Cowichan Family Life Association
Cowichan Family Life Association Volunteer Counselling programs are the cornerstone of this non-profit society and grew out of the belief that counselling should be available to everyone and that those with an aptitude can be taught the skills to help clients create the change they need most.
CFLA has been providing affordable counselling services in the Cowichan Valley Regional District since 1970. Counselling services address the mental health and well-being of those in need and unable to afford the cost of counsellors in private practice.
Counselling services address issues including depression, anxiety, difficult relationships, anger-related behaviour, loss and loneliness, poverty pressures, disability, job loss, isolation, and parenting support.
A Registered Clinical Supervisor oversees the work of volunteer counsellors and practicum students. In-house trained counsellors receive 100 hours of class training and mandatory clinical supervision. Each year 8 to 12 counsellors graduate from the Volunteer Counselling Training program. The referral program ensures that volunteer skill sets are matched to client needs.
CFLA is currently operating three major programs:
- Volunteer Counselling Training;
- Personal Power and Self Esteem;
- Healing Anger workshops, as well as individual counselling.
CFLA programs have proven effective with clients because they learn strategies to relieve stress, heal anger, maintain respectful communication, establish healthy boundaries, alter perceptions, and find empowerment and confidence, and ultimately happiness.
Several clients have reported they “would not be here today” if not for CFLA counselling.
