health and safety is still the priority

The College of Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) strong recommends that all sessions be held remotely (i.e., via Zoom and/or phone) where possible, given the health risks associated with COVID-19. For now, exceptions can be made if: (a) there is significant need/risk for a client, requiring them to need treatment; (b) there is a justifiable reason that that client cannot receive treatment via eCounselling; and (c) the client complies with the health and safety policies and restrictions listed for in-person sessions (see below). 

As the health and safety of all my clients is a priority, and in order to uphold my duty to do no harm. As such, it is assumed that your session will be held via Zoom/phone unless an alternative has been arranged for you, specifically. 

Health and safety requirements for in-person sessions (last updated 16 Aug 2020):

• Prior to booking: Clients must request an in-person session and will then be required to complete a consent-form specific to COVID-19 acknowledging the risks and responsibilities (to them, and myself) of participating in an in-person session during the pandemic. 

• On the Day of their Session: Clients are to complete an online screening survey the same-day, acknowledging any potential symptoms and/or risk of contact.

• Session location: currently, all of my sessions will be held in Uxbridge from my Planks Lane location until further notice, limiting traffic at my other clinics

• Upon arrival for session:

  • Clients must wait in their car or in the back yard until their session time - the door will only be unlocked once the session is ready to begin.

  • Clients must enter alone (no parents or other people may enter the building).

  • Clients must complete another screening at the door - including a no-contact temperature reading confirming they do not have a fever

  • Clients are asked to come with minimal personal belongings and any belongings (i.e., keys, cell phone, etc.) and objects are to stay stowed away

  • Clients who show signs/symptoms of illness and/or do not meet the screening requirements will be given the option of calling-in to do their session from outside the building (or cancelling - late-cancellation charges will apply if client has not already cancelled due to symptoms) 

• If a client meets all requirements for entry, the following measures will be taken during sessions:

  • Clients will be provided with hand-sanitizer at the door 

  • Clients MUST wear a mask during the session. If you do not have one, a disposable face mask will be provided for you.

  • I will also be wearing a mask and face shield throughout the session.

  • We will be sitting at a distance, with a table in between us to keep distance in a room where all surfaces (including seating) can be easily sanitized

  • No food or drink are to come into the building with the client

  • No washroom will be available to clients

  • Any tissues and/or masks should be brought out with the client when leaving

  • No payments will be processed in person (all will be processed remotely via eTransfer and/or a secure card-processing service on my website) and so no other persons (i.e., parents) are to come to the door/in the building at the end of session.

• Before/After Sessions:

  • In-person sessions will not be booked back to back in order to leave time for cleaning/air to be filtered from the room

  • I will be taking my temperature daily and monitoring my own health condition, as will others living within the premises - if I have symptoms within 24-hours of the session, the session will be moved to an online/phone session or cancelled

  • I will be wiping down/sanitizing the seat, table, door knobs and/or any other surfaces that may have come in contact with those within the building and/or the client.

  • I have an industrial, high-powered air filter in the room to help with air circulation and filtration throughout the session

Please see below for a list of eCounselling services I am offering at this time.

Zoom/Phone Sessions

For now, existing client sessions have been switched to Zoom (online video) and/or phone counselling format.

To download Zoom for your computer or smartphone, click here.

ZOOM Access Information:
Zoom ID: 647 880 7118
Password: 101885
You will be placed in a waiting area and added by Joelle once your session is ready to start.

Not a client but need support? Contact me to set up short-term, temporary and/or “drop-in” virtual sessions.

Limited In-Person Sessions

If a client absolutely needs to have their session in person, this can be arranged as per the policies and restrictions above.

Note: Zoom and/or phone sessions are strongly encouraged and will be the assumed mode of treatment unless mutually agreed upon.

If you are requesting an in-person session your therapist must chart a justifiable reason to exposure you to this otherwise unnecessary risk. As such, your therapist will inquire about your reasons for needing in-person sessions.

For more information, contact Joelle at joelle@kernelofwisdom.com.

Email/Text/Chat Support

Need support but can’t access virtual sessions? I have additional options:

• Email counselling - 1 weekly therapeutic Email + 1 follow-up to your responses/reflections including resources/activities to help. Cost = $35/week + HST (can also accommodate text/secure messaging format if preferred).

• Live Text Message OR Online Chat counselling - 20-25 minutes of live text-based support via text message or my secure, online portal. Cost = $50 + HST.

Contact Joelle for more info/to initiate.