Therapists at ORCC hold safe and compassionate spaces for clients to access counselling. Wherever you are along your healing journey, we will support you.
All of the counsellors at ORCC are trained to perform the act of psychotherapy and specialize in supporting people who have experienced sexual and gender-based violence using a trauma-informed approach. You can learn more about ORCC’s counsellors on our Get to Know Us page.
The ORCC offers both individual and group counselling sessions. More information about what to expect when you book a session with a therapist at ORCC
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling is offered virtually, over the phone and in-person at various locations across the city. Each session is 50 minutes in length. These services are available Monday to Friday between 9 am – 5 pm. System navigation and accompaniment to appointments or other services is available by request.
If you would like access to individual counselling at ORCC, please fill out our Intake Form. Please note there is a waitlist, which is subject to change.
Group Counselling
Conscious Cultivation (Virtual)
Conscious Cultivation is a 10-week online group for survivors of sexual violence and/or gender-based violence. Topics for this group focus on participants’ needs and can include consent, grounding skills, coping strategies, relationships after violence, understanding self and resource navigation. In this group, we will work to strengthen coping skills and learn new ones for dealing with the symptoms of trauma. The group is held weekly over Zoom for ten weeks. To register for this group, please fill out the intake form below. A member of ORCC’s counselling team will then reach out to you closer to the group date to complete a brief intake. The intake will involve a brief assessment to ensure that this group is accessible and appropriate for you, the creation of an online client account, and completion of initial documentation like consent forms.
Processing Group (In-Person)
ORCC’s 10-week processing group is held in person and guided by psychotherapists. Group topics are decided upon collaboratively by group participants in the first meeting. Topics can include but are not limited to communication in relationships, coping strategies for anxiety, coping strategies for panic attacks, navigating triggers, and finding support services and in Ottawa. To register for this group, please fill out the intake form below. A member of ORCC’s counselling team will then reach out to you closer to the group date to complete a brief intake. The intake will involve a brief assessment to ensure that this group is accessible and appropriate for you, the creation of an online client account, and completion of initial documentation like consent forms.
Counselling FAQ’s
Yes, all ORCC programs and services are free.
You must be at least 16 years old to access our counselling services.
We serve people in Ottawa and its surrounding areas.
We offer counselling in-person, over the phone, or online through a secure platform called OWL Practice.
Our counselling program typically offers 8-10 sessions, based on the client’s goal. However, we may be able to provide extended sessions.
As members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, counsellors are required to keep some notes of counselling sessions.
The purpose of keeping notes is to ensure we are following best practices in our counselling services and to keep track of important clinical information for ongoing care. You always have a right to access your client file. To do so, please contact the Director of Programs at janath.vesna@orcc.net.
ORCC is required to keep client files for 10 years. After this date, we shred them using a confidential service. Please note, if the client is under the age of 18 during the time they access services, their file is kept for 10 years after they turn 18.
If you do not want to continue your sessions, we will always respect your wishes, no questions asked. You can tell your counsellor directly, or email the Director of Programs at janath.vesna@orcc.net.
We cannot provide counselling to clients who wish to remain anonymous. Our counsellors are required by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers to maintain a file for each client, which includes the client’s name. However, your name, client file and any other identifying information will never be disclosed to any third party unless you request ORCC to share this information on your behalf; in situations where we are required to share this information for legal purposes; or in situations where counsellors have a duty to report.
We care very much about your experience at ORCC. If you have any concerns about our counselling services, please let us know by filing a feedback form and/or contacting the Director of Programs at janath.vesna@orcc.net.
ORCC currently only offers its services in English. If you prefer services in French, we can refer you to our sister organization CALACS. If you prefer services in other languages, please let us know on the intake form and we will arrange for an interpreter to be available for your counselling sessions.
Yes. As of 2023, ORCC offers counselling services to cis and trans men.
Yes, if you are in crisis, and need immediate support, you can call our 24/7 crisis line at 613-562-2333 or text and chat from 12 pm-12 am EST at 613-544-6424, or on our chat website.
ORCC only serves residents of Ontario. For more information on services for Quebec residents, please contact AGIR Outaouais, or CALACS Ottawa.
