Counselling Services

WHEN YOU NEED TO TALK, WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

It’s okay to not feel okay. Our Counselling team is committed to helping you find the support you need to accomplish your academic and personal goals.

Our professionally trained counsellors have a wealth of experience and knowledge and can assist you in areas such as mental health, substance use, relationships, and other personal concerns that might impact your academic success.

Our services are offered in a confidential atmosphere where you can feel comfortable exploring and discussing any topic, situation or concern you may have.

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Student Supports at a Glance

Personalized & Confidential Counselling

Groups & Workshops

Peer Support Services

Find Support to Thrive at Fanshawe

counsellor waves at camera during online appointment

Find Support to Thrive at Fanshawe

Personal counselling services offer free, confidential support to help students navigate the challenges of college life. Led by registered psychotherapists and social workers, we’re here to support your mental health and well-being, whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, or the adjustment to college. Our counsellors provide a safe, professional space to address the issues that may be impacting your studies or overall well-being, empowering you to make the most of your time at college.

Book an Appointment

Crisis & AFter-Hour Support

CMHA After Hours Service
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) provides mental health support to anyone in need. Walk-in and in-person services are available for persons in need. Find a location near you.

WeConnect
The WeConnect Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides eligible students and their dependents with short-term therapy, lifestyle counselling, courses, tools and events to improve mental and physical health.

Learn more at FSU.ca

Virtual appointments
Students will be able to set up an appointment by emailing campus@cmhatv.ca during our operating hours. Please include your phone number in your email.

After Hours Support
Call or text 9-8-8 to get help anytime, from anywhere in Canada. Canada's 988 helpline gives you 24/7 access to free, confidential suicide prevention services by phone (call or text). Simply dial 988 to connect with trained responders offering trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support, in English or French.

Community resources

Mental Health Addictions and Crisis Centre at 648 Huron Street in London, Ontario (24/7 support)
Reach Out mental health, addictions and crisis support line (phone: 519-433-2023)
Good 2 Talk student support line (phone: 1-866-925-5454 or text "GOOD2TALKON" to 686868)
ANOVA violence and abuse supports including sexual assault and crisis counselling (phone: 519-642-3000)

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Passport to Wellness

The Passport to Wellness program is an opportunity you can take to support your personal wellness plan. You can participate in a variety of workshops and activities and have your balanced activity plan verified for your Co-Curricular Record. Sessions are listed and are updated each fall and winter semester. If you have any questions about these sessions, contact us at 519-452-4282 or counselling@fanshawec.ca.

Peer Support

Are you looking for a sense of community? Trying to find the right resources? Just hoping for a chance to talk?

Join fellow students in a drop-in space for a chance to chat, take a mental health break or get help navigating Fanshawe’s resources. Student peer leaders are trained in active listening, communication skills, diversity issues and wellness strategies. Explore College and community services together with us at your own pace.

Open to current Fanshawe students living in Ontario ONLY. To register, email peersupport@fanshawec.ca.

Use the Kind Space In Innovation Village

The Kind Space serves as a Peer Community Hub for students and trained peers to meet, connect and network.

Peers provide fellow students with social, emotional, practical, career and/or academic support using their similar experiences as students. Connecting with a Student Peer can foster a sense of community and belonging through the exchange of shared lived experiences.

You can access the Kind Space for scheduled:

Drop-In Peer Support
One-on-one Peer Mentoring and Peer Tutoring
Skills-based, therapeutic and recreational groups

The Kind Space values compassion for others, respect, a sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, as well as sensory considerations and the commitment to privacy. Above all, the space aims to encourage connection and normalize help-seeking in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Kind Space location and booking hours
F2012, Red Zone, London Campus.

Starting September 9.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed on weekends and holidays.

How to book the Kind Space
Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and Peer Support volunteers can book the space to meet with fellow students by emailing peersupport@fanshawec.ca.

Please cc your supervising staff or faculty member who can confirm your role as a current trained peer offering academic, social, practical, emotional or career support to fellow students

Groups and Workshops

Students have access to a variety of health and wellness groups and workshops to support your personal wellbeing.

To register for any groups or workshops, call 519-452-4282 or email counselling@fanshawec.ca. Please include your full name, phone number, email address, student number and the group(s) or workshop(s) you would like to join.

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Autism Spectrum Social Group

A virtual drop-in social group for Fanshawe students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Please join us for a chance to meet new friends in a relaxing and fun environment.

Test and Presentation Anxiety Workshop

One-hour virtual sessions dedicated to providing information, exercises, tools, and strategies to help students with presenting in front of audiences and individuals.

High Definition Group for Students with ADHD

A virtual group supporting and providing resources for Fanshawe students with ADHD.

Student Mental Health Toolkit

Learn how to support a student in distress. Are you worried about a fellow student or friend? Not sure what to do or how to help?

There are many supports on and off campus that can help someone who is struggling. Read our student mental health toolkit to learn how to Recognize, Respond and Refer to provide assistance for a student who may need a bit of mental health help.

Read our blog post on How to Support Someone with Mental Illness.

Recognize

Recognize the signs a friend might be struggling.

Common signs might include:

A sudden disinterest in connecting or social withdrawal
Sleeping a lot, stating that they are always very tired
Difficulty controlling emotions
Sharing feelings of hopelessness
Excessive use of alcohol / drug

Respond

If you are comfortable doing so, speaking directly to your friend and expressing your concern can often help someone take the first steps to getting help.

If you choose to speak with the them, keep the following tips in mind:

Meet in a private place where you will not be interrupted;
Remain calm and welcoming;
Express your concern in a positive tone and be specific about the what is concerning you; "I've noticed _______, and I'm concerned about you"
Listen with empathy and without judgment, encouraging them to elaborate. "So what you're saying is…tell me more about that.";
Convey caring and sensitivity while being cautious about giving advice. "It sounds like there is a lot going on, there are some resources I can connect you with that may provide help."
Understand that "opening up" can be difficult and emotional for both of you;
Know your limits. Avoid promising to keep their concerns a secret. If the student expresses something that might indicate a safety risk, remember that you should always contact someone else who can help (e.g., Campus Security for students on campus; 911 for students off campus)

Unsure how to bring it up? Here are some sample questions…

"I've noticed _______, and I'm concerned about you"
"How's it been going lately?" or "How have you been feeling lately?"
"I noticed you missed the last class / test – is everything okay?"
"So what you're saying is…tell me more about that.";
"It sounds like there is a lot going on, there are some resources I can connect you with that may provide help."
"That sounds like a lot. Did you know there is free and confidential support on campus that students can access?"

Refer

You can refer your friend to the following free and confidential on-campus and community supports:

Confidential counselling services can be delivered in person, by secure video conference, or over the phone.

519-452-4282 or email counselling@fanshawec.ca.

If you are concerned for the safety of your friend or dealing with an emergency, contact Campus Security Services or 911