Morneau Shepell expands suite of digital counselling with the launch of online group counselling

New counselling service will help employers reach more individuals in need of help with anxiety who are digitally connected and mobile

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, Canada's leading provider of employee and family assistance programs is pleased to announce the expansion of its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to now include online group counselling. The program provides employees who are affected by anxiety with a secure online setting to discuss their issues in a group environment. Participants have the opportunity to receive feedback on their goals and challenges, as well as the ability to exchange with one another for encouragement and support.

Research shows that group dynamics inspire confidence and foster the development of an individual's flexibility. Further, when specific types of therapeutic intervention are used such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), groups have been shown to thrive. Bringing groups into an online setting can increase the positive elements of the treatment and reach more people in need of help who are used to operating and working digitally.

"With anxiety affecting about 12 per cent of the Canadian population, accessible and effective treatment is critical to those in need," said Barb Veder, Vice President, Clinical Services and Research Lead at Morneau Shepell. "The combination of the group dynamic setting with the ability to remain anonymous and private makes this form of counselling attractive to people who might not normally seek help. It gives them the opportunity to share emotions they may not have otherwise shared in a different format and helps to contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce."

Online group counselling includes multiple one hour sessions led by a professional counsellor in groups of up to 10 participants. Sessions are attended on a secure, interactive platform that is accessible from a range of digital devices including personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. The group performs in-session online activities and works through self-guided learning modules.

"Since launch, we are already seeing our online group counselling program attract a younger demographic, with 37 per cent of users being under the age of 30. This demonstrates that innovation in EFAP counselling is necessary to reach a younger, mobile workforce," said Rita Fridella, Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Clinician, Morneau Shepell.

For more information about the Online Group Counselling program, please download the whitepaper, Unfolding the power of the digital world: Launching online group counselling in an Employee and Family Assistance Program, at morneaushepell.com.

About Morneau Shepell Inc.

Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrative approach to employee assistance, health, benefits, and retirement needs. The Company is the leading provider of Employee and Family Assistance Programs, the largest administrator of pension and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive position.

Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves more than 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With almost 4,000 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States, and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.

Nathan Gibson, Manager Corporate Communications, Morneau Shepell, 416-390-2641, [email protected]