Did You Know? Your Questions about Virtual Counselling Answered
By Carly Fleming, M.Ed. RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Our team often receives similar questions about virtual counselling, so we thought we would put them all here with some answers. If you have a question that you don’t see here, feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to answer.
Q: I don’t know what to expect. What will therapy be like?
Therapy isn’t scary.
We understand that embarking on a therapy journey can make you nervous. But we want you to know that therapy isn’t scary! Your therapist is not there to judge you or make you feel you have to justify yourself. In fact, your therapist is there to see the world through your eyes and validate where you are in your life. Sure, your therapist may ask challenging questions that make you think but these questions are asked in a kind, gentle and supportive manner. In fact, therapy may make you less scared as you begin to understand your emotions and your situation better than ever before.
Q: Will virtual therapy really help me as much as in-person therapy?
People tend to cry more during virtual therapy than in-person therapy.
This is our observation (not yet backed up by research) and we want to share it with you to remind you that: a) it’s ok to cry during therapy and b) crying is actually an incredibly important way for you to heal. We find that when people are in their own homes, in their places of comfort, that they are more able to access vulnerable feelings than when they are in our therapy offices.
Q: Can a virtual therapist really help me?
Your therapist isn’t the expert on your life. You are.
Your therapist is an expert in the counselling process – but she isn’t an expert on your life. You are the only one who knows what it is like to be you. And your therapist is very interested in hearing about your experiences. She knows how to ask questions and create strategies that will help you heal – but she will always defer to you as the expert on being you.
Q: How often will I have to see my therapist?
You get to set the pace in counselling at everwell.
It’s one of the very first questions we get asked when someone is considering therapy. How often you see your therapist is based on your needs, preferences and circumstances. You and your therapist will decide how often to meet and for how long – you will have an active role in deciding the role that therapy plays in your life.
Q: What options do I have for virtual counselling?
Our therapists can provide either video or phone appointments.
Depending on your comfort level, your circumstances and your preferences, you may choose either video or phone appointments.
Q: Are virtual counselling services covered by insurance?
In Ontario, extended health benefits plans only cover online therapy provided by someone registered to practice in Ontario.
Specifically, that would be online appointments with registered Social Workers and Psychotherapists (and we have both Social Workers and Psychotherapists on our team). This is important to note because there are many online therapy websites and apps available. However, before you consider one of these options, you should be aware that many of these services are based in the United States. As such, they do not meet the guidelines and laws set forth by the Ontario government and the professional credentials mandated to be a licensed therapist in Ontario. Without provincial accreditation, the online therapy you receive will not be covered by your extended healthcare plan. To be certain, please check your individual plan.
Q: I’m not sure I need a therapist because I don’t have any serious issues. Is virtual counselling still right for me?
Your online therapist is ready and willing to work with you on whatever issues you want to bring to counselling.
Many people think that they have to wait until they are really struggling before seeing a therapist. We are always happy to help clients who are seriously struggling but we also want you to know that we are here for the ‘not so serious’ things as well. Have an issue at work that is keeping you up at night? Trying to figure out a healthy way to interact with your parents? Feel kind of stuck when you try to vision your future? These are all very good reasons to seek out therapy.
Q: Money is a real issue for me right now - do you have any affordable online counselling options?
We offer online counselling at affordable rates.
In order to make online counselling more affordable to everyone, we provide sessions with counsellors-in-training. These are Master’s level students who are being supervised by our experienced therapists and who can offer you excellent counselling at affordable rates.
Q: I’m worried about online security - how do I know my information is staying confidential?
We take security and confidentiality very seriously.
When you connect with us online or over the phone, please rest assured that we are following all guidelines relating to security to ensure that your counselling session is as secure as possible. In addition, our therapists will honour your privacy and confidentiality by making sure they are in a private place with a closed door.
How we can help
We offer online therapy with heart
Our experienced counsellors are here to help you navigate major life challenges. If you would like to know more about whether online counselling at everwell is right for you, book a free 30 minute consultation and we can talk about it.