The time has come to make the difficult decision to close the physical office for everyone's safety. A strong recommendation was released from my regulatory body (Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers) which encouraged the suspension of in-person social work services across Canada.

What this means for you:

As of March 23rd, 2020 All existing appointments will remain available to you, but will be conducted via video or phone. If you choose not to exercise this virtual option you may cancel your appointment (keeping in mind the 24 hour policy). You may re-book an in-person appointment for some time in April with the understanding that as things unfold we may need to push the date back again or change to video/phone.

Payment for sessions will continue to be done via e-transfer to talk@tarahowlett.com prior to or at the beginning of your session. An official receipt will be e-mailed once payment is received.

How to Connect for a Virtual Session

Laptop/Computer:

1.  At your scheduled appointment time (not earlier) open a browser and navigate to Tara's Virtual Therapy Office.

2. Allow access to your cam/mic if prompted

3. Click "knock" to request access to the room

4. You will be permitted access and you will proceed with your session.

Mobile:

1. Download the Whereby app in advance of your session

2. At your scheduled appointment time (not earlier) open the Whereby app and click "join existing room"

3. Type "theunstuffytherapist"

4. Click "Join Room"

5. Select your preference: "Video" or "Audio-Only"

6. Click "knock" to request access to the room

7. You will be permitted access and you will proceed with your session

Go To Virtual Therapy Office

Tips for Successful Virtual Sessions:

It doesn't have to be the perfect setting. Where you go doesn't matter. You won't be judged on the room or space in which you join.

It does have to be private. If someone else is in the room it will effect the process, sometimes having someone in the next room has an impact too.

Multitasking is a no-no. If you are washing dishes, eating, or cleaning your room it really takes away from the session. Treat this as if you were in the office for therapy

Free yourself from distractions. Please silence your phone or better yet, turn off your phone. If you're using your phone for the therapy session then please ensure do not disturb is on.

Don't focus on your selfie video. In my opinion this is key to the process and is one of the biggest distractions. If you focus on yourself throughout the session you will be monitoring how you look LIVE and may not be quite as present.

Use a big screen. A therapy session looking at a mobile screen will be effective but your eyes will feel more comfortable looking at a bigger image. Using an iPad or computer is recommended.

Ensure your connection is stable. If your WiFi is patchy then ensure you're in the same room as the router. If you have enough data then it might be better to use that in some circumstances. Keep in mind data charges from your cell phone carrier.

Use headphones. I can't emphasis this enough, it changes the whole dynamic of the therapy session. It feels more private, there is less feedback and you are able to hear more clearly.

Go wireless. If you have wireless headphones - even better! You will be able to sit further away and still hear clearly. Body language is just as important as verbal language, lets not limit ourselves just because we're doing counselling online.

If you have questions/concerns, or if you or someone you know needs additional support please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at 613-800-8620 or email. Wishing you health, comfort, and self-care during this unprecedented and uncertain time.

Tara Howlett, MSW, RSW