Discovery Support Services is a collaboration of experienced private practitioners who have come together to provide a variety of counselling services, supports and resources to youth, adults and their families.  Our service professionals are all experienced in specialized areas of counselling and have membership in their professional associations and/or certification in areas of expertise.  We want to simplify the support and counselling process and bring it back to where it belongs: to one on one counselling that maintains the focus on compassion, empathy, genuine caring and relationship building.

We believe that the most powerful tool in the counselling process is the relationship that’s established between the professional counsellor and the client and that relationship becomes the tool for manifesting positive change. We also have a strong belief in commitment and maintaining that commitment with continued contact and follow up. Our goal is to stick with you through the crisis and stay there with you for as long as needed. Our programs are developed based on years of experience and knowledge of what works and doesn’t work. We know our approach is effective because we have witnessed its success in practice.  While there is a place for one to one counselling in a small room with the counsellor holding a pen in hand and writing down current issues, it is not the best way to relate to an adolescent who is at risk and in the process of “acting out” behaviourally. We believe it’s much more effective, engaging and genuine to go out into the community and join them in a positive activity of interest that empowers and emphasizes their strengths. This is where the “magic” takes place! At DSS we have taken young people on camp trips, ice fishing trips, sailing excursions etc. And it did not matter if they had ADHD, were bipolar, suicidal, had a “catastrophic “head injury, or were on the Autism spectrum, they all had fun, enriched their experience, learned a strength and developed a closer relationship with peers and adults. This ”participate to learn” philosophy results in increased self esteem, a sense of worthiness and meaning.

A lot of our programs are aimed at getting youth activated and involved in any area they want to explore. We do this by offering one to one counselling on an hour weekly basis or sessions for 3 hour periods and then develop and prepare them for a more involved group activity or projects or we just continue one to one for as long as it’s effective. We start with an assessment of young people in the areas of family dynamics, individual dynamics, peer relations, school or employment, substance use or abuse, goal setting and direction and we empower them to be part of beginning to shape their lives. If we cannot meet their needs then we find the resources to do so. We guide them in forming their chosen directions and become an ally to help them grow and develop and give them the tools and skills to help navigate their way. We make the same commitment to parents and caregivers and support them in dealing effectively with current issues and finding the strategies and resources to find resolve.