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Counselling

Everyone needs help sometimes. Life can be tough, and dealing with everything on your own isn't easy. That's why our counselling program is here to support women, including trans women and non-binary people, in our community. We also help men and trans men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault at any point in their lives. Whether you have faced abuse, violence, or sexual assault in the past or are dealing with it now, we're here for you.

Counselling

What We Offer

Our counselling program is a place where you can talk about what you’re going through and get support at your own speed. We know that you’re the best judge of your own life. We’re not here to tell you what to do or how to live. Instead, we’ll work with you to help you make decisions, keep safe, and learn how to handle the good and bad times in life.

  • Our program gives up to 12 free one-hour counselling sessions, and you can sign up again every 6 months.
  • We can talk in person or online.
  • We ask that you come at least once a month.
  • We help people living in Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford and the South Country.

Benefits of Counselling

  • Better communicate and relate to others.
  • Find new ways to handle tough times.
  • Lower your stress and feel better overall.
  • Feel better about yourself.
  • Process past traumas that are still impacting you.

How To Access Counselling Services

It takes courage to ask for help. So, we try our best to get you a counselling appointment quickly.

Our Process Is Simple:

Illustration of a woman holding a large pencil on her shoulder with a giant clipboard beside her
Step 1: Intake Form

Fill out a short form telling us about yourself, and letting us know you’d like support. This gets sent to our Outreach Coordinator, who will contact you within 5 days to set up an appointment for your Screening Call.

Illustration of a woman and her thought bubbles displaying her different emotions
Step 2: Screening Call

We’ll have a friendly conversation with you to understand your next steps. We’ll talk about your safety and how we can help you best. Our Outreach Coordinator will add you to our waitlist, share helpful resources and give you an idea of how long your wait time may be.

Our Outreach Coordinator will try to contact you within 5 days of getting your Intake form. Please try your best to get back to her within 30 days. If now is not the right time for you to start your counselling journey, that’s okay! For your privacy, after 30 days, your intake form will be destroyed. You can re-apply any time, and you can always reach out if you have any questions.

An illustration of an older woman sitting in front of a large calendar and phone with mountains in the background
Step 3: Staying Connected

While you wait for counselling, you can choose to have regular once a month check-ins with our Outreach Coordinator. You can also reach out any time with any updates or questions you may have.

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Step 4: Counselling Sessions

When a counsellor has space for new clients, they’ll contact you to schedule an Intake Session. This will be the first session in your counselling journey!

Program Team

Headshot of Mirey Faema

Mirey Faema

I am passionate about building connections with and providing support to individuals who have experienced complex trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem challenges, and gender transitions. Outside of work you will often find me talking to or about my 3 rescue cats, camping or snowboarding.

Headshot of Kat Boag Munroe

Kat Boag Munroe

I am honoured to bear witness to such powerful stories of survival. I am continually amazed by the creativity and wisdom of the people I work with. I love to garden and to try out growing new produce. This year’s challenge is melons!