Home > Student Services > Counselling

Positive mental health and emotional wellness are important parts of helping students succeed at university and throughout life. Counselling services at Bishop’s University provides opportunities for individual growth in a learning community where the student is the center of our educational mission.  

We provide professional and confidential services, free of charge, to students needing assistance to meet their personal, social, and academic goals. Services include  

  • Same day drop-in consultation
  • Referrals
  • Groups 
  • Workshops 
  • Short-term, solution focused counselling 

Students can seek counselling for a variety of reasons. We offer multiple Pathways to Care allowing students to choose the type of support that best fits their needs, preferences, and ability to engage.  

Our team includes psychologists, psychotherapists and registered social workers that help facilitate this process and create a plan based on unique goals. 

Drop-in services – no appointment necessary

Same day meeting with a counsellor to address what is important today. These meetings can be a single session or intake to assess the best Pathway to Care for continued support. 

Student Centre Counselling Drop-in Session
The drop-in schedule changes daily so be sure to keep an eye on our social media for updated dates and times. 

Drop by Student Services Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. for lunch). Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Centre, above Doolittle’s Co-op.

OR 

Email studentservices@ubishops.ca 

OR 

Call 819-822-9695 

Residence Counselling Drop-In
Same day meeting with a counsellor, specifically for students living in residence to address what is important today. These meetings can be a single session or intake to assess the best Pathway to Care for continued support. 

Drop by the Residence Counselling Office Tuesday or Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Located in Paterson Residence Hall, down the first hallway at the very end (Paterson 100) 

OR 

Email studentservices@ubishops.ca 

OR 

Call 819-822-9695 

Student-Athlete Drop-In
Same day meeting with a counsellor specifically for student-athletes to address what is important today. These meetings can be a single session or intake to assess the best Pathway to Care for continued support. 

Drop by the Residence Counselling Office located in Paterson Residence Hall, down the first hallway at the very end (Paterson 100) 

OR 

Email studentservices@ubishops.ca 

OR 

Call 819-822-9695 

Peer Support drop-in
BUnited Peer Support Centre offers confidential peer support to all BU students. Peer Supporters offer hope and support to other students who may be living with adversity and challenges, but they also provide a place for connection and community engagement. Peer supporters are trained in active listening, ethical conduct and crisis intervention. They are not mental health professionals but are well versed in the resources on campus and trained to help guide and navigate services. 

How to speak to a Peer Supporter: 

Drop by the centre during the following times: 

  • Thursday 4:00 to 8:00pm 
  • Friday & Saturday 4:00 to 10:00pm 
  • Sunday 2:00 to 6:00pm 

Or book a meeting through this link: Book a meeting with a Peer Supporter 

  

Book an Appointment

Book an appointment with us to create an action plan, which may include up to 4 sessions for short term, solution focused counselling. If you require more intensive, longer term care, please note that we do not offer long term therapy but can help connect you with the appropriate resources.   

Scheduled intake (within 5 business days)
15 to 30 minute appointment with a counsellor to explore concerns and needs to create an action plan. The action plan is unique and can lead to on or off campus resources, services or tools. This can also be a single session for a specific concern.

Email studentservices@ubishops.ca 

OR 

Call 819-822-9695 

Brief, solution focused counselling
Students access counselling through an intake appointment. Short term, solution focused counselling appointments provide intervention for a variety of mental and emotional concerns. Brief counselling ranges from 1-4 sessions and is typically a 50 minute, bi-weekly appointment (to be determined with your professional). Please note that we do not offer long term therapy.

Email studentservices@ubishops.ca 

OR 

Call 819-822-9695 

Self Help

Self-help tools can be useful for students who have mild concerns and would like a high level of independent work. Self-help tools may be recommended alone, or in conjunction with counselling appointments.  

Groups, trainings, workshops 

Support Groups 

Disordered Eating Support Group
The Disordered Eating Support group is for students of all genders who are struggling with eating issues of all types: restriction, binging, excessive exercising, purging, obsession with healthful eating, obsession with muscle mass, obsession with weight or body shape, night eating, etc. 

The group is a safe and confidential space to explore the functions of disordered eating and receive support in the recovery process. No diagnosis required. 

Third Monday of each month from 4:00 to 5:15pm. See dates in registration form. 

Registration form coming soon.  

Sexual Assault Support & Healing – S.A.S.H
The Bishop’s University Community Sexual Assault Support & Healing is a support group offering an inclusive community space for individuals to engage in meaningful discussions and activities. Meetings are open to individuals who identify as survivors. 

SASH is a peer-led support group. Dates, times and location will be posted at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. Keep an eye on social media for more details. 

