Counselling is a free and confidential service that supports women to become economically and emotionally independent. Every year, we help about 300 women make long term changes in their lives. This includes making plans to leave abuse and recovering from abuse.
Our Counsellors help women identify their goals and the steps needed to attain these goals.
Identifying Goals
Women come to the Centre to see a Counsellor in an hour long session to talk about what changes they would like to make in their lives. Goals can be very broad, such as:
- Leaving an abusive partner
- Becoming more self-sufficient
- Building effective relationships with family members
- Developing coping skills and personal power
- Reducing isolation and building a support network
Identifying small steps for accomplishment
After the intake interview, women will visit her Counsellor as needed to make her broad goal more manageable. The Counsellor assists the woman to explore new possibilities and get connected to other available resources to achieve her ultimate goal.
- Searching for a job/Getting a Job
- Re-establishing contact with a family member
- Calling a lawyer/Legal Aid
- Registering for workshops
All women who are willing to change their situation are welcome by self-referral. For more information, review the Counselling Brochure
We now have two Counsellors available to meet with women. You will work with only one SWC Counsellor at a time. To arrange for an appointment, please call the Centre at 416-439-7111 or send an e-mail to
Jacynth Fennell, counsellor@scarboroughwomenscentre.ca, 416-439-7111 extension 1
OR
Carol Soares, uwcounsellor@scarboroughwomenscentre.ca 416-439-7111 extension 6
Prior to your first appointment with the Counsellor, take some time to think about what you want to accomplish with her help. Please note that the Counsellor is usually booking about 4-6 weeks ahead.
For those who need it, here is a list of other agencies which provide free or low cost Counselling Services
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice prior to your appointment. If possible, please provide more notice as other women are waiting for appointments. Please note that if you miss a maximum of three consecutive appointments without reasonable cause we will need to give priority to other clients.
To understand expectations for service users, please review Service user Rights and Responsibilities
“I am not a victim anymore.”
We appreciate the support of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of the Status of Women, and United Way of Greater Toronto to make this free Counselling program available. Thank you!
