What's Counselling?

Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling

How can I make an appointment?

Click here!

Why would I want to meet with Ms Erin? How do I know if I need support?

• Sometimes, there are things in life that we find challenging to handle all on our own. A counsellor is a special helper at school who listens and helps you with any big feelings or problems you might have. It's a safe place where you can talk about things that bother you, learn new ways to handle tough stuff, and hopefully feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life in general.

• A school counsellor also helps with things like goal setting, job searches, choosing courses for high school, creating a curriculum vitae (a resumé), talking about your identity, and much more! 

• There are many reasons why you might want to talk to a counsellor, and it would be impossible to list them all... here are a few reasons that students sometimes come to see me:

  • Maybe you are having a hard time with something or someone in your life, and you want some support in figuring out what to do

  • Maybe you are struggling in school, and you are stressed or need support

  • Maybe you are wondering what you should do in high school, or in your life after you graduate

  • Maybe you need help with emotions that feel difficult to handle

  • Maybe you are worried about yourself, a friend, or a family member's safety

  • Maybe there's something else on your mind that you don't feel like you can tell anyone about

Do you tell my Big People, my teachers, or anyone else what we talk about?

What we talk about is confidential - that means that I don't share it with anyone without your permission. There are a few situations where that has to change, so I can do my best to keep people safe. Those situations are:

• If there is imminent danger to yourself or someone else

• If I am aware of or I suspect abuse or neglect of a child (you or someone else)

• If a judge orders me to share some information

• If you give me permission to share something with someone else (like a teacher, or an adult who takes care of you)

• If you are involved in severely disruptive behaviour that is putting someone else at risk (like physical fights, or bullying for example)

If one of those situations comes up, and I have to bring someone else into conversation, I will try my best to do that with you (and not behind your back).

What happens the first time we meet?

• We will find a good time for you to come and see me, and we will let your teacher know that you might miss a bit of class time 

• I will talk a bit about how counselling works, and remind you of the limits to confidentiality 

• I will invite you to ask any questions you have

• I will ask you what is on your mind, and listen closely to whatever you want to share with me

• If you are in grade 6 or below, we will talk about how to get permission from your Big People for you to come and see me

• If you are in grade 7 or 8, we will talk about how we might involve your Big People, if you want

What else do we do in counselling?

Scroll down the page to see some ideas. We will work together to choose the activities that are helpful for you.

Do you have another question you think belongs on this page? Let me know!