Free Counselling & Advocacy

We're here to support you on your healing journey. At SASC, we understand that it takes courage to reach out for help after experiencing sexual trauma. Our goal is to offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and begin healing. SASC offers free sexual violence counselling for survivors of sexual violence over the age of 16 and those caring for a survivor, such as a parent, partner, or friend. ​

Intake

After completing your online intake form, our Intake Counsellor/Advocate will reach out to schedule an Initial phone or online meeting. During this session, we'll discuss your current sense of safety, stability, and any life stressors you're facing. 

Counselling can sometimes be destabilizing and due to the specialized, short-term nature of SASC counselling services it is not possible to address core impacts of sexual violence until a level of stability is attended to. It is important that before and during counselling, clients struggling with their mental health, disordered eating, addictions, housing or family instability, or active suicidality have additional supports in place. During your initial meeting we will offer referrals and options for additional support. ​

Pathfinders Pre-Counselling Group

You will be invited to join our 4-week Pathfinders group, offered in person or on Zoom.

​While participation isn't mandatory, it can greatly enhance your counselling experience. The group covers topics like understanding the impact of sexual violence and developing coping strategies, fostering a supportive survivor community. 

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Counselling at SASC​

​Our counselling services are available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 and offered in person at our Kitchener and Cambridge offices and via Zoom or telephone, free of charge.  Our team of committed counsellors are highly trained and experienced in supporting survivors of sexual trauma of all genders.

Skills and Support 
Our short-term counselling stream of up to 8 sessions, focusing on specific issues like anxiety or flashbacks, with practical, change-oriented strategies.  
 
Reflect and Connect 
This is our long-term counselling stream, and provides up to 16 sessions, delving deeper into your experiences to support healing and rebuilding.

Please note, there's currently a waiting list for our counselling program. While waiting to be matched with a counsellor, you can participate in support groups and use our 24-hour support line. There is also walk-in counselling is available in the community.  
 
Reduced waiting times apply for students at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College due to funding agreements. In-person counselling for students is also available on WLU and UW campuses.  ​

REGISTER

To register for individual counselling,  please click the button to fill out our online intake form. You can also contact our Intake Coordinator at 519-571-0121 ext. 804 or email [email protected].

COUNSELLING INTAKE
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A SURVIVOR SPEAKS...

"I have been coming to SASC for the past year. My counsellor has helped me to change my life. She has worked with me to face the traumatic issues that have occurred in my life. Thanks to the amazing counselling services at SASC, I have learned how to deal with my anxiety, guilt and fear. The safe, secure and accepting environment at SASC has made a big difference. I have been made to feel comfortable in a non-judgmental environment. I am much better able now to cope with difficult family situations and everyday stresses." – ​SASC CLIENT