This is an online therapeutic offering between client and a licensed counsellor over virtual platforms (text or video) It come under the heading TeleMental Health or TeleHealth services. Today many of our Health Services can be accessed online, this is adding to another option for you. To help make access more accessible and flexible.

Online clinical counselling is not for everyone. You need to feel comfortable using different technologies, have access to hi speed wifi. Feel confident in your own environment, while giving yourself a safe place to share and learn. Online counselling clients needs to be comfortable using video and written expression to convey their thoughts and problems.

This form of therapy is ideal for those who need a flexible schedule, as we can offer this in the day or night time. Recent studies have shown that online counselling/therapy is flexible, convenient, comfortable and can give the client a higher accountability. EMDR can be offered online or in person.

There are limitations to any therapy. In online counselling there are specific limitations you need to be aware of:

Limits of physical expression,
Video therapy usually shows the face and upper body, limiting full expression of non-verbal communication; body language is an important communication factor in all our daily communication. Text based therapy does not have any verbal cues, but can use emoji’s and punctuation. Therefore online counselling is well suited for those who can use written expression to convey thoughts, beliefs and emotions clearly.

Limits of Technology
Sometimes technology can fail, we have developed specific policies to deal with this, but it is something to consider. Online Counselling has many advantages, however, you must be comfortable and in safe place, so you feel your privacy is not interrupted. Oft times, through text based messages or emails, there can be a delay in transmission. Again, we have policies in place to protect you, but it is a limitation to be aware of. Text based therapy cannot guarantee full confidentiality as multiple servers can be used. We mitigate this factor by using a webmail based platform, which uses only 1 server. This reduces the risk, but some emails may not be received or sent.

Numerous studies have been done since 1995 proving that for some eTherapy is just as effective, if not more than traditional face-to-face counselling. The same guidelines apply, the willingness to show up for your appointments and the continuance of therapy can determine the success of each appointment. eTherapy has been empirically verified to successful treat for anxiety, depression, weight loss, OCD, those wanting to process hidden trauma, those who need deeper accountability and those that would like educational parenting guidelines and assistance.

Everyone’s situation is unique. If you are needing a flexible, convenient therapeutic session to assist in achieving your goals, or to increase your accountability we encourage you try eTherapy.

Valid and Proven Theoretical Frameworks for eTherapy
Online Clinical Counselling/Therapy  uses Solution Focused , CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). EMDR frameworks to help you achieve your goals. Clinical studies that are peer reviewed have demonstrated the efficacy of this modality.

Here at Palm and Cedar LLP, we implement the use of the C.A.R.E method in our eTherapy sessions along with Solution Focused and CBT exercises.

Step 1 begins with you booking a free consultation to see if our RCC’s are the right fit for you. This usually last between 10 and 20 minutes.

Step 2 Booking your Appointment Online. Click here, or send us an email at etherapy@palmandcedar.ca to inquire for more information or call us at 250-927-3191.

Once you select your preferred time and date, you will be sent an Informed Consent and an Intake form to be completed ONLINE BEFORE you begin. These forms review the benefits and limitation of eTherapy and they also help us know how to assist you better.

You will choose your preferred technology Palm and Cedar offers: Video, or Phone or a combination. . On your appointment it will still show the video icon) Our appointments are HIPPA and PIPPA compliant. When your forms are filled and it is the day of your session; you will be emailed or sent text with a link to a secure, encrypted platform. Once in, you will be asked to be present in our online virtual waiting room, when your therapist is ready, they will invite you into the session. Should there be interference, we have policies in place to keep you safe and to keep the connection secure.

Once you have booked your session a valid Credit Card will be required. A 50% deposit will be taken and the rest will be invoiced at the end of the session. Your invoice will contain the licensed number for you to submit to your extended health plan or ICBC or Worksafe. It is recommended that you check with your health plan provider to verify they accept online clinical counselling from a Registered Clinical Counsellor. We also offer direct billing with Green Shield.