Our mission is to enhance and support the quality of life for Cowichan Lake area residents. We will strive to do this through education, prevention, recreation, counselling and support groups. It is also our aim to work together with other service agencies in an integrated approach.

The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

What is Counselling all about?

Counselling is really just a conversation between two people.

At Cowichan Lake Community Services, we believe:

  • the problem is the problem - not the person.
  • people have the strength and resources to make necessary changes in their lives.
  • that sometimes we need a little help to tap into our strengths.
  • the counsellor’s job is to help people make sense of their experiences and open up possibilities for positive change.

Sometimes, people think that a counsellor will tell them what to do. Counsellors are trained to know about a wide range of concerns and experiences, but every individual is unique and therefore must make their own decisions.

Confidentiality:

Counsellors will not provide any information that you may have shared during a conversation with a counsellor to anyone except if...

  1. You tell the counsellor that someone has harmed you in the past, is harming you in some way now, or that they will probably harm you in the near future.
  2. There is an immediate safety risk to you or to another person.
  3. There is a court order and written information is subpoenaed.

If there is an immediate risk to safety, the counsellor is obligated by law to inform someone else to be sure to protect you or whoever is at risk (e.g., a parent, guardian, a child protection authority, and/or the police.

Counsellors help people to:

  • define the problem
  • think about what’s important.
  • figure out what to do next.
  • express their feelings and needs.
  • tap into their own strengths and resources.
  • examine unhelpful habits, coping methods, self-defeating beliefs, values and attitudes.
  • gather all the relevant facts
  • consider different points of view
  • understand how their behaviour and emotional reactions affect those around them and vice-versa.
  • work out what they can do, and how others can help.
  • begin to make decisions based on what they've learned.

Amanda, Becca, DarleneOur counsellors are prepared to develop and facilitate programs to suit the needs identified by people in the community. Please feel free to call and inquire about a program, workshop, or seminar that you would like to see implemented.

Community Services is also available to host or provide the space for community-based supportive groups.

Cowichan Lake Community Services has 3 qualified and considerate counsellors on staff full time.

Bios and Credentials:
Amanda Sawatzky
Darlene Tully
Becca Shears

Cowichan Lake Community Services offers the following formats of support to all ages:

  • Individual Counselling
  • Family Counselling
  • Group Counselling
  • Support Groups
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Parenting Programs
  • Assertiveness Training
  • Violence Intervention Programs
  • Life Skills and Social Skills Development
  • Prevention and Intervention Programs

We provide counselling services for a range of issues, including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Drug and Alcohol Use/Addictions
  • Loss and Grief
  • Abuse
  • Intimate Partner Violence
  • Trauma
  • Stress and Coping
  • Self Harm
  • Mental Health
  • Relationships
  • Effective Communication
  • Other Social/Emotional/Behavioural Challenges
  • Family Transitions (Separation and Divorce)

Upcoming Programs

Sign up for one of our many programs. We offer programs for adults, children and youth. Most programs can be run at times other than set out in our seasonal schedules. Contact us for a new list and start dates.

C.L.C.S. Ongoing Programs:

Resources:

  • Crisis Line for Children and Youth ------------------------- 250-310-1234
  • Crisis Line ------------------------- 250-748-1133
  • Kids Help Phone ------------------------- 1-800-668-6868
  • Child and Youth Mental Health ------- 250-715-2725
    (referrals for a psychiatrist through your GP)
  • Ministry of Children and Family Development ------------------ 250-715-2725
  • Emergency After Hours ------------------------- 1-800-663-9122
  • Adult Mental Health and Addictions ------------------------- 250-709-3040
  • Women’s Shelter (WAVA)---250-748-7000 (24 hour crisis line) 250-748-7273
  • Lake Cowichan Health Unit ------------------------- 250-749-6878
  • Family Justice Centre ------------------------- 1-800-578-8511
  • Parenting after Separation Session (Nanaimo) ---------------- 1-800-202-1114

Helpful Links:

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The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

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