News & Media

News and Media

Weird Is an Umbrella Term

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Dealing with uncertainty…

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I am often asked by my clients, “Am I normal? Is this normal?”

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Many of my clients ask me, why can’t I get over it?

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Thoughts on Self-Care Around the Holidays

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Getting to Know Jade Kennedy

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Finding The Right Therapist

An Introduction to Lauren with Held Humanity Counselling.


First Session Video

An Introduction to Lauren with Held Humanity Counselling.


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Engage With This in 2021:

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Holding Both

There are no “right or wrong” or “good or bad” emotions. All of them are valid. I invite you to instead view emotional…


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2021 & The Journey Continues in Long-Term Care

Does it feel like “New Year, New Me” does not apply to you because your Loved One is in long-term care (LTC) and it…



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Canadian Mental Health Lines

Following is a list of links to suicide and crisis hotlines, and resources dedicated to the prevention of suicide as well as how to find counselling.

Indigenous Health Lines


National Hotlines


Provincial Hotlines

Click Each Province to Expand

Alberta Crisis Hotlines

Distress Centre
403-266-4357

British Columbia Crisis Hotlines

Crisis Centre
1-800-784-2433
No area code needed: 310-6789 (mental health support line)

British Columbia Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association – British Columbia Division
1-800-555-8222

HeretoHelp
1-800-661-2121

Youth in B.C. online chat
Greater Vancouver Area: 604-872-3311
Howe Sunshine & Sunshine Coast: 1-866-661-3311

Aboriginal Wellness Program
604-675-2551 or 1-866-884-0888

B.C. Psychological Association – Find a Psychologist
604-730-0501

B.C. Problem Gambling Help Line
1-888-795-6111

Saskatchewan Crisis Hotlines

Ontario Crisis Hotlines

Good2Talk
1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Gerstein Crisis Centre
416-929-5200

Mental Health Crisis Line
In Ottawa: 613-722-6914
In the larger Ottawa area: 1-866-996-0991

ONTX Ontario Online & Text Crisis Service
Text 258258

District and Crisis Ontario Helplines
416-486-2242

Connex Ontario
1-866-531-2600

Ontario Resources

Ontario Psychological Association – Find a Psychologist
416-961-5552

Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division
1-800-875-6213

Reconnect
416-248-2050

Ontario Victim Support Line
1-888-579-2888

Ontario 211
1-877-330-3213

Drug and Alcohol Helpline

1-800-565-8603

Toronto Distress Centre
416-408-4357 or text 45645

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
416-597-8808

Yukon Crisis Hotlines

Yukon Crisis Line
403-668-9111

Yukon Resources

Yukon Health and Social Services
1-866-456-3838 (area code 867)

Mood Disorders Society of Canada – Yukon Division
1-867-667-8346

Canadian Mental Health Association – Yukon
1-867-668-6429 – to book appointment

Reach Out Support Line
1-844-533-3030

Northwest Territories Crisis Hotlines

Northwest Territories Resources

Nunavut Crisis Hotlines

Newfoundland and Labrador Crisis Hotlines

New Brunswick Crisis Hotlines

Chimo Helpline
1-800-667-5005

New Brunswick Resources

Prince Edward Island Crisis Hotlines

The Island Helpline
1-800-218-2885

Nova Scotia Crisis Hotlines

Nova Scotia Resources


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How It Works

Your Journey

You’ve already taken the first step by being here. We’ve broken down the next steps to make your journey as easy and seamless as possible.

1. Book a Free Consultation

A consultation is an essential first step to help determine if Held Humanity and our counsellors are the right fit for you. It’s a great opportunity to meet with a counsellor, learn how they work with clients, and ask questions.

During your free 15-minute phone consultation, we will cover:

  • Have you been to counselling before? How was that process for you?
  • What's bringing you to counselling now?
  • What are your hopes and goals in counselling?
  • Administrative matters and next steps with consents and policies.

2. Book Your Appointment

If you have decided to proceed following your consultation, notify your counsellor. A profile will be created for you in JaneApp so you can book a time that works for you. You will need to complete intake and confidentiality forms before your first session.

JaneApp can be accessed through a web browser. Chrome is recommended. Please note that JaneApp does not work in Safari.