 

Trainings 

The Inquiring Mind Mental Health Training
The Inquiring Mind Post-Secondary (TIM PS) is an evidence-based program designed to address and promote mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness in an educational / student setting. 

Goals 

The goals of the training are to: 

  • reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health; 
  • help participants maintain mental health and improve resilience and coping strategies; 
  • teach participants about the Mental Health Continuum Model; 
  • foster a supportive campus community; 
  • support others. 

Objectives
The course’s objective is to give university students the practical knowledge of mental health and mental illness so they can: 

  • Use the mental health continuum to recognize changes in their mental health and that of others. 
  • Be prepared to use skills to improve their coping and resiliency. 
  • Reduce both public and self-stigma. 
  • Be willing to be a part of a supportive campus environment.

Snacks will be served! 

Registration form coming soon.  

Workshops 

Zen-ith Project Workshops
The Zen-ith Project Workshops are a series of three, 1.5 hour long workshops that aim to: 

  • Develop and enrich the socio-emotional and psychosocial aptitudes that are tied to self-discovery, self-management, self-motivation, empathy as well as relational communication and teamwork skills on a deeper level;  
  • Increase academic perseverance and overall personal wellbeing;  
  • Contribute to developing a benevolent environment 
  • Forge relationships between students and normalize their lived experience/academic background; 
  • 3Reduce emotional distress, manage stress, and adapt with to unexpected or uncertain situations with greater ease. 

See dates and times in registration form. 

Registration form coming soon.  

Can we talk? Skills for Healthy Relationships
This workshop is an hour and a half long workshop that is intended for students who want to get some communication and problem resolution tools to improve their relationships. Healthy relationships and communication skills will be discussed in the context of intimate relationships, family relationships and friendships. It can be difficult to get along, but these tools will be able to help you set boundaries, identify unhealthy relationships, and communicate better with the people around you! 

Registration form coming soon.  

Anxiety 101
Since the beginning of the pandemic, anxiety has been increasing for our entire community. We have put together a short workshop to provide tips and tricks to better manage anxiety and take care of ourselves during these times. 

Registration form coming soon.  

Did you Know?

Food insecurity is an important problem across the country and University students are not immune to this. Being a “starving student” has become a normalized experience or rite of passage post-secondary experience. Food insecurity brings about social isolation and exclusion which all have negative impact on mental health and learning.

To address this very important issue, we have created the BU Community Cupboard. Together, with the generous support of our alumni, the BUnited Peer Support Centre, Student Services and Campus Spiritual Care are addressing the issue of food insecurity.

Students can now access the Community Cupboard through an Online Order Form for touchless pick up! Community Cupboard Site.

*Available to both Champlain College and Bishop’s Students*

Need help now?

Should you require assistance for an emergency outside of the regular operating hours, please call Bishop’s Security Department at 819-822-9711 or 711 from any phone on campus.  

You can also call Info-Santé by dialing 811 option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. 

Current BU students can contact Empower Me Mental Health and Wellness Support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 1-833-628-5589. For more information BU SRC Empower Me

SafeGaiter App

Crisis Support

Should you require assistance for an emergency situation outside of the regular operating hours, please call Bishop’s Security Department at 819-822-9711 or from a phone on campus extension 2711. You can also call Info-Santé by dialing 811 or Urgence Détresse at 819-780-2222.

Contact Us 

For more information about Counselling and Mental Health Services, contact us at: 

Studentservices@ubishops.ca 
819-822-9695 

Student Centre Counselling Team

Rev. Jesse Dymond

Jesse Dymond

Chaplain

Karolanne Gagné , M.A, C.F.T.

Karolanne Gagné , M.A, C.F.T.

Psychotherapist

Nathalie Grenier

Nathalie Grenier

Mental Health Educator & Intake Worker

Audrée Levesque

Audrée Levesque

Psychologist

Sofia Marques Manata, D. Ps.

Sofia Marques Manata, D. Ps.

Psychologist

Melanie Veilleux

Melanie Veilleux

Psychologist

Darby Drew

Darby Drew, S.W.

Social Worker

Sarah Beth Frost, S.W.

Sarah Beth Frost, S.W.

