Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below to link to its answer.
HOW DOES ONLINE COUNSELLING WORK?
You and I will be communicating via email exchanges sent through
a secure server. PrivacEmail is the name of the technology
we use to protect the privacy of our exchanges. All exchanges
are encrypted or scrambled preventing others from reading what
we write. Once you have registered to obtain a PrivacEmail
account and have paid for my service, you are ready to begin
communicating with me. Each time I respond to you, you will
receive notification of my response at an email address you
choose to give to me. That email address is used simply to
send you a notification that my confidential and secure response
is available to you at your PrivacEmail account. It s as simple
as that!
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO
RESPOND TO ME?
I will respond to your first exchange within two business days.
My replies are not automated and are based on one full hour of
counselling time. I give a lot of thought to the information you
provide to me, and prepare my responses in a professional and caring
manner.
After our first exchange, we can determine how frequent our exchanges
will be, based on your needs and whether it is important for you
to try out certain suggestions that I make, or read certain materials
I might send to you.
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WHAT KIND OF CONCERNS CAN I COME TO
YOU WITH?
For a full description of my professional background and training
please click on About Paul
Parnass.
With over 35 years of experience I have worked with men, women,
couples and families who are dealing with a wide range of concerns.
Here is a summary of some of the issues I am qualified to work
with:
- addictions
- anger (non-violent)
- anxiety
- assertiveness
- blended family issues
- career and work related issues
- conflict resolution
- depression
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- divorce and separation
- grief and loss
- marital, relationship problems
- men's
issues - click here to learn more
- parenting
- self-esteem
- sexuality
- stress management
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I can assist you if you are 19 years or older.
I can also help with other issues that are not listed above.
If I think that your concerns are beyond my experience, or require
specialized help, I will let you know.
However, online counselling as effective as it can be, is not for everyone. If you are feeling suicidal or are in a situation involving domestic violence or are in a crisis situation, then online counselling is not for you. You would benefit from more immediate face-to face counselling available in the community where you live or work.
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HOW MANY EMAIL EXCHANGES WOULD WE
HAVE?
The answer depends in part on the nature of your concerns. My
philosophy and my experience is in providing short-term counselling
which has been proven to be highly effective in helping people.
I don t view online counselling as long-term psychotherapy which
is best provided by other counselors in face-to-face meetings.
Basically I am looking to help you in a timely manner.
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I LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES, CAN
I ACCESS YOUR SERVICES?
I am very sorry that, at this time, I am not able
to serve residents of the United States. You may feel shocked
and possibly angry about this. Believe me, I would be very
happy to serve our neighbours to the south. Unfortunately,
there is an important legal factor beyond my control that has
led to my decision:
The United States has laws that require counsellors to be licensed
in the state in which they practice. In Canada we do not hold
licenses to practice in the U.S.
Since I am not licensed to practice in the U.S, I cannot provide
service to you.
I deeply regret the inconvenience to you.
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CAN I MEET WITH YOU OR POSSIBLY
HAVE SESSIONS BY TELEPHONE AS WELL AS ONLINE, OR IN PLACE
OF ONLINE COUNSELLING?
I can provide counselling via the internet, by telephone and in person. Please call or email me to inquire about my fees and availability to set up an in person appointment. If you have questions
or concerns regarding online counselling, call me and we can
decide which counselling approach would best suit you.
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WHAT IF I DEVELOP A CRISIS WHILE
WORKING WITH YOU?
If you happen to undergo a crisis while in counselling with
me, you can send me an email marked *urgent* in the subject
line. I check my messages frequently each day, (not on weekends
or during holidays-marked on my calendar) and will try to respond
as quickly as I can. However, any serious life threatening
emergencies such as suicidal thinking should be addressed immediately
by calling a local crisis line or calling 9-1-1.
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WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
My fees are based on one hour of counselling time, which includes
reveiwing the information you provide to me as well as preparing
my response to you. I carefully review the information that
you provide to me, giving much thought to my response before
delivering it. My fee for service for online and telephone counselling is $120.00 Canadian/hour and $150.00 Canadian/hour for in person appointments.
Some insurance plans cover the services of a social worker.
Check with your insurance provider. Counselling services may
also be covered by your Employee Assistance Program.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SIMPLE QUESTION
I WISH TO ASK BEFORE WE GET STARTED?
You can contact me at parnass@myecounsellor.com Please
note this email address is for questions you may have regarding
my practice. It is not secure and is not intended to be used
for online sessions.
In Canada you can call me at 416-994-6520.
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