Face to Face When you call the Studio, I may not be available to take your call, but your message will be returned within 24 - 48 hours. I will usually ask a few questions to ensure that the type of therapy work that I practice will be helpful for you or your child. If I feel that my type of therapy work is suitable, I will then suggest meeting with you and/or your child so that your child can 'check me out' and make sure you/they feel comfortable. In other words, the 'fit' has to feel right. If I feel you are in crisis I may refer you to the appropriate organization. If you feel your call is urgent please be sure to state that in your message. If you are feeling suicidal or feel you need help immediately please stop reading this and contact the Canadian Suicide Support Site . E-Therapy Relationship My continued commitment to the therapeutic relationship, formed with the families and children at Toronto's Ronald McDonald House, is the driving force behind the creation of this site. Many families and children stay in contact with me years after their stay as we continue a supportive therapeutic relationship through poetry writing and e-mails. My client's well-being is my top priority - I would therefore like to clarify that an e-therapy relationship does not compare to a face to face relationship - although if appropriate, it can be a very rewarding experience. How can it work? Busy schedules, difficulty with traveling to the therapist's office, fear of going out in public and privacy concerns are only a few of the reasons given for using our e-therapy service. With e-mail, much of the benefit for you will derive from the writing itself. Therapists often encourage clients to keep journals or write to help clarify and express their thoughts. I will respond with a well thought out answer within 48 hours. You may have a simple one-time question, or you may choose to use this as a way to establish a longer term relationship with me. There are numerous benefits to journaling or keeping a diary. If you journal within a supportive community of individuals who may have shared similar experiences to you or with a therapist (witness) who offers an emphatic response and support, your experience can be enhanced and even more meaningful to you . It is my hope, that within this space, children and families might choose to share their writing, poetry and art. This process can not only offer tremendous support to you personally, but also to others visiting the site, who have shared similar experiences. Alternatively, I will fully support a one-on-one e-therapy relationship if your desire is to e-mail me in confidence. Full confidentiality applies to all correspondence and it's strongly recommended that you take necessary steps to ensure the privacy of your writings. Ask Cher for suggestions on how to keep your e-mail safe and confidential. I would like to find out about an e-therapy relationship If you wish to begin or find out more about an e-therapy relationship with Cher including what her fees may be, please contact her and she will provide you with Information. Contact Cher by email: cher@bigheartstudio.com, or by phone: 416.888.8852