Social Worker

Virginie Poirier

Virginie Poirier

Counsellor – Social Worker

Stephanie Forgues

Stephanie Forgues

Student Service Coordinator 

Theresa Gagnon

Theresa Gagnon

Director of Student Life & Services

Helpful Referrals

Anxiety and Stress
Empower me:
virtual counselling 1-833-628-5589
Anxiety Canada:
Resources and Programs
https://www.anxietycanada.com/
L’Autre Rive:
Community Organization (in French only)
https://autre-rive.ca/
Canadian Mental Health Association:
What is Stress and What Can I Do About It
https://cmha.ca/brochure/stress/
Everyday Health:
How to end an Anxiety Attack
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/how-to-end-an-anxiety-attack/#01
Mind your Mind:
Anxiety Disorders Overview
https://mindyourmind.ca/illnesses/anxiety-disorders-overview
Relief:
Anxiety Disorders Community
Organization (in French only)
https://monrelief.ca/relief-1/anxiete
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autisme Estrie:
offers services to contribute to the well-being of people living with ASD and their loved ones (website in French only)
https://www.autisme-estrie.com/autisme-estrie/a-propos/
Fédération Québécoise de l’autisme:
Talk to someone about available resources
Toolbox to help people living with ASD in their daily life (website in French only)
https://www.autisme.qc.ca/nous-joindre.html
https://www.autisme.qc.ca/la-boite-a-outils.html
Centre de réadaptation de l’Estrie du CIUSSS de l’Estrie:
Specialized services for autism spectrum disorder
https://www.santeestrie.qc.ca/en/care-services/themes/deficience-autisme/intellectual-disabilities-and-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd
Neurodivergent Hub:
provides programs and materials to support neurodivergent students in developing life skills and becoming work-ready
https://www.neurodiversityhub.org/resources-for-students
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Totally ADD:
Self-Assessment for ADD
https://totallyadd.com/do-i-have-add/
TDAH Estrie:
individual support, workshops and information (website in French only)
https://www.pandaestrie.org/services/
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada:
symptoms, assessment, treatment and education
https://caddac.ca/about-adhd/ages-18-24-yrs/
Depression
Empower me:
virtual counselling 1-833-628-5589
Canadian Mental Health Association:
What is Depression
https://cmha.ca/brochure/depression-and-bipolar-disorder/
Depression Hurts:
Could it be Depression
https://depressionhurts.ca/en/could-it-be-depression/
Antidepressant Skills Workbook:
self-care manual based on a scientific research about which strategies work best in managing depression
https://psychhealthandsafety.org/asw/
Disordered Eating
Eating Disorders Nova Scotia:
Services in English, most services free
Peer support chat
Online support chat
Mentoring program
https://eatingdisordersns.ca/peer-support-chat
https://eatingdisordersns.ca/group
https://eatingdisordersns.ca/mentoring
Arrimage Estrie:
free or low-cost support groups and workshops (in French only)
http://arrimageestrie.com/groupes-de-soutien/
National Eating Disorder Information Center (NEDIC):
Helpline and chat
Information and articles
https://nedic.ca/
https://nedic.ca/resources/
BodyBrave virtual support:
English services, free or low-cost
https://bodybrave.ca/get-support/
Lookingglass:
English services, free or low-cost, Online peer support, Information
https://www.lookingglassbc.com/online-peer-support/
https://www.lookingglassbc.com/eating-disorders
Resources for friends and loved ones:
NEDIC : helping an adult with an eating disorder
Eating disorder Nova Scotia : friends and family peer support online
ANEB Québec : open online support group for loved ones
https://nedic.ca/help-for-someone-else/
https://eatingdisordersns.ca/family-and-friends-peer-support-group
https://anebquebec.com/en/services/groupe-de-soutien-ouverts/groupe-pour-proches
Finance
Empower me:
financial planning services 1-833-628-5589
 
