Tele-Counselling & Psychotherapy

What is tele-counselling?

Tele-counselling for family and friend care partners of people living with dementia involves providing counselling and support services remotely, using telecommunications such as video calls, phone calls, or texting. This approach allows care partners to access professional guidance from the comfort of their own homes, overcoming geographical barriers and providing timely assistance. It also enhances accessibility, flexibility, and convenience for care partners who may have limited time or face obstacles attending in-person sessions.

Through tele-counselling, care partners can discuss the unique challenges they face, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies tailored to their caregiving responsibilities for individuals with dementia.

How can a Licensed Counselling Therapist support my journey?

Licensed Counselling Therapists play a crucial role in supporting care partners of people living with dementia by creating a safe space for emotional expression and offering practical coping strategies. They address various aspects of dementia care, including grief, problem-solving, and self-care, ultimately empowering care partners for sustained well-being.

• Provide a safe space for emotional expression and validation to care partners of individuals with dementia.
• Offer practical coping strategies to help care partners navigate the challenges of dementia care.
• Educate care partners on dementia and enhance their communication skills.
• Address grief and loss, facilitate problem-solving, and guide care partners in establishing healthy boundaries and self-care routines.
• Utilize resilience-building techniques to help care partners navigate the evolving challenges of dementia care.
• Empower care partners with the tools and insights needed for sustained well-being on their caregiving journey.

Which types of therapy sessions are available?

Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with a therapist

Family therapy: Sessions with family members who are supporting someone living with dementia

Couples therapy: for couples who are supporting someone living with dementia

Group therapy: therapy for a small group of individuals; a safe space to share and explore their experiences, emotions, and challenges collectively. *Capacity based on enrollment and demand.

Criteria

To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Be a caregiver, friend, or family member of someone impacted by dementia (living or deceased)
• Be 18 years old or above
• Reside in New Brunswick
• Be able to attend sessions through phone calls, video, or texting

How do I sign up?

To register for this program, please contact us at 1-800-664-8411 or info@alzheimernb.ca.

Meet your Counselling Therapists

Nicole Ricketts, MA., LCT-C., CCC. | Clinical Lead; Licensed-Counselling Therapist-C

Nicole Ricketts has a Bachelor of Arts from the Université de Moncton and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her designations include: Licensed Counselling Therapist-C (LCT-C) with the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She has advanced training in trauma-informed therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), grief and loss, anticipatory grief, and palliative approaches to care.

Nicole strives to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where individuals can navigate the complex emotions of loss. With a foundation built on empathy and understanding, her goal is to support you on your unique journey toward healing and renewal.

In 2021, Nicole designed and launched this free tele-counselling program, which is specifically designed for informal caregivers of persons living with dementia- the first of its kind in Canada! In 2022, the program won the Canada’s Premiers Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care. Since its launch, the program expanded to include couples therapy and family therapy. Most recently, Nicole collaborated with Leigh Bleakley-Long to introduce group therapy.

Nicole has been working with the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick since 2018. Her previous experiences include long-term care, crisis intervention, and community outreach throughout New Brunswick. She offers support in English and French.

Leigh Bleakney-Long, MA., LCT-C | Licensed Counselling Therapist-C | Group Therapist

Leigh Bleakney-Long holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University with a major in Psychology, accompanied by a triple minor in Sociology, Human Rights, and Gender Studies. Having spent considerable time in the field of disability non-profits after her Bachelor Degree, Leigh's commitment to learning led her back to school where she earned a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2020. Currently, Leigh holds the designation of Licensed Counselling Therapist-C (LCT-C) from the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB), Leigh is passionate about delivering high-quality and accessible care to New Brunswickers. Utilizing an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, Leigh ensures her clients experience a sense of comfort and unwavering support throughout their therapeutic journey.

Joining the ASNB in 2022 and becoming an integral part of the tele-counselling program in July 2023, Leigh brings forth a wealth of experience working with diverse demographics, ranging from teenagers to older adults. Leigh's previous experience have included working with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and indigenous youth, showcasing a wide range of expertise and empathy in her work. Presently, Leigh extends her expertise by facilitating a virtual group-based ACT counselling program tailored for informal caregivers of people living with dementia. Through this, Leigh continues to positively impact the lives of those she serves, offering compassionate guidance and practical tools to navigate life's challenges.

For more information on this program or to register, please contact us at 1-800-664-8411 or info@alzheimernb.ca.

Winner of the 2022 Canada’s Premiers Award for Innovation in Mental Health and Addictions Care.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Project Results

In 2022, the Tele-Counselling program was the subject of a research study to examine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for caregivers of people living with dementia. Click here to read about the study.