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The Church of the Good Shepherd is launching the Affordable Counselling Ministry for those who may not qualify for mental health services or have insurance coverage for counselling. This ministry is designed to have volunteer Counsellors come alongside people with compassionate, affordable support in seasons of relationship difficulty, grief, loss, anxiety, and vocational or career uncertainty.

We are offering a wonderful opportunity to work with clients using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy focusing on a goal-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasizes clients’ strengths and resources to create positive change, concentrating on present circumstances and future goals rather than past issues to help clients identify practical ways forward.

We would like to hear from you. Those interested in serving will take part in a screening process with a Registered Qualified Supervising Clinical Counsellor to help discern readiness and fit for this ministry. All accepted trainees will participate in our four month Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) training, regardless of previous education or experience. This will allow volunteers to serve with a shared foundation and approach.

Who may feel called to apply

  • Those with experience or knowledge in counselling
  • Students in counselling, or those preparing to enter a post-secondary social work or counselling program
  • Retired individuals with professional or life experience who have a heart for listening
  • Individuals with any post-secondary who have a heart for listening
  • Those without post-secondary who demonstrate suitability for this ministry may also be considered

Qualities we value

  • A willingness to learn and practise SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy)
  • Personal maturity, humility, and self-awarenes
  • The financial ability to participate in the training

Training cost & volunteer commitment

The value of the training is $700. To enroll, participants will contribute $350 as a down payment and as an expression of commitment to the program and intention to volunteer. Participants will be reimbursed the initial down payment of $350, once the training is complete and they have provided 25 hours of volunteer counselling. If, however, a participant is unable to complete the required 25 volunteer hours, the remaining $350 will be paid to the program to cover the full cost of the training received.

Download the volunteer application below, complete it and send it (along with your resume) to: office@anglicangoodshepherd.ca

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