Oak Counselling Services Society

In the past twelve months our counsellors saw 61 clients - 38 new / 23 returning. Waiting times for our services are approximately four months with 13 currently on the list. We have provided over 371 hours of counselling services mainly via Telehealth. There is some transition back to in-person sessions. We have a total of 22 volunteers: 12 counsellors two volunteer intake workers 3 group supervisors one supervisor for interns two student counsellors and five volunteer board members. Our paid Executive Director works 20 hours per week and we have added one newly hired intake coordinator who also works 20 hours per week. The gaming funds we have received allow us to continue to serve those in our community who do not have the financial ability to access the mental health services they require. Our counsellors use a variety of secular evidence-based approaches to counselling. They work with individuals and couples on a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety depression relationship conflicts grief and loss life transitions parenting separation and divorce career planning emotional regulation historical trauma sexuality lifestyle and behavioural concerns. Over the long term providing a community connection and early accessible culturally appropriate interventions on mental health issues before they escalate is critical. Our services support a wide range of diverse individuals to thrive encourage family cohesiveness and promote social wellness. This past fiscal year Oak also launched its first group counselling sessions