PERSONAL COUNSELLING - HELPING STUDENTS IN CRISIS
Individual Counselling
The personal counselling service in the Health & Wellness Centre offers free short-term individual counselling to OCAD University students. Most students feel better and feel resolved in their issues within eight sessions. However, the Counsellors are always aware of individual needs.
Our counsellors can help you if you have questions or concerns about any of these (or other) areas of concern in your life:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship or family problems
- Sexuality or sexual orientation
- Grief or loss
- Self esteem
- Drugs or alcohol
The Personal Counsellors
All personal counsellors are trained, experienced staff who are aware of the types of issues and concerns that can affect art and design students and impact on academic performance.
Counselling Sessions
Counselling is an active process wherein you and your counsellor work together to find ways to resolve problems or address concerns.
To get the most of your sessions:
- Come prepared with issues to discuss with your counsellor.
- In collaboration with your counsellor, set a specific counseling goal when appropriate.
- Decide on the frequency of visits with your counsellor.
- Actively work on counselling goals between visits.
Please give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment and avoid last minute cancellations and "no shows."
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a legal obligation of the Health & Wellness Centre. Information is not released outside the Health & Wellness team without written permission from the student, except on court order or where required by law (e.g., child abuse situations) or as required in judgment to protect you or others from immediate harm. In the first appointment, you are given information (re: confidentiality) and your counsellor will review this with you, answering questions you may have regarding your confidentiality rights.
Crisis Intervention
The personal counselling services provide crisis intervention. If you are feeling overwhelmed, frightened, confused, depressed or suicidal, our counsellors can offer you interim support and referral based on your individual needs.
If you have already seen a counsellor at the Health & Wellness Centre, you can call 416-977-6000, Ext. 260 directly to request an appointment with your counsellor as soon as possible. If you are new to the Health & Wellness Centre, call or come directly to the Centre and make an appointment to see the nurse practitioner, who will provide you with a referral to us or another health provider.
If it is after hours and you are feeling in need of immediate support, call any of the following:
- Distress Suicide Prevention 416-408-4357 (crisis line)
- Gerstein Centre (24 hours) 416-929-5200 (crisis line)
- Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (24 hrs) 416-979-6885
- Or, go to the Emergency at your nearest hospital
Referrals and Resources
General information about a range of community services and resources is available upon request.
Appointments
To make an appointment, telephone 416-977-6000, Ext. 260 or visit the Health & Wellness Centre.
Cancelling an Appointment
If you anticipate the need to miss an appointment, please notify us as soon as possible.
Health & Wellness Centre staff are sensitive to issues of religion, nationality, race, size, age, gender, disability, socio-economic status, culture, and sexual orientation/preference.
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:26 PM
