Frequently Asked Questions
At the Wellness Centre we attempt to provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can explore issues in a safe and supportive environment, gain clarity and insight into problems, enhance communications/interpersonal and problem-solving skills, learn to set goals and develop a healthier lifestyle.
Counselling services are available to all Trinity Western students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Students are our first priority.
Currently enrolled TWU students will be charged $25 per session for the first 6 sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and $20/session for a Graduate student intern. From session 7 on, the fee increases to $35 per session ($25/appointment for a Graduate Intern). Staff, faculty, and alumni can also access counselling through the Wellness Centre for a fee of $100 per session. TWU has a group health plan for eligible employees that includes coverage on counselling services for eligible employees up to $300. If you have reached the annual maximum, you can contact HR to assist with an additional $450 of counselling fees at 50% reimbursement. The annual maximum is $750.
The first appointment is an intake interview. Intake interviews are usually scheduled within a week of making an appointment.
The purpose of the intake is to help you clarify your problems or concerns, identify counselling goals and determine what are the most appropriate next steps.
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the counseling process because it is sometimes difficult or awkward to share personal feelings or sensitive issues with another person. The Counseling Centre eases the process by ensuring that whatever is shared during a counseling session remains confidential. Information about students who seek counselling, the type of counselling services they access, and the content of counselling sessions cannot be released except in the following circumstances:
- the student provides written authorization for the release of this informaiton.
- the student is in clear and immediate danger of injury to him/herself or others.
- release of information is required by law (eg. court order or a child in need of protection).
Students with urgent concerns are attempted to be seen the same day. When referring students who are in crisis, faculty and staff are urged to call on behalf of the student to help arrange an appointment or accompany the student to Counselling Services as appropriate.
In emergency situations involving students who are unwilling or unable to seek help on their own, call 911 for emergency assistance.
Counselling provides an opportunity to address a wide range of issues such as:
- alcohol and/or substance abuse
- addictions
- anger
- anxiety
- depression
- eating disorders
- grief/loss
- relationships
- sexual assault
- sexuality
- spiritual issues
- stress
- trauma
We have registered clinical counsellors as well as graduate interns available to serve you. Come and meet our staff.
At Trinity Western, you can benefit from individual, group, marital and premarital counselling.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a counselor, please fill out the online intake form.
There is no absolute limit to the number of sessions of counselling. However, following the ninth session, there will be a review of the case with recommendations made for the continued treatment plan. Our review will be based on a careful assessment of current needs to ensure that you are linked to the most appropriate resources.
When a student is a current client and their condition is directly contributing to academic difficulties, the counsellor may support them by providing documentation to receive an extension or other form of academic flexibility. TWU counsellors can document only psychological difficulties that have been observed and/or treated by TWU counsellors.
Please call our office at 604-513-2100 to cancel an appointment. There will be no charge to you if you notify our office 24 hours in advance. Missed appointments without notification will be billed $50.00.
If you are a Student Leader and are concerned about a student and unsure whether to intervene, or about how to respond, or would like to debrief a situation, we are here to help. Please call the Wellness Centre at (604) 513-2100 for a 30 minute consultation appointment with the Director of Counselling.
There is no charge for consultation.
A brief consultation may help you sort out the relevant issues, explore alternative approaches, and identify other resources.