Envision FAQ's
A. Counselling at Envision is free of charge. The program is funded through the Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Justice.
Q. Who can receive counselling from Envision?
A. Envision’s mandate is to support victims and secondary victims of abuse and violence.
This includes people affected by:
- family violence
- partner abuse
- childhood abuse
- older person abuse
- sexual assault
- witnessing partner abuse and family violence - children (age 5 – 18)
- dating violence
Q. Is there someone at Envision to see my family members/friends/co-workers too, as they have been affected by my relationship?
A. Yes. We provide counselling for what is called “secondary victims”- those family members, friends, co-workers etc.
Q. How long does it take to get in to see a counsellor at Envision?
A. Clients are normally seen within 24 business hours. Our counsellors believe that it is important to be there for someone when they reach out for our help. Envision will do everything possible to see a client on an emergency basis the same day as the referral.
Q. Where is Envision located?
A. There are two offices, one in Estevan and one in Weyburn, with counsellors in each office.
Q. What are the office hours?
A. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Both offices are closed on weekends and holidays. However, the 24-Hour Abuse/Sexual Assault Line is available at all times and is staffed by qualified volunteers that can also give support, referral information and explore options with callers.
Q. Do I need to be referred by someone for an appointment, or can I just call on my own to see someone?
A. A referral is accepted by yourself or someone else, including outside agencies, doctors, employers, and other professionals.
Q. If I need help and the office is closed, what do I do?
A. Envision also has a 24-Hour Abuse/Sexual Assault Line that is staffed by qualified volunteers that can also give support, referral information and explore options with callers.
Q. What can I expect from the counsellor at Envision Counselling and Support Centre?
A. Envision believes that counselling is ‘client directed’, which means that the counselling process is based on what the client feels they need.
Counsellors support in the areas of safety, empowerment, self esteem, assertiveness, healthy expression of feelings, coping strategies, problem solving etc.
Q. How confidential is it to go to Envision?
A. All calls and sessions are confidential as confidentiality is the utmost importance to our counsellors. All of our counsellors sign a declaration when hired that assures that they can and will never breech someone’s confidentiality.
We recognize that safety is important and imperative for those affected by abuse and violence.
Q. Can I phone collect?
A. Absolutely, collect calls are accepted by person’s in need.
Q. If I call the office, do I have to give my name?
A. Envision Counselling does not subscribe to call display and giving personal information is not required unless you are looking for counselling.
Q. What Crisis Intervention services are offered by Envision?
A. Envision can provide transportation for victims to transition houses, assist clients at the hospital or police station.
Q. How long would a person need to be in counselling for?
A. It varies with the individual. Keeping in mind that counselling can be life-changing if you allow it to be, the more work you commit, the more change you will see. The therapy usually lasts about one year.
Q. How often are appointments?
A. Depending on the client needs, usually clients are seen once a week to start with, decreasing to every second week later.
Q. Can my partner come with me?
A. Envision counselling does not offer ‘couple counselling’. Although Envision won’t see your partner, a referral to another agency can be provided. Through Mental Health, there is an Alternatives to Violence Programme available.
Q. What if I’m in a Same Sex Relationship?
A. Abuse is wide-spread and can affect all relationships. Anyone being abused over the age of sixteen can receive counselling from Envision.
Q. What does the term “abuse” mean?
A. There are many forms of abuse. If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship, Envision’s counsellors have check lists that can be discussed with you to clarify your situation.
Q. Who can I call to get some information on Envision to share with the community?
A. There is an Outreach Worker who looks after public education and can be contacted at the office.
The Outreach Worker’s role is to provide program promotion and public education throughout Envision’s geographical area. Pamphlets, articles, references, books, and presentations are some of what the Outreach worker can offer.