3. Your First Session

During your first session, you and your counsellor will get to know each other to determine goodness of fit. This is the beginning of co-creating a space that supports your wellness and goals in therapy. The therapeutic process is completely unique to you. You get to decide when you are comfortable to share, what you want to share, and with who.

Following your first appointment, it is recommended that you book a weekly session for the next 2 to 3 weeks to establish a strong foundation for your therapeutic work.

4. Assess Your Experience

After a few sessions, take time for yourself to self-assess your experience. We encourage you to speak with your counsellor if you feel you aren’t getting what you need out of your sessions. Most of the time, you and your counsellor will be able to find a solution together.

If you still think your counsellor may not be the right fit, please feel free to discuss this with your current therapist who will do their best to provide resources for referrals. It’s most important that you find the counsellor who is right for you.

Book Now, Or Get In Touch

Book your consultation or appointment now, or get in touch with us if you have questions or just want to talk!

Questions?Book Now!


Payment

* All Counselling Offered Online

Methods of Payment

Held Humanity Counselling & Social Services accepts Visa, Mastercard and e-transfer.

Please let your counsellor know if you prefer to pay by e-transfer at your consultation or first session. E-transfers must be paid before each session. Credit cards will be charged after each session.

No-show fees will be charged directly to the credit card on file.

E-transfers must be paid before each session to admin@heldhumanitycounselling.com

Insurance Coverage

Held Humanity offers counselling services through masters-level registered mental health practitioners. Most personal insurance plans cover counselling fees for Registered Social Workers and Registered Clinical Counsellors. It is each client’s responsibility to check if their plan has coverage, and for which credentials are covered:

  • Registered Social Workers
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor
  • Canadian Certified Counsellors

At this time, we are unable to offer direct billing. An invoice will be provided for you to submit to your insurance provider.

View Our Cancellation Policy

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Join Our Team

Work With Us!

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Counsellor - Contract Basis

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Skills

  • Skill 1
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  • Skill 4

Education

  • Masters Degree
  • Education
  • Education
  • Education

Send Us Your Information

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Tel: 250 859 9465
lauren@heldhumanitycounselling.com

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    About Us

    Welcome To

    Held Humanity

    At Held Humanity Counselling & Social Services, we help you discover tools to help you tackle the ordinary and the extraordinary in every day.

    We are here to listen to your story and help you foster curiosity and understanding of your experiences.

    Our mission is to provide the support you need to thrive by guiding you through a practical approach to mental health. Our counsellors will work with you to build foundational skills that empower you to transform your life.

    Tranformation Begins Here

    Our values and guiding principles ensure your counselling and therapy experience is customized to you.

    Curiosity and Courage

    Therapy is a learning process. We encourage you to ask questions and delve deeper. Knowledge truly is power and it takes courage in any therapeutic journey. You’ve got this.

    Compassion and Empathy

    We promise to always co-create a space with you where you will be heard. Your story will be received with compassion and empathy – and without judgement.

    Confidentiality

    What you share, when you share, and who you share it with is your decision and within your control. Our counsellors safeguard your privacy and guarantee confidentiality.

    Community and Human-centric

    We focus on real-life solutions for real people. Each person is unique, meaning that every therapeutic process is specifically tailored to you and your needs. We consider your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, beliefs, and values. We also take into account your relationships, community, and environment to ensure a holistic perspective.

    Evidence-Based Practice and Education

    We believe in effective and ethical practice, which includes offering evidence-based practices and staying current in our education. Our counsellors value on-going education and training to ensure they are bringing the best tools and resources to support you on your mental well-being journey.

    Our Counsellors

    *All Counselling Services Are Offered Online


    Jade Kennedy (she/her)

    BHK MSW RSW

    Registered Social Worker/Counsellor

    Individuals - Youth & Young Adults (12 - 25 years)
    Offering services in British Columbia

    Hi, my name is Jade.

    “I specialize in working with adolescent youth, especially LGBTQ2IA+.  While my practice may be virtual, I provide each client a safe, non-judgmental space, in which they are able to explore what they are working through and learn ways to cope and manage.  Together, I meet them where they are at each time they log into a session. When I am not in the office, you can find me at a hockey rink, softball or soccer field. I love spending time outside with my wife and our 4 year old Cavapoo, Ellie.”