Estrie Aide:
Wide range of everyday objects ready for a second life
(Thursday  10% off for students) (website in French only)
https://www.estrieaide.com/
Armée du Salut:
second-hand store (website in French only)
https://www.armeedusalutsherbrooke.org/magasin-d-occasion
Le Comptoir Familial de Sherbrooke:
provide very low cost clothing, electronics and houseware items
https://comptoirfamilialdesherbrooke.com/
Bishop’s Community Cupboard:
fill out a form online to order
https://www.ubishops.ca/student-services/mental-health/bunited-peer-support/
Cornerstone food bank:
monthly boxes for people in need
https://hcclennoxville.ca/cornerstone-food-bank/
Moisson Estrie:
book an appointment to evaluate eligibility
https://www.moissonestrie.com/en/ask-for-help/
SOS cuisine:
low cost weekly meal plans
https://www.soscuisine.com/meal-plans/simple-budget/
Quebec Government Student Financial Assistancehttps://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance
Gender and Sexual Identity
Bishop’s Pride Alliance (BUPA)https://www.instagram.com/bupridealliance/
Bishop’s University Gender Equity Centre:
Facebook
Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/UBishopsGEC/
https://www.instagram.com/ubishopsgec/
Interligne:
help and information for those concerned with sexual orientation and gender diversity
Call 1 888 505-1010
Text 514 866-0103 (24/7/365)
https://interligne.co/en/help-and-information/
Trans Lifeline:
offers direct emotional and financial support for trans people in crisis
1 877 330-6366 (24/7/365)
https://translifeline.org/hotline/
Alterhéros:
dedicated to the demystification of sexual orientations and gender identities (ask your question or consult the previously asked questions)
https://alterheros.com/en/ask-your-question/
Project 10:
active listening sessions for members of the 2LGBTQ+ community
https://p10.qc.ca/active-listening/
Educaloi:
Changing your name
Changing your official documents
Quebec rights
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/changing-your-name/
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/gender-identity-modifying-your-official-documents/
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/lgbtq-newcomers-your-rights/
Indigenous Support
Hope for Wellness Helpline:
Available 24/7
https://hopeforwellness.ca/home.html
Mental Health benefits in Canada:
information on counselling benefits in Canada
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576441552462/1576441618847
Native Shelters Network of Quebec:
1 800 363-9010
Website
Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls:
Health and cultural support services for survivors, family members and those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls
1 844 413-6649
https://mmiwg-ffada.ca/
First Nations and Inuit Suicide Prevention Association of Quebec:
telephone counselling sessions and spiritual healing services 514 933-6066
Website
First Peoples Justice Center of Montreal:
support individuals throughout the entire process of the judicial and correctional systems 514 499-1854
https://cjppm.org/en/contacten/
Quebec Native Courtworkers:
legal assistance to Indigenous people involved in the criminal and penal justice system 1 833 753-2095
https://spaq.qc.ca/about-us/?lang=en
Legal Advice
Aide Juridique Estrie:
a team of lawyers to guide and help you through the judicial process in criminal law matters or youth court cases
https://aidejuridiqueestrie.ca/legal-aid-office-home/
Townshippers Legal Information Clinic:
a law student is available once a week each semester to answer legal questions by phone, email or in person appointment
https://townshippers.org/legal-info-clinic/
Legal Protection Program:
students covered by the Dental Plan have access to a legal assistance service to consult a duly certified lawyer regarding any legal question 1-833-202-4571
Website
Reproductive Care
Clinique de planification des naissances:
1095 Rue Belvédère S, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 4C6 (819 565-0767)
https://sante.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire-ressources/ressource/?nofiche=636069
CHUS Fleurimont:
information on pregnancy monitoring, prenatal classes, giving birth, breastfeeding, and the post-natal follow-up
https://www.santeestrie.qc.ca/en/care-services/themes/grossesse-accouchement/pregnancy
From Tiny Tot to Toddler:
practical guide for parents from pregnancy to age two
https://www.inspq.qc.ca/node/1942
Financial Assistance Quebec Governmenthttps://www.mtess.gouv.qc.ca/thematiques/aide-financiere/index_en.asp
Becoming a Parent:
overview of government programs and services
https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/pregnancy-and-parenthood/parent
SOS Grossesse Estrie:
Information and Help for Pregnant Women (website in French only)
https://www.sosgrossesseestrie.qc.ca/
Lennoxville & Districts Women’s Center:
provides services exclusively in English
https://www.ldwc.ca/
Sexual Violence
Sexual Violence Helpline:
1 888 933-9007
https://sexualviolencehelpline.ca/cvasm-1/home
Help and resources in the event of sexual assaulthttps://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/violence/help-and-resources-for-sexual-assault-victims-and-sexual-assailants
CALACS:
Women’s Center for help with and to fight against sexual assault
http://www.calacsestrie.com/?lang=en
Lennoxville and District Women’s Centre:
sexual assault support services for women
https://www.ldwc.ca/
CAVAC Estrie:
Crime Victims Assistance Centre
https://cavac.qc.ca/en/
Shase:
men seeking assistance regarding sexual assaults in childhood, adolescence and adulthood 
https://shase.ca/
Substance Use
Empower me:
virtual counselling 1-833-628-5589
Al-Anon:
help for families of alcoholics
https://al-anon.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous:
Find a meeting near you
https://www.aa.org/
Drugs Help and Referral:
Helpline available 24/7
https://www.aidedrogue.ca/en/
Narcotics Anonymous:
Find a meeting near you
https://naquebec.org/en/about-na/
Suicide
JEVI Support:
for those who are living with suicidal thoughts and supporters.
NOT AN EMERGENCY Service
https://www.jevi.qc.ca/
811 option 2
Info-Social 24h/7day/365year phone support by social workers for people in distress or supporters.
Dial 811 and chose option 2 
Suicide.ca
Support for those who are living with suicidal thoughts and supporters.
Offer phone, text and chat services 
https://suicide.ca/en