Our job is to assist students with their mental health and wellness needs. If you are struggling to cope, wanting help with a relationship, feeling stressed or anxious, feeling low or blue, or just need someone to talk to so you can sort some stuff out, we are here for you.

We are available for individual, couple, and group appointments from 8:30 to 4:30 on Monday to Friday.

Why Get Counselling?

Professional counselors provide three things friends and family may not be able to: objectivity, confidentiality and professionalism. With a counselor you get an outside viewpoint, from a knowledgeable and experienced provider who will also keep your privacy. Counsellors hold at least a Master’s degree in counselling or other related specialty areas.

Students see counsellors for a variety of reasons:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sexual Abuse/Assault
• Eating Disorders
• Grief
• Relationships

The Stigma Surrounding Counselling

Many people will experience stigma when considering getting support. Stigma creates misinformation and fear, creating a barrier for seeking support. It’s all of our responsibility to challenge stigma.

Counselling consists equally of support from the counsellor, and self-determined/self-responsible action by the client.

Mental Health Commission of Canada – Stigma and Discrimination

Confidentiality

The content of all counselling sessions are considered confidential. Both verbal information and written records cannot be shared with another party without your consent. Noted exceptions are as follows:

• If there is risk of imminent danger to you or another person appropriate action will be taken to maintain safety.
  
• If it is reported or suggested that a child under the age of 18 or a vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse, danger, harm or neglect it is required by law to inform the appropriate social services and/or legal authorities.
• Upon the issuance of a subpoena by the courts.
  
• In the course of an emergency, your emergency contact may be notified.
• As part of our counselling program, we engage in regular consultation. Only information necessary to achieve the purposes of consultation will be shared. Examples of this are: Referrals, Student of Concern meetings, Faculty, or Student Services Staff.

You may obtain more info regarding confidentiality from the professional you are meeting with.

What to Expect

• At your first appointment you will be provided an intake form, a consent for telehealth form, and a counselling agreement form to complete.
• You are the primary decision maker as to the direction of your counselling.
• Most counselling goals can be achieved within one to eight sessions.
• Expect approximately one to two weeks of a wait for your first counselling session.
• Sessions are approximately fifty minutes in length.

Other Resources

• Emergency Services: 911
• Brandon Police (Non-Emergency Services): 204-729-2345
• Westman Crisis Services: 1-888-379-7699
• 204-725-4411 (Mobile Crisis Unit)
• 204-727-2555 (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
• Sexuality Education Resource Centre: 204-727-0417
• 7th Street Health Access Centre: 204-578-4800
• Community Mental Health: 204-571-8300
• Addictions Foundation of Manitoba: 204-729-3838
• Klinic Sexual Assault: 1-888-292-7565 (Toll Free in Manitoba)

This information is available in alternate formats upon request.