Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 6

CDSPI is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide a broad and meaningful range of customized financial solutions to the dental community, covering every facet of their lives.  Â Feeling of safety Going to see a counsellor face-to-face for the very first time can be daunting. People worry about feeling awkward, nervous, wanting to leave, and not knowing what to say. What if you could just type in some of what you are feeling and have a compassionate and skilled professional on the other end to offer feedback and help. Online counselling can often be an accessible first step for people who would otherwise never consider seeing a counsellor. Communicating online can provide a feeling of security and anonymity, which can encourage more open and honest sharing.  Â Lessened social stigma Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeing a therapist and therapy is sought by healthy individuals, some people still do not feel comfortable with it. Speaking to someone online may feel more casual and because it is so new, it does not have the historical associations seeing a therapist may have.  Â Cost effectiveness Online counselling is very cost effective from both sides of the screen. For counsellors, it can save on the overhead of renting an office. For clients, travel time, transportation and parking costs are eliminated, as is time away from work. Who is best suited for online counselling There are no hard and fast rules about who is the ideal client for online counselling - indeed there is no “ideal”, and this type of delivery can suit a diverse range of people. But there are some guidelines for who might be best suited for this type of counselling: • People 18 years or older • Individuals who have an easier time expressing themselves in writing than through speaking • Those who are comfortable using technology and already have communication technology as part of their everyday lives • People who are dealing with issues that are not of a high risk or crisis nature Online counselling is on the rise and we will likely see it become more and more prevalent as technological developments make it more accessible and more secure. However, this doesn’t mean it’s for everybody. Go with your gut: if you’re more comfortable seeing someone in person, then that is going to be what works best for you. Everyone is different and what you need today may differ from what you need tomorrow. What’s most important is that you get the help you need in the environment in which you feel safe. * This information is provided by Shepell, the largest Canadian-based Employee and Family Assistance provider in the country and the provider of CDSPI’s Members’ Assistance Program (MAP). In addition to their health and wellness services, Shepell offers many helpful articles for small business owners at workhealthlife.com . We encourage you to visit the website for more information. Available services vary by region. Use of MAP services is completely confidential within the limits of the law. CDSPI’s Members’ Assistance Program (MAP)* is here to help you manage your stress levels. We invite you to access MAP by calling 1.844.578.4040 or visit workhealthlife.com for support and resources. S upporting Y our P ractice 35 Issue 6 | 2020 |