Short-term counselling services are available to those affected by sexual trauma. We recognize each individual’s healing journey – and how they respond to and heal from trauma – is unique. Our counselling team is equipped with a wide range of skills and expertise to assist you on your healing journey. When appropriate, the Sendero Centres' counselling team may work in conjunction with other community agencies. Referrals may also be made to other agencies as needed. • Counselling services are provided free-of-charge. • Sessions are offered in-person or virtual by special request and therapist discretion. There is a limit of 15 sessions per client. • All treatment plans are individualized, and the frequency of the appointments will be decided between the client and counsellor. • The timing of the appointments may also be affected by current wait times. • Each appointment is approximately one hour. • We are unfortunately unable to provide childcare during appointments.

The Sexualized Behaviour Support Program (SBSP) supports children and youth up to age 18 who are exhibiting concerning sexual behaviours. Our team collaborates closely with families and service providers to meet individual needs and to offer families resources to address their child’s behaviours with care and understanding. At the Sendero Centre, we recognize that sexual behaviours can serve various purposes for children and youth. Understanding both the behaviour itself and the reasons behind it is essential, as concerning behaviours vary widely among individuals. Problematic sexual behaviours are those that may be harmful to oneself or others, are developmentally inappropriate, occur excessively, interfere with daily life, or are socially unacceptable. When caregivers find these behaviours difficult to manage or redirect through typical strategies, our team is here to provide specialized support and guidance. What you need to know • Parent/Guardian or caregiver involvement is essential. • Sessions are provided free of charge • There may be a wait list for this program. • We cannot provide services to minors over the age of 12 who are involved in a legal investigation about sexually related matters. • We cannot do risk assessments or parent/custody assessments. • Each client requires evaluation by the clinical team for relevance and entrance into this program. • In-person attendance is required.

The Counselling team at Sendero Centre occasionally offers groups to clients. Some of our past groups have included Survivors of Incest, Peer Support, Adult Play Therapy, Teen Survivor, Parent Support Group, and Introduction to Mentalization. To inquire about current groups available at Sendero Centre: call our office at 403-340-1124.

Play therapy at the Sendero Centre supports children who have experienced or been affected by sexual trauma, offering them a safe, therapeutic environment to process their feelings and experiences. Primarily designed for children aged 4 to 12, play therapy allows children to express themselves naturally through play, enabling a self-guided and healing process that words alone may not convey. Since children often communicate their experiences and understanding through play, this approach is both intuitive and effective. • Play therapy sessions are offered free of charge. • Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. • Children work one-on-one with a trained play therapist in a dedicated playroom or sensory room.

Oscar, our friendly office support dog, is one of the welcoming faces who often greets clients upon arrival. Oscar brings warmth and comfort to our space, regularly checking in with those in the waiting area and even accompanying clients as they walk to their sessions. His presence offers a sense of calm and support, helping to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for all.