COVID-19 Update #2 - Transition to Telehealth

After much deliberation, including conversations with trusted colleagues, review of information from reputable sources, consideration of my professional responsibility, and personal reflection, I have decided to completely transition my private practice to telehealth platforms as of Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice.

It is my understanding that we are at a critical time with respect to the spread of the coronavirus. The actions we take today could be the difference between life and death for thousands of people. We have seen an exponential rise in the rates of COVID-19 even in the last week. The time to implement social distancing and isolation is now, not when this situation is already out of hand and the health care system is stretched too thin. Below are three accessible articles that I have relied on to make an informed decision (in addition to links posted in COVID-19 Update #1):

• A COVID-19 coronavirus update from concerned physicians

• Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve”

• Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day

Please know that I do not take this decision lightly. While I have several clients whom I see via video conferencing exclusively, I have hesitated in the past to transition my practice to telehealth for a variety of reasons. I see folks who do not have access to the internet, folks who find navigating the internet confusing and stressful, or folks who may not have access to a private space outside of my office. And in some situations, the work that we are engaged in seems best suited to in-person sessions. I share this to be transparent about my concerns. If you fall into one of these categories, I want you to know that I am thinking of you as I carefully consider how to move forward. Please feel free to reach out so we can collaboratively explore the best way forward together.

If you decide that you do not want to do online or telephone sessions, I respect your decision. We can wait this out and resume our work together once this situation has passed. As a collaborative therapist who values individual self-agency, you have every right to decide what is the best next step for you. I will respect your decision 100% and look forward to working with you again if and when the time comes.

The coronavirus does not have to interrupt your therapy because the technology exists to support the therapeutic process. If you are willing to make the transition to telehealth with me, the following information is for you:

1. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and willingness to weather the curves and bumps as we navigate this new reality.

2. I was previously using Zoom, but will be switching to Doxy.me for both video and audio conferencing. The platform is PHIPA compliant, easy to use because you don’t have to download anything, and built with health professionals in mind.

3. The link to my online office is https://doxy.me/benitajoymft. You can click the link to go to my online “waiting room” at any time. However, all sessions will be by appointment only.

4. Before you log on for your session:

   • Please make sure your internet connection and signal are reasonably strong.

   • Please make sure you are situated in a space that is safe, private, and reasonably free of distractions.

   • Please make sure you have whatever you might need during your session, such as a notebook, your favourite beverage, or Kleenex.

5. As with most transitions in life, rarely is the process completely smooth and free of challenges. We will do our best to troubleshoot difficulties. I would be so grateful for your patience and cooperation.

Please know that I have in the past and do currently work with clients on video conferencing platforms exclusively. In my experience, other than technical difficulties from time to time, the medium has not limited the growth, healing, and progress that we have been able to achieve. I invite you to see this shift as an opportunity to: 1.) protect yourself and your loved ones while you continue to engage in your healing journey; and 2.) explore the convenience and flexibility of teletherapy (Who knows? You may end up loving it and want to keep meeting online even after this whole thing is over! But don't worry, I will be back up and running at both Toronto and Newmarket locations once it is safe to do so.)

If you have any questions, concerns, or need to connect with me, please feel free to reach out by phone or email. Until next time, please stay safe, check-in on your loved ones, and be gentle with yourself.

Grace and peace to you, beloveds.

Benita