Counselling Services
Short-Term Counselling, Crisis Walk-in and Phone Support
The WOCRC provides short-term counselling services (6-8 sessions), crisis walk-in, phone support, and information and referrals to all members of our diverse community. The areas we serve include: Kanata, West Carleton and Goulbourn.
Our Counselling Services Team provides free, confidential and non-judgmental services in both French and English to children, youth and adults. We are LGBTQ+ positive and strive to create a safe place for all, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexual orientation.
Whether coping with a difficult situation, looking for emotional support, or enquiring about community services and resources, our counsellors will work collaboratively with you in addressing your unique needs.
Depending on your needs, our experienced counsellors can assist with a wide variety of issues, including:
Traumatic stress: violence against women, family stressors, assault, grief and loss, onset of illness, etc.
Life transitions: separation/divorce, job loss, relationships, parenting, retirement, etc.
Mental wellness: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, anger, stress, addictions, etc.
Practical supports: housing and shelters, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Essential Health and Social Supports, energy assistance programs, bus tickets, baby cupboard, advocacy, etc.
During the hours below, our counsellors will be available by telephone for crisis calls, scheduling appointments, and general inquiries:
Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NEW! During the hours above, our counsellors will be available for in-person crisis walk-ins (if you feel you are in crisis you can come to the centre in person and meet with one of our counsellors).
For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 613-591-3686 and ask to speak to a counsellor.
Limitations of Counselling
The WOCRC does not offer couples or family counselling. The WOCRC is, however, committed to working to help couples and families, by assessing individual needs of family members and making appropriate recommendations/referrals.
Please be aware that research and clinical experience show that when there is ongoing abuse in a relationship, couples counselling is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. We encourage women and their children who have experienced abuse to access our Violence Against Women services for support and assistance.
Scan QR Code above to view/download the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre Welcome Package
WOCRC is a partner of Unsafe at Home Ottawa. Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a text and chat line for survivors of domestic abuse in Ottawa and in Lanark County. This encrypted and confidential line is available every single day, from 8:30 AM to midnight. Click here to speak to a trained support worker now
For too many women and children in COVID-19 lockdown, home has been anything but safe. Gender-based violence has become a pandemic within the pandemic, putting more families at risk. This powerful PSA calls on men and boys to reject gender-based violence and commit to change. Whiteribbon.ca
IWSO was founded in 1988 to meet the needs of immigrant and racialized women who were victims of domestic abuse. It was originally named Immigrant and Visible Minority Women Against Abuse (IVMWAA). In 1989, we provided integrated crisis support and language interpretation services in three languages: Spanish, Arabic and English.