At Burnaby Family Life, we pride ourselves in our flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the community. Since 1971, Burnaby Family Life has been offering quality community social services in Burnaby and in neighbouring communities. We're building on that tradition and working everyday to make this a more inclusive, welcoming and safe community for all.
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Services Offered
Counselling
Burnaby Family Life's counselling program offers psycho-therapy to women who have experienced trauma due to abuse and violence. Counselling is also offered to children and youth who have witnessed domestic violence and/or any type of abuse.
* Stopping the Violence Program (STV) - Individual Counselling - Individual counselling offered by qualified professionals.
* Stopping the Violence Program (STV) - Group Counselling > Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse (ASSA) - ASSA is a 3-level group that starts September 2018. Participants are required to commit to all levels and must have a one-to-one therapist.
> Discovery and Empowerment - This experiential group will address the impacts of childhood sexual abuse through a creative format. Re-discover yourself, gain skills to cope with the effects of trauma and explore new ways to be empowered.
> Mindfullness for Survivors - Mindfulness is the practice of moment to moment awareness. This skill building group will assist survivors of sexual abuse to feel more grounded, peaceful and connected to their mental, physical and emotional experiences. In a safe and supportive environment with an addition of yoga exercises you will learn a variety of relaxation, breathing, and meditation techniques to stay focused in the present moment where healing and change can occur.
* Peace Program - Individual Counselling - PEACE program helps children between the ages 3 to 12 years to understand the impact of abuse/violence and learn new ways of coping. In addition to the services directed towards children, counsellors also provide support and information to parents/caregivers. Formerly known as the Children Who Witness Abuse (CWWA) program.
> Youth Exposed to Abuse (YEA) - Youth Exposed to Abuse program is a counselling program for teens who have been exposed or witnessed abuse or violence. It is created in the format that best suits youth needs in the environment where they feel comfortable exploring the impact of trauma.
* Peace Program - Group Counselling
> Keeping Cool - The theme of this group is to teach children who witnessed violence and abuse a fun and creative way of expressing their feelings in a healthy manner with goals such as: to accept and express feelings in healthy ways; to develop healthy expression of anger; to learn non-violent ways of resolving conflict; to promote self-esteem and to develop social skills. Activities offered in the group are through arts & crafts, educational information, group work, games, music, and play.
> Open Art Studio - The Hub Open Studio is a free program created by Burnaby Family Life in partnership with the Burnaby Youth Hub. Hub Open Studio is a place where youth can explore creating art with a range of materials, in a non-judgmental and nurturing environment. It represents a space where art can be used as a vehicle for expressing emotions and creativity.
> Creative and Strong I (C.S.I.) - Creative and Strong I is an art-based peer support group which focuses on relationship safety, self-esteem, boundaries, social media, assertiveness and where to seek support and resources for children and youth who witnessed or experienced violence and abuse.
> Yoga Group - In collaboration with BCSTH and Yoga Outreach program, Burnaby Family Life is now offering trauma-informed yoga group to children and youth in Burnaby who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence and abuse. Yoga based exercises provide sense of safety, enable mind-body connection, help with sleep deprivation and promote relaxation and sense of power.
Fees and Payment
Many of the services are free, but some require a small fee. Limited subsidies may be available by application.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Online Counseling: Yes
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.