Online Counselling

Online Counselling (Chat/Email)
Please read Disclaimer to make an informed decision whether to proceed with Online Counselling. If client chooses this option for counselling, it is assumed that client has read the Disclaimer. To book for Online Counselling, kindly contact Liesel via e-mail or phone so we may set up user names or email addresses to try to maintain anonymity as much as possible.

Online Counselling is not for everybody. Liesel's Counselling do not recommend Online Counselling under the following circumstances:

  • If you are in a crisis situation, in which case, we advise you to call one of the Emergency numbers listed at the end of this page;
  • If you're personal safety is an issue, (this could include a domestic violence situation or suicidal feelings) we advise you to call one of the Emergency numbers listed at the end of this page;
  • If you need specialist medical treatment for a physical condition;
  • If you suffer from a mental illness.

Advantages of Online Counselling:

  • Anonymity: Some people feel safer and are able to be more open
  • Convenience: Greater flexibility and options in appointments
  • Time efficiency: You don't need to take time off work or travel anywhere
  • Accessibility: Offers increased access to services from rural and remote locations or to people who are unable to leave their homes or travel to an office
  • Cost-effective: Costs less than face-to-face counselling, and travel costs, child-care costs etc can be eliminated.

Disadvantages of Online Counselling:

  • Text Based communications often ‘truncate' the communication which may lead to misunderstandings. You or your counsellor would say more in a face to face situation than you do when you are typing.
  • Non-verbal cues normally present in a conversation are not accessible, increasing the risk of misinterpretation for both you and your counsellor. Counsellors are trained in how to communicate tone, feeling, humor etc, but these can more easily be misinterpreted. Sometimes you have to say "out loud" what the counsellor would be able to deduce if he or she could see you.
  • Sometimes situations are too complex to be adequately conveyed in text messages and therefore the online contact may need to be supplemented by telephone counselling.

Note: Please remember to tell your counselor if you don't understand something the counsellor is saying, or need clarification and if emotions come up for you during the session, such as sadness or anger. Remember that your counsellor can't see your face.

How I conduct Online Counselling
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Chat
I normally use service providers such as Skype or MSN or any other service provider that my client prefers to use. Client and counselor can either talk or type text through the private chat boards. I will need to make an assessment of the situation. The initial assessment session is free of charge. I will be sending assessment questionnaires and will be expecting responses via email.

Email
I am using my info@lieselscounselling.com account for counselling purposes. Again, the initial assessment session is free of charge. I will be sending assessment questionnaires and will be expecting responses via email. After receiving the client's responses to the questionnaires, the client can begin submitting a question one at a time. If I receive more than one question in one submission, I will only respond to the first question. Client is expected to pay $10CDN per question before submission.

Payment Options
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For face to face counselling, a variety of options are available. Cash or cheques are most preferrable. Liesel's Counselling is now able to accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and account to account transfers through PayPal.

 

For Telephone Counselling, account to account transfers and major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express will be acceptable through PayPal.

 

For Online Counselling account to account transfers and major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express will be acceptable through PayPal.

Disclaimer
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If you choose to use the services of on line counselling or e-mail counseling, it is most crucial to read the disclaimer. The disclaimer might not sound as empathetic but it is important to be very clear with everyone about both positions. User agrees that use of any or every part of the service is entirely at user's own risk. The Internet is an insecure medium and users should be aware that there are inherent risks transmitting information across the Internet. Provider's services are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any warranty or information services, counselling, uninterrupted access, or products or services provided through or in connection with the service.

By submitting your question via email, you are in agreement to pay for the concepts and insights received, whether it is deemed to be helpful or not. All sales are final. Responses will not be provided without payment. There will only be one response to each email.

You are also giving "Liesel's Counselling" access to your email address only for the purposes of replying to your question and/or to arrange for phone counselling, online counselling or face to face counselling. Any other access would be in error only and should be taken as that. It would be rectified immediately.

At any time, "Liesel's Counselling" reserves the right to terminate service if misleading information is given by the client.

This online service is not a substitute for treatment for suicidal thinking, crisis, or severe psychiatric problems.

Your email and responses are confidential. As in any face to face counselling, if there are threats to your safety, or the safety of others, child protection issues or suicidal or homicidal thoughts, proper authorities will be notified. These issues would override the issues of confidentiality.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
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Ottawa 24-hour crisis line:
613-745-4818

Ontario Assaulted Women's Helpline:
1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868

Distress Centre:
613-238-1089
TTY: 613-238-3311

Emergency: 911

Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868

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