Counselling
Welcome to the Lake Trail Counselling Page! On this page, you will find information and links related to student and family supports.
Our Team is ready to work with you.
Please contact:
School Counsellor: Jessica Kerekes Rinn.
Youth Family Worker: Joyce Tekenah
Youth Family Worker: Tara Skobel
Related Documents:
Mental Health Resources:
Please see a detailed list of mental health supports in the Comox Valley here : Mental Health Resources – Comox Valley
Safe Technology Use:
Even if you think you are pretty savvy with technology, the landscape in this area shifts every minute of every day. It can be hard to keep up on the latest and greatest recommendations and best practices. Here are some sites that can help with cyberbullying, cyber security risks, and how you can protect yourself and your devices.
We have also added a couple of helpful resources in the area of youth mental health.
- Cybertip.ca – Canadian Centre for Child Protection – Tip Line for reporting exploitation of children.
- Mobile Phone Safety – Get up to date resources for guiding the use of mobile phones for teens.
- Caller Smart – https://www.callersmart.com/articles/49/What-Is-Cyberbullying-and-How-to-Stop
- Needhelpnow.ca – Support for individuals experiencing online sexual violence
Sexual Health:
The following are some links recommended by Dr. Claire to help with understanding and explaining the sexual health curriculum and answering questions you might have regarding sexual health.
- https://www.sexandu.ca
- https://kidshealth.org/en/teens
- https://fightthenewdrug.org
- https://needhelpnow.ca/app/en/
Crisis Support:
Youth may experience times of mental health crisis or concern their own safety or that of someone they know. In these times, it is important to have access to supports that are available immediately. The following are some important links and numbers that could be used in the event of a crisis.
- Learningthroughloss.org – Support for youth in Greif & Loss
- Youthspace.ca – Crisis line for youth 6pm-10pm texting
- Youth in BC – Chatline for mental health support
- Need2.ca – Suicide Prevention Education and Support
- www.vicrisis.ca – Vancouver Island Crisis Line is available to anyone in crisis or in need of support. Trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day at 1-888-494-3888 or online at chat@vicrisis.ca. They are also available by text from 6pm-10pm at 250-800-3806. This agency allows people in crisis to access supports from trained mental health professionals in order to help themselves or to send help to a friend in crisis.
- Need Help Now – Canadian Centre for Childhood Protection – Steps to help in situations of exploitation. How to stop material from spreading on the internet and how to get help.
- 1-800-663-9122 – Ministry of Children and Families – If you or someone you know is in danger due to abuse or drug/alcohol use in the home, you can call this number to get help.
Anxiety and Depression
Many students at the middle school age level begin to struggle with symptoms of low mood and feelings of anxiousness and stress. While many of these feelings are normal and natural and often related to changing hormones, there are some things that can be done to support a healthy positive outlook during this time. Mental health can be seriously impacted by diet, exercise, sleep, mindful practices and technology use. The following are some websites that can be useful in helping young people to overcome feelings of low mood and stress.
- https://www.anxietycanada.com/ – On this site, you will find a number of amazing resources for supporting those who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and low mood. This is a useful website for youth because it has a lot of information and support specific to young people.
- MindCheck.ca – A variety of resources to explore mood/anxiety, substance abuse etc.
School Bullying
Many parents and educators struggle to find resources to help put a stop to bullying behaviors in our schools. Please take a look at the following link for more information and useful resources pertaining to bullying and its impacts:
- ERASE – Expect Respect & A Safe Education – Online reporting system for BC community members of concerning behaviors witnessed or rumored.
- Bullying Resources for Parents and Educators
Community Links