1. Do I need to make an appointment to see a counsellor?”

2. Is there any cost to see a counsellor?

3. What kind of issues can a counsellor help me with?

4. What if I need to talk to someone before my scheduled appointment?

5. What if I need to talk to someone when Counselling Services is closed?

6. One of my instructors suggested I see a counsellor. Do I have to? Will the counsellor talk to my instructor about me?

7. I am worried about a friend. What can you suggest?

1. Do I need to make an appointment to see a counsellor?
   Counselling Services offers drop-in appointments for students to deal with issues of an urgent nature in an immediate fashion. Counsellors are available to answer your questions, to provide referrals or to schedule appointments for counselling. Drop-in sessions are intended to resolve an immediate issue. It is different from a regular counselling appointment or first appointment. Due to the demand for drop-in counselling these appointments are up to 30 minutes in duration whereas a regular counselling appointment could be from 45-60 minutes. A referral for an intake appointment may be requested or recommended at the end of a drop-in appointment. Please see the schedule of Drop-In Hours. You can sign-up for a drop-in appointment beginning the morning of the same day you would like to see a counsellor. This ensures you will be seen that day and avoids the disappointment of finding there are no available appointments. The drop-in appointments are offered on a first-come first-serve basis.

2. Is there any cost to see a counsellor?
   No. All counselling appointments and drop-in appointments are offered free of charge.

3. What kind of issues can a counsellor help me with?
   Counsellors can help with a wide range of personal and academic concerns including problem solving around academic issues (advocacy), coping with anxiety and/or stress, doing better in your courses, time management, learning strategies, homesickness and transition to Sheridan, financial problems, feelings of depression or sadness, body image and eating disorders, self-harm or suicidal feelings, coping with loss and grief, relationship and family issues, sexuality concerns, getting control of your drinking or drug use, confidence and self-esteem, working effectively in groups and teams, anger/conflict etc.

4. What if I need to talk to someone before my scheduled appointment?
   If you need to speak to a counsellor before your scheduled appointment please call Counselling Services or come in to the office. Drop-In Hours.

5. What if I need to talk to someone when Counselling Services is closed?
   If you need to talk to someone when Counselling Services is closed please refer to the following list of emergency contacts or if you are in crisis contact Sheridan Security at 905-815-4044 ext. 1999.

6. One of my instructors suggested I see a counsellor. Do I have to? Will the counsellor talk to my instructor about me?
   It is your choice to seek counselling and you are not required to attend an appointment, however, if your instructor suggests that you might benefit from seeing a counsellor they are acting in your best interest and you may want to give their suggestion careful consideration. All discussions between a counsellor and a student are strictly confidential and your instructor will not be involved in any discussion unless you give written consent.

7. I am worried about a friend. What can you suggest?
   If you are concerned that a friend is having a difficult time, it is suggested that you encourage your friend to attend a drop-in appointment or book a counselling appointment. Make sure they know where Counselling Services is located and provide them with our Drop-In Hours. Additionally they may find our website a useful starting point to provide information about our services.

“We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become.” Dr. David Hawkins