Hours

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Introduction

There may be many reasons why you have come to speak with a counsellor. We want you to know that we are here to help you resolve or reduce your concerns, or to refer you to a more appropriate service. Counsellors act as therapists or guides, in collaboration with you, along your academic journey. We encourage you to participate fully so as to take advantage of this non-judgemental and confidential service.

There are several areas within the Counselling Service that may be helpful to you.
These services are available by booked appointment:

• Personal Counselling- individual counselling for distressing problems that
  may interfere with your academics or emotional well-being
• Cross-Cultural Counselling- individual personal counselling to support students from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Learning Strategies Development- individual counselling for complex or multiple learning issues.
• Career Counselling- individual counselling to explore your abilities and interests
• Peer Mentor Program- individual coaching by upper year students who can share their university survival skills, model effective learning strategies and possibly assist with course content

At times, unforeseen emergencies arise that necessitate immediate intervention. In that case you will be seen by the Intake Co-ordinator, who will prioritize the severity and immediacy of your situation and, if appropriate, an appointment may be scheduled with the Crisis Counsellor for counselling or referral.

In addition, consultations with the Learning Strategies Development counsellors are available on a drop-in basis weekday afternoons in the Learning Commons, on the first floor of Stauffer Library. This service is especially aimed at helping students with fairly discrete learning and studying concerns. Group workshops regarding learning and studying skills and presentation skills are also offered.

We would appreciate your co-operation in maintaining the Intake and Crisis appointments for serious emergencies.

Appointment Info and the Cancellation Policy

Appointments

Appointments are arranged on an individual basis. To book an appointment please telephone the Counselling Service at (613) 533-6000 ext. 78264, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. You may also call (613) 533-2506 press (1), then (2). The Counselling Service is located on the 2nd floor of the La Salle Building (146 Stuart Street, across from Adelaide Hall).

Counselling Sessions

Sessions are booked on the half-hour and last 45 minutes. To get the most benefit from your session, please arrive punctually. For your first appointment, please arrive 15 minutes beforehand in order to complete necessary paper work. Our service provides up to a maximum of eight sessions per academic year.

Cancellation/No-Show Policy

If you need to cancel, we would appreciate as much advance notice as possible, therefore call no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. If the lines are busy or you are calling after regular working hours, please leave a message on our 24-hour confidential line (533-6000 extension 78264), which includes your name, student number, the date and time of the appointment being cancelled. Missing an appointment without providing adequate notice results in the loss of service to other students. Consequently, $30.00 is charged for each appointment not cancelled in advance, and any future appointments that are already booked may be deleted. You will be notified of the charge by mail; payment may be made at Room 108, 146 Stuart Street (La Salle Building, 1st floor). The Registrar's Office will be notified of outstanding charges, and as with unpaid library fines, your marks will be withheld pending payment. Extenuating circumstances may be discussed with Mike Condra, the director.

Confidentiality Policy

All information disclosed within sessions is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone outside the Service without your written permission. When consultation with another professional within the Counselling Service is deemed appropriate, you will not be identified by name. Because of the legal requirements regarding duty to report, the policy of confidentiality does not apply in the following circumstances:

1. If there is suspicion that a child or children (presently under the age of 16) has been or is being physically, sexually or emotionally abused, or neglected.
2. If the client presents a serious danger of violence to others or is likely to harm himself or herself unless protective measures are taken.
3. If a client reveals that he/she has been sexually abused by a health care provider who is covered by the Regulated Health Professions Act (e.g., a physician or psychologist).

In any of these situations, the counsellor is obliged to report to the appropriate authority.

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