Counselling Services
Welcome to the Trent Counselling Centre!
Trent Counselling Services office is currently closed for in person sessions as part of the Trent University’s precautions in response to COVID-19. However, the Trent Counselling Centre (TCS) is still here for you.
The COVID-19 virus is having a profound impact on the world. As a society, we are being bombarded daily with news reports, which are troubling, confusing and distressing. It is understandably generating significant stress and anxiety as individuals worry about their health, their jobs and the safety of friends and family members.
Humans appreciate and want a sense of control in their lives and in this chaotic time, we are all experiencing what can feel like a total loss of control. The need to engage in social distancing can also generate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness or any other unwanted feelings or sensations, know that you are not alone.
Although TCS staff are no longer providing face-to-face counselling services, we are currently working from remote locations. We are continuing to provide counselling sessions either by phone or via confidential video sessions.We are making arrangements for alternate methods of connecting with students during the University's closure, including check-in and support conversations over the phone or video-chat through Zoom meetings.
If you have had contact with one of our TCS staff and wish to reconnect, please email your therapist directly via email to arrange an appointment (see list below). If you are new to TCS, please send an email to counselling@trentu.ca and you will be assigned to a therapist for support. You can also access the I.M. Well services (1-877-234-5327 available 24/7) or use your extended Trent health benefits to access a private practitioner in your home community.
Email addresses for each therapist as follows:
Anita Vlaar – anitavlaar@trentu.ca
Karen Searle – karensearle@trentu.ca
John Britton – johnbritton@trentu.ca
Jennifer Teefy – jenniferteefy@trentu.ca
Beth Ann Lichti – bethannlichti@trentu.ca
Erinn Bickle – erinnbickle@trentu.ca
Riley Farquhar – rileyfarquhar@trentu.ca
Robyn Ocean – robynocean@trentu.ca
Veronica Lai – veronicalai@trentu.ca
If you are scheduled to see Dr. Nugent, email counselling@trentu.ca if you have any inquiries. He is now not available for in person appointments but is available to call you at the scheduled time. You will be contacted a couple of days prior, to confirm the time and phone number where you can be reached. Thank you for your patience as we work to continue providing service remotely.
For immediate crisis support please contact 4 Counties Crisis (1-866-925-5454), Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566), or access the emergency department at Peterborough Regional Hospital or your nearest hospital.
Online Resources
- Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454 – Good2Talk provides 24-hour confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario
- TAO Therapy Assisted Online - self-help provides Trent students with a way to learn strategies for well-being online at your own pace. You can learn problem-solving, relationship skills and mindfulness among other strategies.
- Big White Wall - is an online mental health and wellbeing service which offers self-help programs, creative outlets and online community support. It provides a safe and anonymous peer support community that is offered 24/7 and is moderated by clinical professionals.
- Depression Hurts is an online service provided by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. It provides information, education, skills and strategies to help manage symptoms of depression
- Anxiety Canada provides a vast array of audio, video and other resources to help you understand and reduce anxiety.
- BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
- Bring Change 2 Mind is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health and to raising awareness, understanding and empathy. It was co-founded by actress and activist, Glenn Close, in 2010 after close family members were diagnosed with mental illnesses. It provides information, podcasts, shared stories and more.
Please remember – you are not alone. Reach out and connect in whatever way works best for you.