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​

We offer free, confidential counselling for survivors of sexual violence of all genders. Our services are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can meet with a counsellor in person at our Kitchener or Cambridge offices, or connect by Zoom or phone, whatever feels safest and most comfortable for you.

Our team of skilled, caring counsellors has experience supporting people who have been impacted by sexual trauma. We are here to listen, believe you, and support your healing, wherever you’re at in your journey.

We work with you to shape counselling around your needs and goals. This might mean focusing on specific challenges like anxiety, sleep, or flashbacks, or taking more time to explore your experiences and find your own path to healing.

Each person can access up to 16 one-on-one counselling sessions. If you’d like more support after your sessions are done, you can return to our waitlist for more sessions when space becomes available.

You are not alone. We’re here for you.

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.  
 
Students at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, and Conestoga College can access Quick Access Counselling and have reduced wait times 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 one of the buttons below to fill out our online intake form. You can also contact our Intake Coordinator at 519-571-0121 ext. 804 or email [email protected].

book a phone/virtual intake session

book an in-person intake session

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