The front desk of the counselling centre. Photo: Brittany Barber/The Dialog
For new and returning students, the stresses of life will eventually catch up with you. Thankfully at George Brown College (GBC), every student has the opportunity to speak to someone who will listen and care about what they have to say.
“Everyone has distinct areas of interest. If you come with a particular area of concern, we will try our best to fit you with the right person,” said Jeremy Jacob, a new counsellor at GBC’s Casa Loma campus.
For no cost at all, students who are looking for a confidant, whether they’re at Casa Loma, St. James, or Waterfront campus, can book an appointment with a counsellor at any time that works best with your schedule.
According to the third annual Sun Life Canadian Health Index compiled by Ipsos Reid in 2012, 90 per cent of 18 to 24 year-olds experience excessive stress and 72 per cent of adult Canadians are feeling overwhelmed.
“The counselling service at GBC is a short-term service, on average six to eight sessions,” said Jacob. “However, If you’re still feeling like you require more support, services may be extended.”
During your initial meeting with your counsellor, you get to discuss anything that may be causing you stress, worry or grief. Your counsellor is there to listen and work with you no matter the issue.
According to the student affairs handout, counsellors are trained to work with you through personal, academic and career counselling. This includes, but is not limited to, stress, addictions, eating disorders as well as support for low motivation and procrastination.
“We try to provide different genders for people to connect with, some people are more comfortable with males or females,” said Jacob.
Jacob is keen on making sure students are not intimidated, “We are approachable and personable because we were also new students at one time. It’s difficult, demanding and challenging.”
At GBC there is no judgement as our trusted counsellors are your support systems, your crutch and even your anchor.
“If students don’t know what is going on with them, they just know they have a problem, come in and speak to a counsellor. We’re trained to start unpacking it. Lets explore and find out how we can help you,” said Jacob.
Counselling services don’t stop at George Brown. Good 2 Talk is a post-secondary student helpline that is there to answer your calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This hotline is a free, professional and confidential service where the callers always remain anonymous. There is no limit on what you can talk about. You can reach this helpline by calling 1-866-925-5454.
