Video Counselling Sessions

Stewart & Associates is pleased to offer secure, encrypted, and confidential online video counselling for individual, couples and family sessions.

Video counselling provides effective therapy and enables our therapists to meet with clients while in the comfort of their own home.  No software is needed and you don’t need to create any type of account.  Therefore, all you need to do is simply click on the link provided and you’re all set.

While we acknowledge the benefits of online counselling, we also recognize that it has limitations.  Video counselling may not be right for everyone.  On-line therapy is technical in nature and problems with the internet may occur.  If something beyond our control disrupts the connectivity of the video counselling session, your therapist will resume the session by telephone.  Video counselling is especially useful for clients who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions for a variety of reasons including:

• transportation concerns,
• inclement weather or driving conditions,
• living in remote regions,
• physical challenges or other limitations
• lack of childcare

Payment for On-Line Sessions

Payment is required prior to your session.  Please send an eTransfer to admin@stewart-assoc.com.  Since e-transfers are automatically deposited into our account, you do not need to provide the answer to the security question.  Also, payment can be made by calling the office with your credit card details.

How to get the Most Out of Video Counselling

• Find a quiet place where you can talk freely.  This can be at home, a private room or office at work, or even in your parked car, if no other options are available.
• Hang a Do Not Disturb sign on your door to ensure complete privacy.
• Use headphones or earbuds with your computer or laptop.  This will allow you to hear more clearly and helps the experience to feel more private.
• Be seated in a comfortable chair, not laying down, so that you can be fully engaged in the session.
• If you use your cell phone, please use headphones and keep your hands free.
• Be prepared with a glass of water and tissues nearby, just in case.

Technical Requirements and Tips for the Best Video & Audio Quality

• You will need a computer, tablet, laptop or cell phone with high speed internet/WiFi, webcam and microphone
• Be as close to the router as possible when using WiFi.
• Use an Ethernet cable to connect to the router directly if using a desktop or laptop.
• Connect to a private WiFi source or turn off WiFi completely and use your data plan.
• Fully charge your device and close all other programs, browsers and tabs.
• Ensure no one in your household is streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) or playing online video games.  These services use bandwidth and may cause lagging.
• Turn off your selfie video if possible (seeing yourself on the screen can be very distracting).
• Make sure your audio and video settings are set to “allow” for your browser.
• Google Chrome default settings are automatically set to “allow”, unless you have manually turned it off.
• Turn off or unplug any voice-activated speakers or other devices nearby (Google Home, Alexa, etc.)

IMPORTANT:

For all video counselling with our therapists, an email will be sent to you 30 minutes prior to you scheduled appointment with a link to access the platform. If you are using a computer, it is recommended that you use Chrome as your browser.  If you are using an IOS device for your session, you can download the Jane app. 

If you have a Jane account with us, and have opted out of receiving emails, you can either opt in again, or access the video link directly on your account. Sign in at stewartandassociatescounselling.janeapp.com

Here are a few helpful links from Jane that will ensure that your online session goes smoothly:

How to join your online appointment: https://jane.app/guide/telehealth/how-to-join-your-online-appointment-for-patients

Video Sessions Troubleshooting guide: https://jane.app/guide/telehealth/online-appointments-a-troubleshooting-guide

For new clients, when you are ready to schedule your first session please complete our Intake Form and someone will connect with you as soon as possible.