We are shifting to Video and Telephone Services as of March 18th

This letter was sent to all of our clients last night. It was a difficult letter to send, but I know it was the right thing to do. The silver lining for us is knowing that we will be able to continue to support most of our clients through this difficult time.

I personally want to thank our team, therapists and admin, as they have been working tirelessly to help us shift the way we work in such a short period of time. Your commitment to clients and community inspires me every day

❤️

And to our clients...we are here for you. Thank you for your patience as we move to this new way of offering services.

🙏

Isolation and distancing are needed to fight this pandemic...but already we can see it, that connection and cooperation is what is truly going to save the day. Encouraging everyone to keep reaching out to loved ones and those who are struggling, in whatever way you can. We've got this! 💚

Nicole

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Announcement

We are shifting to Video and Telephone Services
as of March 18th....

We are writing to let you know that as of March 18th, all of the counselling sessions provided at River’s Edge Counselling Centre will be offered remotely, by either video or telephone. 

This difficult decision has not been made lightly. It has been made after considerable research and thought about the impact of continuing to offer services in-person in our office on the health of our clients and the community as a whole. We believe this will contribute positively to the goal of “flattening the curve,” protecting vulnerable people and ensuring that essential services are not overwhelmed in the coming days.

Thankfully, we will still be able to meet the needs of most of our clients during this difficult time. We understand that it will come as a disappointment to many clients to lose in-person contact with their therapist, perhaps even more so at a time when we are all more isolated. For others, it may come as a relief to know that they can stay connected with this support, even if they face self-isolation or quarantine.

The full extent of the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is yet unknown - but many of us are already feeling it. What we most want to communicate to you at this time, is that we are here for you.

While isolation and distancing are what is needed to fight this pandemic, connection and emotional honesty are antidotes for secondary effects of anxiety and depression. We all face this situation with vulnerability, including some of the reasons we reach out for counselling in the first place. But we also all face this situation with resilience. As counsellors, it is our job to create a safe space for vulnerability, for sharing difficult emotions and experiences. It is also our job to shine a light on people's resilience, and help them draw on it for strength and calm amidst life's struggles. The COVID-19 crisis puts us in touch with our vulnerability, but it is also an opportunity to experience our resilience.

Thank you for including us in your circle of care and trusting us to be helpful. Thank you also for your patience, as we take this big step together, and shift the way we offer care. 

How will it Work?

If you have an upcoming appointment, your therapist will schedule it as a video session at the same time.

You will receive an email with a link to open at the time of your appointment. We will accept e-transfers and credit cards as payment. 

Please ensure you have a camera (computer, phone or tablet will work), and a quiet, confidential space to meet. You may wish to use a headset, but it is not required.

If you prefer to use a telephone, just email your therapist directly. 

If you have any questions, it is best to contact your therapist directly for a prompt response. However, our admin team is also here for you (info@riversedgecounselling.com; text or call 780-460-0022). Due to the high volume of calls, email and text are best and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What are my options?

We fully trust clients to make the best choices for themselves. If video or phone sessions don't feel right for you at this time, that is no problem. Please just let your therapist know that you would like to hold off for now.

Given the uncertainty in everyone's lives right now, we have been very flexible with our cancellation policy and will continue to do so. However, please be mindful of how busy our therapists are trying to meet client needs. Providing 24hrs notice when cancelling or rescheduling, if possible, to allow us to make time for other clients, will be greatly appreciated.

When this situation passes, we look forward to welcoming you back into our space and offering the hospitality we enjoy giving to our clients.  Until then, stay well.

For more information about video and phone counselling, including its effectiveness and the potential benefits/risks, please see our E-counselling webpage,  as well as our handout Information about E-counselling and Telecounselling services.

Be part of the solution with...

Mindful Practice.

Notice the impulse to touch your face and be intentional about the decision not to do so. It is not an easy habit to break, but possible with mindful practice.

Wash your hands. You can make this a mindful ritual, enjoying the warm water and suds; imagining it as a compassionate act towards yourself and others.

Notice any anxiety that arises in your everyday. Breathe, and focus on the present moment. Feel the safety of the NOW.

Etiquette.

Cover your cough. Sneeze into your elbow. Or use a tissue, and toss it in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning spray or wipes. Use hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands. When we practice simple etiquette, we are offering protection to those who are most vulnerable.  

Rest.

Stay home if you are sick and be kind to yourself. Please do not visit the office if you are unwell, or you have been travelling outside the country in the past 14 days. As always, our 24-hour cancellation policy does not apply for those who are sick, or in quarantine.