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

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 Therapist

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

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 (LCT) with the College of Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She is also a Supporting Member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada and a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance.

Nicole specializes in trauma-informed care. She incorporates integrative therapies, including somatic and acceptance-based approaches, to help individuals cultivate safety, connection and wellbeing. She strives to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where individuals can navigate the complexities of loss.

In 2021, Nicole designed and launched this free tele-counselling program—the first of its kind in Canada—specifically for care partners of persons living with dementia. 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.

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.

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.