Some Covid Related FAQs

 

We understand these are challenging days and during this time of uncertainty we are striving to provide continuous service for all our clients.

Below are some FAQs that you may find helpful to read through. We are also available for any and all questions and concerns. We wish you all the best during this time and look forward to staying connected.

Warmly,

Katherine and Sara

FAQs

How do you do therapy online?

You book your session as usual online or through your counsellor. When booking online you can now select a Video Session option. Up to 30 minutes before the appointment, you can log into your online portal, find your appointment, and click the green button “Join Video Call” to start the call. You will be placed in our virtual waiting room until the start time. You do not need to download anything. If you do not use the online portal you will receive a link to click on to access the call.

How can I prepare for the online session?

  • Find a quiet private space;

  • Make sure your microphone and sound are on;

  • Headphones and/or a mic can be helpful;

  • Have preferred items near by (e.g., tissues, blanket, tea).

Will the online platform protect my privacy?

Our platform meets the privacy requirements set out by our regulatory body in BC. It is PIPA/PIPEDA compliant, offers end to end encryption, and uses Canadian-based servers. We now use the platform created by Owl Management who we also use for bookings and other office management. Our back up platform is Doxy.

What precautions are taken in the office to enhance safety?

We are still seeing many of our clients remotely and for our in-person clients we have implemented additional measures to maintain safety. Measures include access to hand sanitizer, disinfecting office space between clients; no longer serving water or tea; maintaining physical-distancing measures of 2+ meters between persons in the office; 1 person or family in the waiting room at a time; and asking anyone who is sick or has symptoms, has traveled in the last two weeks, has been in contact with someone who has traveled or may have been exposed to Covid-19 to refrain from coming into the office space. While physical distancing can be maintained in our office spaces, our counsellors have access to masks and will check in each session on mask preferences.

Has my therapist’s schedule changed?

Due to some uncertainties, our schedules may change more than usual. Thank you for your patience. Please contact us for any scheduling concerns, we welcome your feedback.

Has the cancellation policy changed?

Our 24 hour cancellation policy is in effect as it allows us to maximize the support for our clients. For those with in-office appointments, we ask that if:

I. You are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • New or worsening cough

  • New muscle aches or headache

  • Sore throat;


II. You have traveled outside of Canada within the last 14 days;

III. You are in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. 

that you reschedule your appointment or change to a video session. Thank you.

How can you do EMDR online?

EMDR requires the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS). In session, this is usually accomplished by following my hand with your eyes or tapping on the knees. There are three main types of BLS: [1] Visual- eyes follow something from side to side causing our eyes to cross the mid-line; [2] tactile- repeated side-to-side physical stimulation like tapping or alternating vibrations; and [3] auditory- using sound that alternates from left to right ear.

Here are some ways to achieve BLS online:

Visual Bilateral Stimulation
If your monitor is large enough, visual bilateral stimulation is an option. This can be achieved by watching our hands on the screen or through an an application that we use that has dot move from side to side.

Tactile Bilateral Stimulation
Do-it-yourself BLS is an option here. This can be achieved by tapping on your own knees or using the butterfly hug.

Auditory Bilateral Stimulation
If you have access to a pair of headphones or computer speakers this can be an option. We will use an application that alternates sounds from one ear-bud or speaker to another.