Online Therapy Winnipeg and Manitoba

Online therapy can help adults work through many of the same concerns they might bring to in-person counselling. Whether you're dealing with something specific or noticing patterns you don't fully understand, therapy offers space to explore what's happening.

At Empower Counselling Services, we work with adults experiencing:

Trauma, PTSD and CPTSD: Childhood experiences, relational trauma, and the lasting effects of difficult or overwhelming events. Learn more about our Trauma Therapy.

Anxiety and overthinking: Persistent worry, difficulty relaxing, feeling responsible for everything, or struggling to quiet your thoughts. Explore our Anxiety Therapy services.

Self-esteem and self-worth: Self-criticism, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and feeling that your worth depends on what you do for others. Learn more about our Self-Esteem Therapy.

EMDR therapy: Working through distressing experiences and negative beliefs using a structured therapeutic approach. Learn more about EMDR Therapy.

You don't need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of what's bothering you to begin. Sometimes therapy starts with simply noticing that something in your life isn't feeling quite right.

Online therapy at Empower Counselling Services takes place through video or phone appointments. You'll connect with your therapist at a scheduled time, much like an in-person session, but from a location that works for you.

You don't need special equipment or technical experience to get started.

What Do I Need for an Online Therapy Session?

For video appointments, you'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection. For phone appointments, all you need is a phone.

We recommend finding a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly. Headphones can also be helpful, especially if you share your home with others.

What Happens During an Online Appointment?

Your therapist will connect with you through video or phone, depending on your appointment format. Just like in-person counselling, sessions involve conversation, exploring your experiences, and working together on what matters to you.

Depending on your needs and the approach being used, sessions may also include reflection, grounding exercises, or other therapeutic techniques.

You don't need to prepare anything special or know exactly what you want to say.

Is Online Therapy Private and Confidential?

Online therapy follows the same professional confidentiality standards as in-person counselling.

We use a video platform designed for healthcare appointments to help protect your privacy. You'll also want to consider the privacy of your own surroundings, particularly if other people are nearby.

Your therapist can discuss any questions you have about confidentiality, technology, or finding a suitable space for your sessions.

Online therapy can be a practical option for many adults, but personal preferences and circumstances matter. Some people appreciate meeting from home, while others prefer sitting in the same room as their therapist.

Neither approach is automatically better. What matters is finding a setting where you feel comfortable and able to engage in therapy.

Why Some People Prefer Online Therapy

Online counselling can offer several practical advantages:

• Less travel: Attend appointments without commuting, finding parking, or travelling long distances.

• Greater accessibility: Connect with a therapist if you live in a smaller Manitoba community or have mobility or transportation barriers.

• More flexibility: Fit appointments around work, family responsibilities, or other commitments.

• A familiar environment: Some people find it easier to talk about difficult experiences from the comfort of their own space.

When In-Person Therapy Might Be a Better Fit

Online therapy isn't the right choice for everyone.

You may prefer in-person counselling if you find it difficult to speak privately at home, experience frequent internet interruptions, or simply feel more comfortable meeting face-to-face.

Certain therapeutic approaches or individual circumstances may also make in-person appointments more suitable.

You don't have to commit to one format forever. Your preferences and needs may change over time, and you can discuss your options with your therapist.

If you're considering online counselling but aren't sure whether it's the right fit, you're welcome to reach out. We can talk about what you're looking for and whether our approach might work for you.

Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person counselling for many mental health concerns. The effectiveness of online treatment can vary depending on the concern, therapeutic approach, and individual circumstances.

A 2024 review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found little to no difference in effectiveness between therapist-guided remote and in-person cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

The relationship you build with your therapist, the approach being used, and how comfortable you feel with the format can all influence your experience.

Online therapy isn't necessarily better or worse than in-person therapy. It's another way to access support, and what works well for one person may not be the best fit for someone else.

At Empower Counselling Services, we offer both online and in-person appointments. We can explore your preferences and circumstances together to help determine which format may be most suitable for you.

At Empower Counselling Services, our therapists each bring over 10 years of clinical experience to their work with adults throughout Manitoba. Whether you're meeting online or in person, our approach is straightforward, compassionate, and collaborative, with room to explore your experiences at your own pace.

Liona Kehler, CCC

Liona brings warmth, honesty, and curiosity to her work. She combines talk therapy with somatic approaches to help adults better understand themselves, recognize patterns, and reconnect with parts of themselves they may have learned to hide or set aside.

She works with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, self-worth, and the challenges of feeling disconnected from themselves.

Vern Kehler, CCC

Vern's approach is direct, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity. They help adults explore how past experiences shape present-day patterns, while working toward meaningful change.

Their work integrates talk therapy, EMDR, and somatic approaches, particularly for adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, and difficulties with self-worth.