Counselling Services

Our mission is to support student success and well-being in the post-secondary environment. 

We are committed to deliver our services guided by the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.

We embrace the principles of decolonization, reconciliation and Indigenization in our practice. 

We are committed to providing a confidential space for mental wellness, self-exploration and growth.

We use a student-centred approach that recognizes mental wellness as a fundamental part of successful learning, social connections and overall well-being. 

Selkirk College counsellors seek to support students on their academic journey by helping them navigate challenges along the way. Counsellors provide confidential short-term counselling, referrals to other services, and proactive workshops and presentations for student mental health promotion. 

Short-term counselling uses a goal-oriented approach that can last up to eight sessions. Counsellors at Selkirk College help students with:

• Career exploration, career choice and goal setting
• Advising to align with career or academic objectives
• Managing academic barriers to success such as test and social anxiety
• Managing neurodiversity matters such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia
• Relationship challenges, such as interpersonal conflicts, partner issues or family problems
• Connections to college supports such as Accessibility Services, Learning Resource Centres, Indigenous Services and/or other external agencies, such as mental health services or addiction supports
• Adjusting to college life and fostering personal growth
• Mild to moderate mental health challenges, such as stress, anger, loneliness, anxiety, depression, guilt, grief and substance use

Eligibility for Selkirk College counselling services extends to all current students, irrespective of fee status.

Additionally, prospective Selkirk College students seeking program-specific information or academic advice are welcomed with one or two appointments. Students seeking counselling services from outside British Columbia may require department head approval before appointment.

Selkirk College counsellors are not able to provide services such as:

• Letters to other provincial or federal agencies, such as Immigration and Citizenship Canada or the Ministry of Children and Family Development
• Non-subpoenaed requests or court mandated counselling
• Formal psycho-educational assessments, psychological assessments or psycho-diagnostics

If a counsellor determines that the individual's counselling needs are beyond our services scope referrals to community resources will be facilitated by the counselling team based on their professional opinion.