    Core Areas & Specialties:
    • Adopted youth
    • Anxiety + stress
    • Family conflict
    • Life transitions:
      • youth who are discovering themselves and wanting to live authentically and need support in that transition
      • youth who are transitioning into adulthood
      • Transitioning into post-secondary from high school
    • LGBTQ2IA+ youth
    • Peer relationships
    • Racialized identity/matters/issues
    • Youth who have suffered concussions and are re-integrating into daily routines
    • Youth navigating their faith
    Approaches & Frameworks:
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 'CBT'
    • Mindfulness based
    • Motivational Interviewing 'MI'
    • Person-centered
    • Solution Focused Brief Therapy 'SFBT'
    • Strengths based
    Education:

    Jade completed her Bachelor of Human Kinetics major in health promotion, minor in psychology as well as her Masters of Social Work at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus.

    Accreditations:

    Lauren Gaudet (they/she)

    BA MSW RSW

    Clinic Director, Registered Social Worker/Counsellor

    Individuals - Adults & Older Adults (19 - 100+ years)
    Offering services in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario

    Hi, my name is Lauren.

    “Together we will collaborate to create a customized plan that meets your counselling goals and needs. My approach is empathic, straight-forward, and I like to use humor where appropriate.  I help people understand themselves and their lives better through compassionate curiosity of their inner world interacting with what is going on around them.  Using practical tools and strategies I facilitate people finding their own answers, empowerment and understanding.  It’s important you find a counsellor that is the right fit for you. I look forward to meeting you.  When I am not in the office you will find me at the live-stage theatres or at the local coffee shops and music venues.  I love spending time with my partner, loved ones, and cat: Rupert.”

    Core Areas & Specialties:
    • Anxiety & Depression
    • Caregiving
    • Dementia
    • Grief & Loss
    • LGBTQ2IA+
    • Relationship Issues
    • Self-Esteem & Self-Awareness
    • Stress & Work-Life Management
    • Trauma
    Approaches & Frameworks:
    • Deep Brain Reorienting 'DBR'
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 'CBT'
    • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing 'EMDR'
    • Mindfulness
    • Person Centered
    • Safe and Sound Protocol 'SSP'
    • Solution Focused Brief Therapy 'SFBT'
    • Strengths Based
    • Trauma Informed
    Education:

    Lauren completed their Bachelor of Arts in psychology and cultural studies as well as their Masters of Social Work at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus.

    Accreditations:

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    Join Our Team!

    Held Humanity Counselling and Social Services Inc. is now actively recruiting for new counsellors.

    • Are you compassionate, creative, and curious?
    • Do you have a masters degree?
    • Are you a Registered Social Worker or Registered Clinical Counsellor?
    • Interested in joining a group practice?
    • Want to have flexible work hours and work-life balance?

    ​Interested in joining the team? Reach out to us at admin@heldhumanitycounselling.com with your resume.

    We look forward to meeting you!

    Send Us Your Resume!

    We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.

    -Galileo

    Book Now, Or Get In Touch

    Book your consultation or appointment now, or get in touch with us if you have questions or just want to talk!

    Questions?Book Now!


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    Contact

    Get In Touch!

    For all general inquiries about Held Humanity please send us an email or give us a call.  We look forward to connecting with you.

    Questions? Send Me An Email!

    If you would like to know more about our programs or what we offer, or would like to send us a general inquiry, we would love to hear from you!


      All Services

      Held Humanity is a 100% online counselling service to meet you where you are.  Our counselling services are offered to adults in Alberta (18+), British Columbia and Ontario (19+).

      The human experience is wide-ranging and includes everything from daily stressors to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, exploring relationships, as well as matters of self your identity. We offer people-centered, evidence-based practices to help support and manage your mental well-being so you can thrive.

      Evidence Based Practices

      In line with our practical approach, Held Humanity offers a range of evidence-based practices. We will work with you to determine the best fit and best course of action.

      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ‘CBT’

      Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based talk therapy that focuses on how you think, feel, and behave. CBT uses practical tools to help you learn how to cope with unhelpful thinking or behavioural patterns.

      Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing ‘EMDR’

      Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced-based practice that is effective for treating symptoms of distress and trauma. EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy. It’s an interactive practice that is multi-phasic that is guided by your therapist.

