Elgin Counselling & Mediation Centre - St Thomas, Ontario

Ni M.

I had a positive first experience utilizing counseling services through my EAP. My RSW Donna.S. was warm, professional, empathetic, empowering and provided a safe therapeutic space.

Things went downhill fast when I attempted to set up counseling services for my two children. Two counsellors were recommended whom specialize in children but I ended up agreeing to two alternative RSW’s who were covered through my ex-husband’s EAP.
After a long legal journey in advocating for therapeutic intervention for my children, I felt incredibly hopeful leading into an Intake appointment with RSW’s Kathleen L and Jennifer P.

However, my intake quickly turned into what felt like a judgmental, hostile, unsafe and combative lecture/attack on the inability to co-parent with an abusive ex -husband. Without knowing anything about my journey, Kathleen managed to rip open every wound I had been actively working on healing for months. I have never professionally or personally experienced such a judgmental counselor and walked away feeling completely unheard, unsafe, violated and hopeless. The most upsetting part was that I did not feel I was even given a forum to advocate for my children and their needs.

I decided to still give Jennifer P. an opportunity to work with my young daughter. The conclusion was that my daughter was being “bullied at school”(kindergarten) - a completely inaccurate analysis that had never once even played into the equation of why my daughter needed support.

A couple months later, my ex-husband cited my personal counsellors name in an email to me. I emailed ECMC regarding a breach in my privacy/confidentiality and my distress regarding the situation. There was zero accountability or attention to my concern. I followed up after receiving no confirmation or recognition of my concerns and it was suggested that since “I was using my ex -husbands benefits he might have had access to the information.” – which was completely inaccurate and negligent record keeping. I was reassured that Jennifer Perras (Clinic Owner) would reach out to me - which did not happen.

I would STRONGLY implore others to consider the many other options for counselling in the community before trusting or investing in this agency.

Greg V.

Horrible. Someone I know today finally got a second appointment. This was after not scheduling a second appointment even though it was told by the therapist it was needed. A call to their office had to be made and they seemed like they had no idea or record of even a first appointment.

When the same therapist called today, they acted as if it was a very first appointment and had absolutely zero records of even speaking with her a first time. Leaving a client feeling like they don't matter enough to even take notes from a previous call is horrendous and i sure hope they've not done this to anyone else in distress.

Absolutely horrid and a formal complaint will be registered with the CRPO for this kind of conduct. I'd advise everyone to seek help somewhere else that actually cares.

MICHELLE P.

I had my first appointment there on March 4th 2020 with Christie. I left feeling good about it , Second appointment was a skype call scheduled for March 9th 2pm. At approximately 215 when I had not heard from my councillor I called the office and spoke to Daphne. She tried to reach out to my councillor and she called me back to apologize and say she could not reach her. I tried a few more time to reach her and eventually Daphne told me I May have to find a new councillor. Today I still have not heard from them. This is a very unprofessional business. I came there seeking help and without an explanation I am left to find another councillor. I had previously gone there and had a very good experience with Grey Roma who unfortunately is no longer working as a counsellor. I would never recommend anyone go here for help.

Momof4 M.

Love this place! My daughter talks to a councillor here and they are amazing.

Relatively S. W.

Amazingly helpful. Every counselor is a godsend.

becky A.

Very friendly and helpful

Katie C.

Great people.

Anita C.

Very helpful