We are currently implementing a hybrid remote/in-person model. All new clients will be required to attend their first session remotely. Upon conditions, in-person sessions will be offered to existing clients only at the sole discretion of counsellors. Remote counselling is remaining our main counselling delivery method. Counsellors are free to withdraw from in-person offers at any time without notice. Pre-booked sessions can be cancelled without notice at any time without compensation to clients. In the event of a cancellation, a remote counselling delivery option could be offered as an alternative.
BC Counsellors Promoting Health & Safety
Together Working Toward a Common Goal
We are committed to the Well being of our Clients, Clinical Counselling Therapists, and our Community
Counselling | Public Health & Safety Without Compromise
SANDSTONE COUNSELLING CENTRE INC.
COVID-19 Safety Plan PUBLIC NOTICE
As per the Order of the BC Provincial Health Officer
Given the effectiveness of virtual services, and the risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses, we have decided to continue with remote counselling as the main service delivery method. The in-person session may or may not be offered at the sole discretion of the counselling therapists.
Clients have reported that they have found very little difference between Video Counselling Sessions and In-Person Sessions. Clients surveyed are pleased with our decision to put safety first by not increasing their risk of contraction.
The literature/research completed comparing online counselling has found that it can be as satisfying and impactful for clients as the in-person alternative.
There are serious safety concerns for both counsellors and clients when enclosed in a small space for one hour, with both persons speaking and sharing the same air. We considered partitions dividing clients and counsellors, as one of our clients stated, “the feeling of being in a penalty box’ is not much better than the alternative of wearing masks. There are so many levels of communication to read in expressions, that the coverage of a mask would severely impact the counselling experience.
Since BC Public Health is still requiring individuals to wear masks in healthcare settings we are remaining cautious with our offer of in-person services for the benefit of everyone.
We find that the alternative format, remote video or telephone counselling, is equally effective, absolutely safer and even more accessible for clients.
Offering Online Counselling & Coaching Services
By Appointment Only
Reducing client contact exposure and presence in our offices and buildings has allowed us to continue to focus on quality virtual counselling services
Our Online Counselling Health & Safety Policy keeps people at a safe physical distance from one another without the risk of spreading COVID-19
By offering mostly virtual counselling services we are preventing the necessity of implementing the second, third and fourth levels of protection from COVID-19 Health & Safety Requirements Ordered in the past by THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER:
Second level protection (engineering controls): barriers such as plexiglass to separate people.
Third-level protection (administrative controls): rules, contact tracing and guidelines, such as cleaning protocols, use of chemical cleaning products telling clients & counsellors to not share certain items, not being able to offer water during sessions or implementing one-way doors or walkways.
Fourth level protection (PPE): Supplying counsellors & clients with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as non-medical masks, gloves
Implementing these measures would have had a significantly negative impact on client satisfaction, as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of client services.
We are Taking a Stand for Mental Health Counselling & Physical Safety
Together Working Towards a Common Goal
Please Stay Online
&
#reducecovidfootprint
