Unlocking Your Mental Wellness: The Ins and Outs of Telehealth for Millennials and Gen Z
Unlocking Your Mental Wellness: The Ins and Outs of Telehealth for Millennials and Gen Z
By Tanya Trenhaile- Founder of Dive In Counselling
Licensed Counselling Therapist & Canadian Certified Counsellor.
So what is Telehealth? Telehealth, also known as E-counselling or online therapy, is the 21st-century rendition of counselling, where technology serves as the bridge to healing. Think secure video chats or heart-to-heart talks over the phone, all from the comfort of your safe space. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Telehealth has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering easy access to therapeutic assistance when it was most needed but we weren't allowed to leave our houses. Research even vouches for its effectiveness, showing it to be on par with traditional in-person counselling for various mental health conditions. Which makes sense, because I, as a therapist, will show up with the same level as care as if we were in the same room together. I exclusively offer E-counselling services through Dive In Counselling, embracing the digital era with video or telephone sessions.
How does it work? Imagine a secure video-conferencing platform called "Jane App" ushering you into my virtual office where your privacy takes center stage. You create your own secure account which safely stores all your relevant personal and payment information to make appointments a breeze – just a click away from your secure chat room. Prefer the convenience of a phone call? No problem. I've got a secure and encrypted phone number as well, although the majority of people find video chats the best therapeutic option. All you need is a smartphone, laptop, computer, or tablet with video capabilities and an internet connection to get started.
Benefits - Beyond the Basics
Telehealth isn't just about convenience; it's a lifestyle upgrade for your mental wellness. Here's why:
Accessibility, Convenience, and Flexibility: No more commuting hassles or battling bad weather. Attend sessions from your living room, workplace, or even during a vacation. How nice would it be not to have to leave your room during a snow storm or waste time and money trying to find parking downtown? Aside from these savings, your familiar environment fosters comfort, making it easier to open up about the kind of challenging experiences we will discuss. Pets are always welcome too, of course!
Privacy: Online counselling can sometimes be a more private option, especially for those who may live in small towns where everyone knows one another. This way there is no chance of running into someone you know in the waiting room!
Tailored Expertise Across Provinces: Finding a therapist who you click with, feel safe showing up as yourself with, and who has specialization in the unique challenges you're facing, is critical for effective change in counselling. Before Telehealth, if you couldn't find a counsellor in your immediate area who you felt was a good fit, there weren't many alternatives. Online you can connect with a mental health professional, even if they reside in a different province than you. As a Canadian Certified Counselor, I am licensed to extend my services to clients across Canada, with the exception of Quebec and Ontario.
Accessibility, Convenience, and Flexibility: No more commuting hassles or battling bad weather. Attend sessions from your living room, workplace, or even during a vacation. How nice would it be not to have to leave your room during a snow storm or waste time and money trying to find parking downtown? Aside from these savings, your familiar environment fosters comfort, making it easier to open up about the kind of challenging experiences we will discuss. Pets are always welcome too, of course!
Privacy: Online counselling can sometimes be a more private option, especially for those who may live in small towns where everyone knows one another. This way there is no chance of running into someone you know in the waiting room!
Tailored Expertise Across Provinces: Finding a therapist who you click with, feel safe showing up as yourself with, and who has specialization in the unique challenges you're facing, is critical for effective change in counselling. Before Telehealth, if you couldn't find a counsellor in your immediate area who you felt was a good fit, there weren't many alternatives. Online you can connect with a mental health professional, even if they reside in a different province than you. As a Canadian Certified Counselor, I am licensed to extend my services to clients across Canada, with the exception of Quebec and Ontario.
Youth-Friendly: Teenagers and young adults often find solace in web counselling, often feeling more at ease expressing themselves through digital means.
Drawbacks - Tackling the Concerns
Ah technology, a blessing and a curse. Privacy and technical hiccups are something that can pop up, but we've got solutions:
Privacy Solutions: Safeguard your privacy at home if you live with others by using headphones or creating a private space. Car sessions are very popular these days! A sound machine or soft music playing by your door can also create a bit of a buffer if you need to do your appointment with others in the space. The secure video conferencing includes a chat function for discreet communication if you ever need to send me a message you can't say aloud during our session.
Privacy Solutions: Safeguard your privacy at home if you live with others by using headphones or creating a private space. Car sessions are very popular these days! A sound machine or soft music playing by your door can also create a bit of a buffer if you need to do your appointment with others in the space. The secure video conferencing includes a chat function for discreet communication if you ever need to send me a message you can't say aloud during our session.
Moreover, cybersecurity measures ensure encrypted, non-recorded sessions in compliance with Canadian privacy regulations to always ensure your confidentiality.
Technical Troubleshooting: Technical difficulties are always a possibility, although I often do not experience many issues with my clients. Pre-session checks for audio and video accessibility are available through the JaneApp so you can best prepare for your appointment. Best experience is using Chrome or Firefox, with a backup plan for phone calls if needed.
Communication Challenges: Non-verbal cues like body language enhance my understanding of your experience, so counselling over the phone may have some limitations. However, it is still effective, so embrace phone calls if it suits your comfort zone. I will ask questions for clarification to make sure I am understanding you well if needed.
Telehealth is the new frontier of mental health support, a versatile tool for navigating the complexities of life in our ever-changing world. While it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, offering a lifeline to those seeking a therapeutic haven in the digital age. If you are unsure about whether virtual therapy is the right fit for you, we can chat further about the pros and cons in a 15 minute free consult, booked on the website www.diveincounselling.ca.
Clicking is the first step to embark on this journey- let's explore wellness together from the comfort of your own home.
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