I know that each day we wake up to news updates and an ever-growing list of changes we are making in our lives. It can bring up a lot of fear, anxiety and even grief as plans are cancelled, social distancing happens and daily routines are completely shifted. I truly value the relationship we have and have developed a plan so we can continue to take care of your mental health needs during this time. I want to be a place of support through what you are going through.

Pandemics, like COVID-19, challenge the way people cope. During a pandemic, it is not uncommon to experience strong emotions. Counselling can help us to understand normal responses to abnormal events- this can help Albertans and Canadians cope. Unusual and unfamiliar threats provoke anxiety and even unrealistic fears and racism. Social distancing, effective communication, and public health measures are realistic lines of defense.

As of Monday, March 16 2020, all sessions will be moved to virtual sessions. We will no longer meet in my office until further notice. This is a temporary measure as the CoVid-19 will one day pass. We have two options moving forward based on your needs, all of which are secure and encrypted. At this time, you can utilize video sessions or phone sessions therapy. Begging Wednesday, March 25, 2020, I will have a doxy.me account that will allow you to speak with me via video. It does not require any downloads but does require a secure network. For clients who participate in direct payment prior to the session the process will still remain the same, the only difference is I will email you your receipt at the end of day of the session that you attended. Please let me know what your preferences are. I am happy to discuss the option that is best for you.

Research shows that virtual sessions is an effective form of psychotherapy. There are a few differences than what you experience in my office. You will need to find a space if at all possible that is quiet and where you feel comfortable to share. If you have a headset that will also help with reducing noise and distraction. Many people prefer video as we can see each other’s faces and expressions.

I also recognize that your schedule may look different, as does mine. While this is temporary, I want to discuss if our session time works for you or to explore how I can accommodate your needs. We will still need to uphold the 24-hour cancellation policy to ensure that we can offer support to others if you are unable to attend your appointment for whatever reason. The best way to reschedule an appointment is by telephone that way I can easily reschedule you to a more convenient time as I cannot ensure that the requested times you send via email are available by the time I receive your emails. I want to be as flexible as possible as I know this is a crucial time for all of us to maintain some sense of normalcy, to get support when we are isolated, and to continue working on our strengths to take care of our mental wellbeing.
To help you during this ever-changing and difficult time please refer to www.gphcs.ca for tools and resources from Alberta Health Services, other respected agencies, or from myself to help you cope. You can find these resources under the “Resource Tab” on my website.

Please know I am also doing things to care for myself so that I can be there for you fully. Please respond to this email with confirmation that you received it. Let me know if your session time still works for you and what form you prefer. Let me know if you need to hop on the phone to speak about a plan.

Once our plan is determined, I will send you further information needed for your appointment.

And as always, I look forward to walking alongside you to assist you in managing all of your mental health needs.

Kindest Regards,

Malissa Veroni

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Malissa Veroni
MSW RSW
Hons. B.A Social Development Studies
Dip. General Social Work
Cert. Child Abuse Studies
Designated Capacity Assessor (Alberta)

www.keepnitrealsolutions.ca
Email: info@keepitreal.ca

Phone: +1-877-540-9870

Helping You Manage All of Your Mental Health Needs