do i have Time?

Therapy is an investment in yourself and your well-being or health. Please schedule appointments so that you have time to attend the full appointment and make this investment in yourself. It can be helpful to plan for some time before and after your appointment - where you aren't scheduled to do anything else. You should not be driving during any therapy appointment.

Important Messages about Safety During Virtual Psychotherapy...

We do not offer crisis services

If you are suicidal during an appointment, we will help by contacting emergency services in your community to come to you. If you are suicidal or in crisis, please do not wait for your appointment to get help.

If you have a known medical issue (for example - diabetes), you need to provide an emergency contact number for someone who can provide you support in the event of a medical emergency during your virtual therapy session. We may still need to contact emergency services.

Please do not attend any appointments under the influence of a substance. We acknowledge that people can have complex relationships with substances like cannabis, alcohol & other drugs - especially during times of stress. Your ability to engage in the process of therapy is directly influenced by your sobriety. We are unable to provide virtual therapy to anyone under the influence at the time of their appointment.

In virtual therapy, part of safety planning means that your therapist will need to know your physical location when you are at all of your virtual sessions -

even if that changes for only one session.

Your safety and the safety of others is a priority. In an emergency, we will have to disclose relevant information to get help. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

If you are suicidal or in crisis, please seek emergency help

Some options for help are:

Call 9-8-8 - Canadian National Suicide Crisis Hotline

Call COAST (Hamilton only) 905-972-8338

The Trevor Project (text, call, or chat 24/7) - for Trans Youth

Go to your nearest Hospital Emergency Department

or dial 911

if you have questions about any of these safety concerns and how they impact your ability to engage in virtual psychotherapy, please talk to us.

Book a 15 minute Consultation with Cynthia

Electronic Medical Records and Video Platforms

By law in Ontario, all Therapists must document appointments for your safety and so that there is a record. Your information is private and confidential and can not be released without your written consent. Cynthia offers psychotherapy at Clark Counselling and uses a secure Canadian video platform and Electronic Medical Record (OWL). Your information is safely stored in Canada and there is no recording of virtual sessions.

Learn More about Privacy & Confidentiality in Virtual Health Care in Ontario

Preparing for a Virtual Therapy Appointment

Test your camera and microphone to ensure they are working. We need to be able to hear AND see you. You should plan to be within 1-3 feet of your electronics. This test will tell you how far away or how close you need to be. You should do this before each appointment. What you have to say, matters. Help us hear you.

Are you in...

Our area of service?

Virtual offices are in Dundas & Guelph, Ontario and serve all of Ontario, including the surrounding areas of Ancaster, Hamilton, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Brantford,Oakville, Kitchener...

But also Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Thunder Bay, North Bay, London, Windsor.. and more!

All you need is wifi!

Book a 15 minute Consultation with Cynthia