Online Counselling

• You will need one of the following: phone, computer/laptop, tablet or smart phone.

• Find a spot that is safe, private & free of distractions. You may want to use music or white noise outside your room to control noise. We can create a code word during our initial call together if safety is an issue for
  you.

• Using headphones, or headphones with a microphone may help you stay focused

• Get comfortable (ex: use a comfy chair to sit in for long periods)

• You may want to consider having the following items close by: a drink of water, note pad if you think it would be helpful, and some tissue.

• If using video on your device give yourself 10 minutes before your appointment time to log in & set up. If you have any technical issues call this counsellor's office number.

• Ensure that your face is clearly visible on the video (you may need to play with the camera, change locations in the room or use extra lighting)

• If using video, dress as if you were attending a face-to-face counselling session

• Let the counsellor know if you can't see the video clearly, if there is

• "cutting out" or if the volume is too low.

•  Provide a phone number you can be reached at during the beginning of

• each session in case o† technical issues

Consider the following:

• Protecting your electronic devices and email with strong passwords (don't save passwords on shared devices, like a family comput
  "auto-fill").

• Using a location that is private, where you can shut the door or distance from others.

• Using a secure internet connection (a home connection). Avoid using public wi-fi (at cafe's, restaurants, library).

• Protecting your electronic devices and email win strong passworas (don't save passwords on shared devices, like a family computer; disable
  "auto-fill").

• Using a location that is private, where you can shut the door or be at a distance from others.

• Using a secure internet connection (a home connection). Avoid using public wi-fi (at cafe's, restaurants, library).

• Using virus and malware protection on your electronic devices.

• Turning off email notifications on your smart phone/tablet, that may display on your locked screen

• Keeping your device updated

• Email can be a less secure and confidential way of communicating with your counsellor, if you are concerned about this please call the office or use the secure messaging platform your counselor set up for you.

• Explore your device's security settings and research ways to make it more secure.

• ** Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive & not legal advice but merely general guidelines to help increase the security of your devices. You are responsible for securing the devices you intend to use if engaging in online communication.