WE Counsel - a full-spectrum counselling service for survivors.
WE Counsel is an inclusive, comprehensive and trauma-informed programme developed by women-identified survivors for those wanting to access counselling services. We understand that the usual counselling options can often under-serve specific communities, so we set out to provide you with something tailored to your needs based on the feedback of our membership and community at large. We provide 2 counselling options.
Individuals, couples, and groups
Primarily for survivors of gender-based violence
360 Counselling
You’re provided with flexible and self-directed support
An inclusive and safe(r) space with a critical, comprehensive approach
Registered social workers with professional AND lived experience
The C6 Framework
Designed to make you resilient and self-reliant in a structured timeframe
An inclusive space for women-identified survivors
Registered social workers with professional AND lived experience
Flexibility
Our counsellors will guide you through a self-directed healing journey
Survivor-led
All of the counsellors have lived experience of gender-based violence, paired with comprehensive professional training and experience in community-based research, education, advocacy, peer support, and counselling
Care continuum
Access to comprehensive planning tailored to your experiences that includes individual care and safety planning
Holistic
We guide you through deep and critically reflexive exercises
Strengths-based
Focus on strengths, strategies of resistance and resilience
Inclusive
A space for all bodies, including but not limited to fat bodies, Black bodies, Indigenous bodies, racialized bodies, queer, trans and gender non-binary bodies
This programme is based on our understanding that community, advocacy and activism (in whatever way that works for the individual) can be a solid foundation for healing. It is delivered by our highly skilled, compassionate and engaging Counsellors, who each bring a critical lens to the work of supporting other survivors on what we call ‘The Healing Continuum’.
Context
Understanding that the violence is personal, social, and political
Consequences
Unpacking the various ways the violence has impacted the individual
Communication
Developing strategies to understand and reframe language
Care
Developing your personalized self-care kit and learning implementation strategies
Critique
Understanding the importance of who and where you are in life
Control
Reflecting on your journey and taking back your power on your terms
Features
Eligibility: 360 – open; C6 – women-identified survivors of gender-based violence
Schedule: 360 – flexible timing includes daytime, evenings, and weekends; C6 – one hour per week for 24 weeks.
Delivery: in-person, over the phone, or video chat options available. Note: due to COVID-19, all sessions will be virtual (phone or video chat) until further notice.
Session: one-on-one sessions as well as couple and group sessions are available.
Payment Options: direct payment (eligible for insurance claims) by Interac E-transfer, or cash. Sliding scale options available for those who qualify.
Counsellors
Specialist in transfeminism and survivor-led, critical anti-oppressive practice. “It’s time for counsellors to understand who’s the real expert(s) in the room. By first honouring and then exploring the experiences and declarations from individuals, couples or families, we can all leave the room more educated and inspired.”
Specialist in feminist, trauma-informed & art-based therapy. "As a survivor of interpersonal & sexual violence, the criminal legal system, and subsequent mental health challenges that developed, I understand the importance of acknowledging & challenging the systems that blame us."
Specialist in mental health, critical feminist, trauma-informed & narrative therapy. "As a mother and a survivor of intimate partner violence, I understand the importance of self-love, survival, cultural impacts, mental health, and accountability. Life is tough, but so are we."
Contact our WE Counsel team to learn more and schedule your sessions!