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      Mindfulness Counselling

      Mindfulness focuses on being in the present. Practicing mindfulness invites you to be fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement. Mindfulness can be effective for managing stress or controlling anxiety and is known to promote emotional health.

      Person Centered

      Everyone can benefit from counselling. We are here to meet you exactly where you are at, to honor who you are, and to support your therapeutic journey with respect, empathy, confidentiality, and warmth.

      Safe and Sound Protocol ‘SSP’

      "The Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive application of Polyvagal Theory. It helps clients learn to regulate their nervous system and reduce anxiety and stress." [borrowed from the Unyte | ILS website].

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      Socially Focused

      Context is everything. Really. It's important to us that we focus on both on your internal experiences and the world around you. This means considering the systems and structures of society, the groups and greater community you are a part of, and how that impacts you.

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      Solution Focused Brief Therapy ‘SFBT’

      Solution-focused therapy is very effective for goal-oriented individuals or clients seeking a type of therapy to address a specific goal.

      woman sitting on bed inside room

      Deep Brain Reorienting ‘DBR’

      Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a trauma specific therapy that focuses on the treatment of attachment shock, and can also be helpful for other unresolved trauma experiences. 

      How Does It Work?

      We help individuals on their counselling journey. The process will begin with these 6 simple steps:

      Step 1 - Pick Your Therapist

      Goodness of fit is the most important aspect when choosing a counsellor.
      We encourage you to read each counsellor’s profile and book a free 15 minute phone consultation with them.

      Step 2 - Initial Phone Consultation

      During your free 15 minute phone consultation, your counsellor will ask about:

      • Have you been to counselling before? How was that process for you?
      • What’s bringing you to counselling now? You can discuss current issues and concerns.
      • What are your hopes and goals in counselling?
      • They will tell you how they work with their clients.
      • This is a great opportunity to ask any questions and to see if they are the right fit for you.

      Step 3 - Book Your Appointment

      Free Phone Consultation: 15 Minutes

      Check-Ins: 25 Minutes [for existing clients only]

      Standard Clinical Hour: 50 minutes

      EMDR: 80 Minutes

      Step 4 - Complete JaneApp Forms

      Once you’ve decided on a counsellor and have decided to book a session, an online profile will be created for you in JaneApp.

      You will need to fill out the intake and confidentiality forms prior to your first session.

      Step 5 -  Your First Session!

      Welcome to your first session with your counsellor.

      The first session will involve getting to know you, what brings you to counselling, and the beginning of co-creating a space together that supports your wellness and goals in therapy.

      Most therapists recommend at the beginning of any therapeutic journey that you book weekly for 2 to 3 weeks to establish a strong foundation for your therapeutic work.

      Step 6 - The Right Fit

      Starting counselling is a big step for your health and well-being.

      The therapeutic process is completely unique to you. That means that you get to decide when you are comfortable to share, what you want to share, and with who. If you think your counsellor may not be the right fit, we encourage you to talk to them first. The majority of the time, you and your counsellor will be able to find a solution together. If you still don’t feel comfortable we encourage you to book a free consultation with another therapist.

      Learn More

      Book Now, Or Get In Touch

      Book your consultation or appointment now, or get in touch with us if you have questions or just want to talk!

      Questions?Book Now!


      Home

      About us

      Welcome to Held Humanity

      Transformation Begins Here

      The path to mental wellness begins wherever you are. You’ve got this.

      Welcome to Held Humanity Counselling

      At Held Humanity Counselling & Social Services, we help you to discover the tools to help you tackle the ordinary and the extraordinary in every day. We are here to listen to your story and help you foster curiosity and understanding of your experiences.

      Our Philosophy

      Our Services

      * Online counselling services offered to adults in Alberta, BC, and Ontario.

      Learn More

      Mental well-being is for everyone, everywhere*. Held Humanity is a 100% online counselling service to meet you where you are. Whether it’s your first time seeking counselling or you’re looking to progress in your journey, we’re here for you.

      The human experience is wide-ranging and includes everything from daily stressors to anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, exploring relationships, as well as matters of your self identity. We offer people-centered, evidence-based practices to help support and manage your mental well-being so you can thrive.

      We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.

      -Galileo

      Book Now, Or Get In Touch

      Book your consultation or appointment now, or get in touch with us if you have questions or just want to talk!

      Questions?Book Now!