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Frequently Asked Questions

Are you curious about how AONest works? 

How is AONest different from talk therapy and psychotherapy?

We are changing the therapy paradigm by making a software-based system that addresses the accessibility gap in mental health care.

AONest

Delivered through software  

Affordable

Always available

Easily accessible

Self-guided

Self-paced

Individualized learning pathways

Comprehensive toolkit 

Private

Talk therapy and/ or psychotherapy

Face-to-face counselling (in person or virtual)

Expensive

By appointment

Can take years

Requires you to talk to another person

Shortage of trained professionals

How is AONest similar to talk therapy and/or psychotherapy? 

A therapist typically guides a client through a series of probing questions so the client can start to recognize and understand their challenges and learn to resolve their own issues. A registered professional may give worksheets to help the client and they might point them to other helpful resources. They may also provide feedback on any self-reflection and offer an unbiased perspective. 


We have turned the therapy paradigm into a self-guided process that is delivered through software. AONest™ courses and worksheets are based on content provided by experts (e.g., registered psychologists and psychotherapists). AONest contains thousands of hours of videos that ask probing questions. The system provides worksheets like the ones  you might get from a therapist. AONest helps you address your own personal and relationship challenges. You can do this independently, without needing to talk to a therapist, or you can use AONest in combination with talk therapy and/or psychotherapy.  

How do I know the AONest solution is legitimate? 

AONest is an outcome-oriented software system. We followed a quality management approach to designing and delivering the solution. 

  • Industry experts – including registered psychotherapists and psychologists – provided the content.  

  • Clinical partners performed a psychological review on the materials to ensure accuracy. 

  • Strategic partners beta-tested the software.  

  • Social service agencies, community resource groups, and First Nations reserves ran pilots to ensure the system met their needs and expectations.

  • We partnered with a third-party to validate the approach.

Is AONest a diagnostic tool like DSM-5?

AONest is not a diagnostic tool like the DSM-5 or DSM-5-TR resources; AONest does not assist in the diagnosis of mental disorders or mental illnesses. Instead, it can help individuals navigate their mental health concerns independently, without needing to talk to a therapist. 

There is a lot of information on the internet about mental health. Why do I need AONest? 

You are right: there is a lot of information out there but it comes from a variety of sources and it can be difficult to figure out what to trust or use. It would also take a long time to read it all and determine what to do next. It can be overwhelming and that can impact the learning experience. We have done a huge amount of research for you, developed a massive amount of content through partnerships with experts, and put it together into a self-paced program that is easy to use and understand.   

Do I have to use AONest alone? 

Some people work through the majority of the AONest program themselves. Others find it helpful to work through the materials with a trusted partner or therapist. It all depends on your situation and comfort level. However you wish to use AONest, the materials are packaged as an easy process to follow. 

I am a young person. Can I use AONest? 

AONest can be used by anyone. However, you must be at least 18 to purchase a license. In some cases, a social service agency, community group, or First Nations reserve will provide access to younger individuals free of charge. If you’re under 18, we suggest you pair up with a trusted person (e.g., a parent/caregiver or support worker) when working with AONest.

Why is it called it a “nest”? 

A nest is a bird’s first home. In the nest, birds are nurtured, protected, and taught life skills and resilience. They learn strategies so they can eventually leave the nest and soar on their own. In nature, nests are strategically built as safe spaces and they take on a variety of shapes and forms, depending on climate, available materials, and so on. 


AONest teaches essential life skills. As you work on your mental health and emotional resilience, you learn strategies to help you prosper. Our nest is a safe space where you build your own healing path, depending on your needs and areas of interest. Like the nests we find in nature, AONest is intended to act as a landing space for each user whenever they return.   

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