Advanced Solutions Counselling

04/14/2020

COVID-19 Check-in:

Our valued Clients, how are you?

These past few weeks have been a rapidly evolving situation and in response we have had had multiple changes to our practice to best support you during these trying times. In the wake of this, you may have more questions for us. We'll tackle a few in this post.

1. What will happen with appointments going forward?

If you already have booked an appointment or discussed your care with your therapist, then it's business as usual. If you haven't already reached out to us, please contact us by phone or email to discuss your current treatment plan with us. We have some options available to you.

2. Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, we are still accepting new clients. Please contact us for more information on the intake process. We encourage you to read the remainder of this post as some of the questions may be relevant to you.

3. Can I still come into the office for my appointment?

We are currently accepting in person appointments on a case by case basis. Please ensure you discuss available options for counselling with Gilles or Victoria before attending in person. We have some specific protocols in place at the office to reduce contact and promote safety. We will review these before your next appointment.

Please note, if you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, have traveled recently or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, we kindly ask for you to stay home and utilize our online platform for sessions.

4. What online platform?

Great question! We are currently using a platform called TheraLINK to provide online session to our clients. It operates on computers, Ipads/tablets and on smartphones. It does require a short set-up, but we will walk you through the process. We've had great feedback from clients on this platform.

5. Can we just use Skype?

As much as Skype is a highly familiar and accessible option for people, it is not a HIPPA approved option. Your security and privacy matters to us and we want to be able to provide a comfortable, secure atmosphere when using an online option.

6. What about privacy?

The confidentiality and privacy of the therapy office may be difficult to replicate from home, especially when others are around and there's a possibility for interruptions. We recommend using headphones, especially those with built-in microphones. Using music or white noise in the background. Or even taking the appointment in your car or on a walk if you're feeling comfortable. We would be happy to review other strategies with you.

7. How will I pay?

At this time, we are accepting e-transfers and can do manual credit card payments with your permission. We encourage you to discuss any concerns around payment if you typically pay by a different method.

8. I'm not sure about the online platform, what if I don't like it?

We respect that shifting to the online platform can be a big adjustment, even for us! With that said, if you are unsure, we will happily provide a free 15-20 minute tutorial on the platform to help you get used to it. We encourage you to voice any concerns you may have.

If you do determine that you're not a fan of the platform, then we will review your options to best suit your needs.

Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns for your care. We'd love to hear from you.

Be well, stay safe,

The staff at Advanced Solutions Counselling

03/23/2020

Important Notice: Move to Online Services

Last week, we provided a status updating what we as a clinic were doing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, while remaining open for in-person sessions and that we would update you in anything changed.

As of Friday, March 20th, 2020, we received directives from the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) advising all Registered Psychotherapists to move their practices online for the safety of providers and the public. Therefore, we will not be facilitating in-person sessions until further notice. We will continue to offer services through our designated online platforms, for anyone who wishes to utilize this option.

We understand how this change in service may impact your overall care and we are here to walk you through this difficult time. We welcome any questions regarding the change of services.

Be well, be safe.

Staff at Advanced Solutions Counselling

03/19/2020

To our valued clients,

We want to continue to support you during these uncertain times, and while also being devoted to the safety of you/your families as well as our own.

Please note, that at this time the clinic will remain OPEN and we are continuing to offer IN PERSON services for those who wish to maintain their appointments. We are following the guidelines set out by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), regarding recommended safe practices and are continuously reviewing those guidelines.

With this in mind, we kindly ask that if you are experiencing any signs and/or symptoms of a cold, flu or fever, please REFRAIN from coming into the office for an appointment. You will NOT be charged for a missed appointment. In addition, an alternative (online) platform IS available and we've received GREAT feedback from clients who have used it. This option is available to all clients, just let us know and we will happily walk you through the process.

We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Be well,

Your team at Advanced Solutions Counselling

02/06/2020

One of the services we are proud to offer is hypnosis. Wondering what hypnosis can do for you? Check out our blog post outlining the benefits of hypnosis and how it can help with anxiety symptoms.

Interested in learning more or booking an appointment for hypnosis services, contact us today!

http://advancedsolutionscounselling.com/5-reasons-to-choose-hypnosis-for-anxiety/

02/04/2020

Finding yourself in a cycle of anger and fear? Afraid of the future or angry at your current circumstances, unsure how to overcome this pattern? At Advanced Solutions Counselling, we're all about promoting Gratitude and Growth. In this next blog post we're doing to discuss the importance and power of Gratitude and how exercises in Gratitude can help you overcome anger and fear.

http://advancedsolutionscounselling.com/how-to-overcome-anger-and-fear-gratitude/

01/31/2020

In Canada, 4 in 10 marriages end in divorce. No one thinks it will happen to them and the aftermath of divorce can be difficult on individuals and their families. Coping with divorce is no easy task, regardless of how long you have been married. In the link below you will read about 7 crucial tips for how to deal with divorce.

Need more information or wish to speak to the staff at Advanced Solutions Counselling to develop your road map for coping with Divorce? Contact us today!

http://advancedsolutionscounselling.com/7-essential-tips-for-coping-with-divorce/

01/29/2020

Feeling inspired by the conversations started by but unsure how to get started? Taking that first step is daunting, but we're here to help. In this blog post, we outline the first step of seeking services; what kind of services/provider do I want? To read more about different mental health providers and what they can do to help, click the link below.

Interested in our services? Excellent, we're happy to take your call or email, and schedule an intake appointment.

Let's talk, we're here to listen.

http://advancedsolutionscounselling.com/i-need-helpwhere-do-i-start/

01/29/2020

10 Years ago, Bell Let's Talk Day invited Canadians to have important conversations about Mental Health, but we still have more to say. Let's keep this conversation going and make Mental Health an everyday conversation.

Want to talk? We're here to listen.

11/11/2019

Lest we forget. Take a moment today to honour those who served, honour those we lost and honour those still fighting.

10/15/2019

The staff at Advanced Solutions Counselling, wish you had a wonderful thanksgiving weekend.

Sometimes, family gatherings can bring a sense of support and calm to an otherwise busy life. Other times, it can be stressful trying to manage ones anxiety around family. Ever find yourself having a hard time explaining your anxiety to family and loved ones? This blog post is dedicated to you. We outline how to talk about anxiety for those who don't believe it exists, or simply have a hard time understanding it.

Posted on August 23, 2019August 26, 2019 by adminHow to Explain Anxiety to People Who Don’t Believe It Exists In 2013 alone, more than 3 million Canadians had anxiety sickness and over 27% stated that the disorder affected their lifestyle. Anxiety disorders are increasingly affecting many individu...

10/10/2019

Happy World Mental Health Day!

There are still spots left in our October 16th Stress Management Group! Register today!

Now, that we have a better understanding of Anxiety, let's talk strategies to address anxiety. In this blog post, we explore 5 simple techniques to help manage anxiety. Read more below.

Posted on August 9, 2019August 16, 2019 by admin5 Simple Techniques to Deal with Anxiety This blog is on the 5 simple techniques to deal with anxiety. Now, the reason I decided on this topic for a blog is because I was recently at a dinner party, and a lady friend of mine had approached me on how to...

10/08/2019

Still have some questions after last weeks post? We have you covered. In today's post, we introduce you to the second part of Understanding Anxiety.

Are you enjoying learning more about Anxiety? Stay tuned for Thursday for our next post!

Posted on August 9, 2019August 13, 2019 by adminUnderstanding Anxiety: Part 2 Hi guys, and welcome to part two of Understanding Anxiety Disorders. We’re just going to continue our discussion we had finished last on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the loop that creates it. This time we’re going...