Common Counselling Questions
With businesses starting to open up, we understand that people are wanting to meet in-person for counselling. We are doing our best to stay informed and abide by the guidelines from AHS, the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Psychological Association of Alberta and so, we will:
- Continue to provide the majority of our services virtually (via video or phone)
- We are also starting to accommodate in person sessions for clients who are in significant distress and/or in need of an in-person appointment based on the clinical judgment of the Psychologist. Please note that a screening conversation will be conducted and availability of appointments will vary by Psychologist.
To find out more information and to make a request for an in-person appointment, please send an email to:
What is Refresh Counselling’s Response to COVID-19?
WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU & PROTECT YOUR HEALTH !
Due to the current risk of COVID-19, we are providing the following options for ALL clients:
(1) Video Session: 30 mins before your appointment, you will receive an email from Jane with instructions on how to access our video option (please also check your junk mail). No need to download anything, just click on the link and you will be connected to your psychologist at the scheduled appointment time. You can also log into your account and find the “Upcoming Appointments” tab and there will be a blue “BEGIN” button to click.
Scroll down for more information about VIDEO SESSIONS.
(2) Phone Session: Your psychologist will give you a call on the number provided at the scheduled appointment time. The number may show us with “no caller ID” or “private caller”.
PLEASE NOTE:
There MAY be instances where video/phone sessions may NOT be possible but your psychologist will discuss this with you if this is the case.
Rescheduling: We will continue to be understanding when it comes to health-related reasons for late cancellations during this time. Simply EMAIL office@refreshcounselling.ca or your psychologist to notify us that you will not be able to make your appointment and you can reschedule using Jane.
VIDEO SESSIONS
What is needed to do a Video session?
For all Video sessions, we strongly recommend finding a private place where you can speak freely and hear the communication from you psychologist clearly – in some cases you may want to consider using a headphones with a microphone to better communicate in your session.
As of April 20th, we are going to use a NEW feature in our online booking system called Jane. 30 minutes before your appointment, Jane will email you a clickable link which you will use get connected to your Psychologist. We recommend logging in 5 mins prior to your session to ensure that you begin on time. As soon as your Psychologist is ready to begin, the Video chat will begin.
- Laptops & Desktop Computers: Our beta release is best experienced using Chrome or Opera.
Firefox unfortunately does not allow to reduce the quality of the video so it will gobble up all your bandwidth. Safari is audio only. - Android Devices: Android devices work best with Chrome.
- iPhone & iPad If you’re on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) you will need the Jane Online Appointments app which is available on the app store.
For a Step-by-step walk through – please click link below to learn how to join a Video Session:
**WATCH VIDEO: HOW TO JOIN ONLINE APPOINTMENT**
What Browsers and Devices are currently supported?
Our beta release is best experienced on a computer or laptop using Chrome or Firefox. Android devices work best with Chrome. If you’re on an iOS device (iPhone, iPad) you will need the Jane Online Appointments app which is available on the app store.
Check your internet connection at fast.com. You will need a result of 15Mbps or higher. If you’re seeing a number measured in Kbps, that’s not good news. If your internet connection isn’t great, you will have the option to shut off the video and do an audio only session.
Is the interface secure and PIPEDA & HIPAA compliant?
Yes! The Online Appointments feature was built exclusively within Jane and it is all provided within our secure infrastructure that meets our privacy standards. We are not white labeling a 3rd-party solution behind the scenes.
We are using a standard that provides peer-to-peer audiovisual communication in most cases. This means that all the traffic flows directly between each user’s web browser and completely bypasses our servers. The traffic is also encrypted in transit and none of the data is stored anywhere at any time.
This approach ensures our online appointments are PIPEDA and HIPAA and address the major privacy concerns clinics and patients have around telehealth.
Will I be able to record audio or the chat communication?
Video, audio or chat communication cannot be recorded during an Online Appointment session. This approach ensures that this feature remains HIPAA compliant and addresses major privacy concerns around telehealth posed by clinics.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
This is one of the most common counselling questions we get asked and certainly makes sense because the nature of therapy is so dynamic. Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. we tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
How can I know if counselling is for me?
At Refresh Counselling, we offer your first 20 minute session at no charge. This is your opportunity to ask any question you would like to ask, and get a feel of what future sessions will be like. This will also give us a chance to get to know you and start preparing for our next session.
Where can I find the Refresh Counselling office?
Refresh Counselling is located inside one of the most exciting re-developed facilities in Calgary! The Village, is located on the corner of Brisebois Dr and Brentwood Road (just off Crowchild). Come through the front doors and come up one floor. We are located in “the Village wellness area”. Follow the signs to find us or call our office anytime!
Do I need to book at 20 min consultation to see a psychologist?
Our psychologists are all very personable and work with a wide range of clients. It is not necessary to use a 20 minute consultation to see a psychologists. If you have any specific concerns, or are looking for a psychologist who uses a particular methdology we would recommend booking a consultation to better understand your needs and pair you with psychologist that meets your requirements.
How can I access my online portal to book my 20 mintue consultation or book/change my future appointments.
Our simple to use portal can be found using the following URL https://refreshcounselling.janeapp.com/