Introducing MyTools.ca for Intervention Settings

My Tools is designed primarily for people aged 14 and older who are experiencing psychological distress, suicidal thoughts or common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, as well as for their loved ones.

My Tools can enhance and support your practice by providing practical ways to support assessment and referral, encourage discussion and reflection during interventions and help maintain engagement between sessions. As a result, it serves as a valuable complement to the support process while promoting users' autonomy. 

For users, My Tools can help them: 

• Better understand their emotions and experiences 
• Explore and apply strategies for coping with difficult moments 
• Recognize their strengths, available supports and the positive actions they are already taking 
• Track their progress over time 
• Strengthen their autonomy and ability to take care of themselves 

As a counsellor, you can use My Tools to: 

• Support assessment and referral 
• Encourage the person's active participation in their support process 
• Explore the person's needs, strengths and coping strategies 
• Identify intervention goals 
• Access tools that can be used directly during sessions 
• Maintain engagement between sessions  
• Promote continuity throughout the support process 

Assessment and Referral 

• Invite the person to complete the Self-assessment to generate an overall picture and help guide them to the appropriate level of service

During a Session 

• Discuss the entries recorded in My journal 
• Use My small steps to collaboratively set realistic goals 
• Support the creation or updating of the Safety plan 

Between Sessions 

• Encourage the person to track their progress using My small steps  
• Help them identify emotions, triggers and helpful coping strategies with My journal  
• Facilitate better preparation for the next session by developing a clearer understanding of their experiences through the platform's various tools

My Tools was developed through the integration of lived experience, professional expertise and scientific evidence. The platform is grounded in well-established approaches, including solution-focused practice, behavioural activation from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the recovery-oriented approach and the principles of safety planning.

Accessibility and User Experience 

• Several tools are available without creating an account 
• Accessible anytime, 24/7 
• User-centred tools 
• Can be used independently or in collaboration with a counsellor or a loved one 
• May reach people who are less likely to seek help 
• Use depends on digital accessibility, including digital literacy, access to a device and the internet and the ability to create an account

Integrating My Tools into practice 

• Tools can be easily incorporated into intervention plans 
• Complements other clinical tools and approaches 
• Does not replace clinical judgment or a professional assessment 

Important considerations 

• A secure platform that protects users' privacy and the confidentiality of their data 
• Not a crisis intervention service, but directs users to appropriate suicide prevention resources