Photo of hand holding a phone, with the interface of Tranquility Online app.

Introducing: Tranquility by
GreenShield

We're here to help Nova Scotians 16+ experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. There is no cost to users of the program.

 

What is Tranquility?

Tranquility is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) program that has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes and reducing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and depression in youth and adults (16+). Qualified and experienced coaches are on hand to help clients get the most out of the program.

Who is appropriate for Tranquility?

Tranquility is appropriate for youth and adults (16+) with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression, as defined by the GAD-7 (score of 5-14) and PHQ-9 (score of 5-19). Tranquility is not suitable for individuals at imminent risk of self-harm or who have had a recent psychotic episode.

  • Symptoms of anxiety such as “feeling on edge”, uncontrollable worry, and an inability to relax occur at least several days each week. The symptoms of anxiety cause some distress as well as some manageable impairment at home or work/school.

    When feeling anxious, it is common to experience racing thoughts and ‘stress responses’ in your body, like pounding heart, sweating, or trembling.

  • Symptoms of depression such as negative thinking, low mood, and lack of energy/motivation occur at least several days each week. The symptoms of depression cause some distress as well as some manageable impairment at home or work/school.

    When feeling depressed, it is common to notice changes in mood, eating, sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.

 

How does Tranquility work?

Tranquility’s program was co-developed by clinical psychologists and people with lived experience. The program has three major components:

  1. Nine to twelve psychoeducational modules

  2. Four interactive tools

  3. A coaching protocol

After completing the introductory modules, the program introduces concepts and proprietary tools to help clients learn how to manage their anxiety and/or depression through the identification of unhelpful perceptions and avoidance behaviours. Most clients can complete the full program in 12 weeks.



For Clients

How do I get started?

Clients can start using Tranquility immediately by signing up through the online portal. You will be asked to create an account and complete a brief assessment to determine if Tranquility is the right fit for you.

If you would like your primary health care provider to be involved in your treatment program, you can ask them to refer you using the information below.


How does Tranquility work?

Through our platform (available on desktop and mobile), you’ll be guided through nine to twelve short 30-minute modules which will teach you how to recognize and change your negative thoughts and behaviours so that you start feeling better!

Coaching is available through in-app messaging and/or weekly 30-minute video or phone sessions. Coaching is available for 26 weeks upon sign-up.

Your commitment is required to get the most out of the program. While in the program, along with committing to 30 minutes of reading each week, you are expected to complete a journal of emotions, thoughts, and reactions to situations and events, and practice any or all of the new skills you learn.


The Client Experience

 
 
Triangle diagram of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Is internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) effective?

Yes. Numerous studies have been conducted throughout the years to show that guided iCBT is effective in treating anxiety and depression (Karyotaki et al., 2021; Olthuis et al., 2016). Health Quality Ontario published a study on Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Major Depression and Anxiety Disorders. The study found that guided iCBT represents a highly beneficial option for the short-term treatment of adults with mild to moderate depression or anxiety disorders.

 

What type of coaching is provided?

Tranquility’s clients access one-on-one virtual coaching. Coaches are trained in motivational interviewing and CBT concepts by our team of registered psychologists. Our coaches listen, troubleshoot, and keep clients motivated and accountable. Coaching is available through in-app messaging and/or weekly 30-minute video or phone sessions.

Coaching is available for 26 weeks upon sign-up.

 
 
 
 

For Clinicians

How do I refer a client? Will I receive any progress reports from Tranquility?

You can refer clients to the program using either an online or fax referral form. If the client agrees to allow Tranquility to share their data with their primary health care provider at enrolment, Tranquility will send a fax notification to their primary health care provider when they begin the program, and when they exit the program.

If you are a primary health care provider and you do not receive a fax notification within 45 days, you can assume that the client either:

1) has not signed up for Tranquility, or

2) has not consented for Tranquility to share any data with you as their primary health care provider.

 
 

Download Documents

Download a Referral Form, Health Care Provider Education Sheet, or Client Education Sheet below.

Have more Questions?

Contact our support team and we’ll get back to you promptly.

 

Funded by:

 
Nova Scotia government logo on the left and Nova Scotia Health logo on the right, divided by a light grey vertical line