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Counselling & Support

Need to talk?

Our wellness team is here to provide you with a supportive and confidential space to talk about how you are doing. Meet with a member of our team who is there to listen and assist you in creating a plan to feel better.

Counselling
About Peer Support

Counselling

Counselling is strengths and solution-focused so that you leave with strategies and ideas you can apply immediately. Counselling services are offered at no costs to enrolled students. Please note that the Wellness Centre is not currently fully accessible. For students with physical accessibility concerns, counselling services can be accessed in an alternate space or virtually.   

You can book an appointment to talk about:   

  • Stress and anxiety 
  • Low mood and depression 
  • Relationships 
  • Homesickness or transitioning to university 
  • Grief and loss 
  • Or anything else that might be on your mind. 
Request An Appointment

DROP-IN Counselling 

Drop-in counselling allows for 15-20 minute sessions with a counsellor to discuss resources and helpful strategies, or simply get connected with our team. Longer follow-up sessions can be scheduled as needed. Drop-in times for 2024/25 are as follows:

  • Mondays 1:30-2:30pm 
  • Thursdays 9:30-10:30am   

Drop-in can be attended virtually or in-person. Click here to complete our drop-in form: https://huron.jotform.com/hucwelln/drop-in 

Please note that if you indicate a preference for a virtual drop-in, a counsellor will send you a Zoom link as soon as they are available. 

Note: For students residing out of province or outside of Canada: 

  • Inkblot Therapy (https://inkblottherapy.com/western-purplecare) offers affordable virtual counselling across Canada and is covered by your student benefits. 
  • BetterHelp (https://www.betterhelp.com/) is a worldwide online counselling platform giving you access to a licensed therapist via text and video chat. 
  • 7 Cups (https://www.7cups.com/) connects you to trained volunteer listeners (free) 24/7 for emotional support and can connect you to an online licensed therapist (available worldwide). 
  • All Huron students also have access to TAO, our online self help platform, where you can learn more about how to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, and more. 

Meet Your Wellness Counsellors 

Heidi Braaksma, MSW, RSW

Director, Wellness Services

Hi, I’m Heidi, and I’m thrilled to support you on your academic journey! University life certainly comes with challenges, and your Wellness team is here to help you navigate them and succeed academically and personally. I’m so glad you’re part of our community. We have several resources to support you, including self-directed therapy tools, community and group opportunities, peer support, and individual counselling. I encourage you to explore these options to discover what works best for you. Whether you’re dealing with stress, looking to build new skills or need someone to talk to, we’re here for you. Our team encourages growth, supports well-being, and fosters belonging. Together, we can make this an incredible and enriching experience. When I am not at Huron, you can find me hiking, teaching yoga and watching sunsets. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of everything we offer. Let’s make your academic journey a memorable and successful one!

Megan Ransom, RP, CTRS

Wellness Counsellor and Mental Health Educator 

Hi! I’m Megan, a Wellness Counsellor, and Mental Health Educator. I strive to create a space that fosters inclusivity, empathy, and acceptance where you can share your concerns and seek the guidance you need. I recognize the ups and downs of the student experience and am here to support you in prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being alongside your academic success. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your university journey.

Tehmina Butt, RP (Qualifying)

Wellness Counsellor and Mental Health Educator 

Hi there! I’m Tehmina, a Wellness Counsellor and Mental Health Educator here at Huron. University life can be a whirlwind of experiences – full of excitement, challenges, and everything in between. I’m here to help you make sense of it all and support you along the way. Whether you’re facing difficulties, looking for balance, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. I look forward to getting to know you and being a part of your journey!

Meet Your Wellness Peer Educators 

Udit 

I’m Udit, a residence don and a third year psych student at Huron. I want to connect with you. Trust me, wellness is not fluff.

Book With Udit

Shiro 

Hello! I’m Shiro, a third-year student at Huron, specializing in Psychology with a minor in Biology. I’m eager to support anyone who needs it this year, whether you’re struggling to settle into your courses or looking for study tips, feel free to chat about it with me . I understand that university can be challenging, and course work can be overwhelming, but I hope I can help you get through tough times. I’m here for any  worries, questions or even just a casual chat. Do not be shy to reach out, no matter how small it may seem or how uncertain you may be. Let’s make this year a great one together!

Book With Shiro

Ella 

Hi, I’m Ella! I am in my third-year at Huron, working towards completing a Honours Double Major in both English & Cultural Studies and Governance, Leadership & Ethics. Although this is my first year as a WPE, I have been involved in my school community as a listening ear and a voice for student’s needs as both a Soph and an Equity Commissioner with the HUCSC. Please feel free to speak to me about any thoughts you have – nothing is too big or small! – and I look forward to connecting with you 🤗

Book With Ella

Peer Support FAQs

What is Peer Support? Why would I attend a Peer Support session? 

Peer Support is a form of emotional and practical support that our Wellness Peer Educators, who are fellow students, provide. Peer Support sessions provide students a space to share their stories, learn more about wellness resources, as well as brainstorming practical solutions for issues they face. 

Do Wellness Peer Educator have the qualifications to provide support? What is the difference between a Wellness Counsellor and a Wellness Peer Educator? 

Wellness Peer Educators are upper year students with additional training in offering peer support. They are equipped to provide a listening ear and are knowledgeable of resources to connect students to.

It is important to note that Wellness Peer Educators are not professional therapists and are not meant as a resource if you are in crisis. Wellness Peer Educators can link you to Crisis Supports and to the Wellness team.

Is everything I share in Peer Support confidential? 

Like counselling, everything you share with Wellness Peer Educators will be maintained with strict confidentiality. The exceptions are if you are in crisis, or your WPE requires the support of professional staff to support you.  

Do Wellness Peer Educators have access to my counselling notes? 

Wellness Peer Educators will not have access to your counselling notes.  

How do I connect with a Wellness Peer Educator for Peer Support? 

Drop-in Peer Support sessions are Tuesdays from 4-5pm in Rubinoff Room. You can also book a Peer Support time using the links in our WPE bios above.

A note from your WPEs: While your stories might be different from ours and we might not know the answer right away, what we promise is compassion, to listen to you and together brainstorm different resources you can make use of.

Contact peer-support@huron.uwo.ca for more information.

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