Free, trauma-informed support
Support for your healing journey
Green Haven’s practicum program offers no-cost individual psychotherapy for women who have experienced violence and are ready to focus on healing, well-being, and the goals that matter to them.
When the program is active, sessions are provided through a person-centred, trauma-informed approach by a supervised master’s-level Counselling Psychology student registered as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Currently between placements
Future inquiries are welcome
Although no student therapist is currently in placement, you are welcome to contact the program to ask when therapy referrals may reopen.
Who the program is for
Therapy that can continue as life changes
You do not need to be living in the shelter to access this support when a student therapist is available. The program is designed for self-identifying women who have experienced violence and who are connected with Green Haven.
You may be eligible if you are:
- Currently staying at Green Haven Shelter for Women
- Transitioning from the shelter back into the community
- A past or current Green Haven client who received service within the last year
Interested in future availability? Email RPQstudent@ghws.ca.
What to expect when the program is active
Support shaped around your needs
Therapy is collaborative. Participants and student therapists identify priorities together and move at a pace that feels manageable.
Connect
Reach out to ask about future availability, eligibility, and the referral process.
Choose your goals
When matched, explore what you would like support with and what healing or progress means to you.
Build practical tools
Develop strategies that support coping, safety, confidence, relationships, and well-being.
Depending on individual goals and the student therapist’s scope, sessions may draw on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy.
Past practicum student spotlight
Celebrating the students who helped build this program
Green Haven is grateful to the practicum students who have contributed their care, knowledge, and commitment to supporting women’s healing. After completing their placements, some former students continue their work through independent practice.
Past practicum student
Sarah Ortiz
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Sarah contributed to Green Haven’s no-cost psychotherapy program through trauma-informed support for past and current Green Haven clients.
To learn about Sarah’s current services, availability, or contact options, visit her Psychology Today profile.
Founding practicum student
Risha Yorke
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Risha played an important role in the initial development and delivery of Green Haven’s free psychotherapy program and helped build its foundation.
Risha offers individual and couples therapy independently through Yorke Motivational, both in person and virtually. To learn about current services and availability, visit her Psychology Today profile or email her directly.
Looking ahead
Ask about future program availability
Green Haven does not currently have a student therapist in placement, but inquiries are still welcome. Contact the program to ask when referrals may reopen.
Contact the programFrequently asked questions
Questions about no-cost therapy
Is therapy currently available?
Green Haven is currently between student placements and does not have a student therapist available. You may still email RPQstudent@ghws.ca to ask about future availability.
Is there a cost?
No. When a student therapist is in placement, psychotherapy through this Green Haven program is offered at no cost to eligible participants.
Do I need to live at Green Haven?
No. When active, the program is available to current residents, women transitioning back into the community, and women who have received service from Green Haven within the past year.
Who provides the therapy?
When the program is active, sessions are provided by a supervised master’s-level Counselling Psychology student who is registered as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
How do I ask about future availability?
Email RPQstudent@ghws.ca. The program will respond with information about availability, eligibility, and next steps.
Practicum opportunity
Help us continue this important program
Green Haven welcomes inquiries from master’s-level Social Work and Counselling Psychology students seeking a trauma-informed practicum placement beginning in September 2026 or January 2027.
Interested students are invited to contact SPM@ghws.ca.
Do you need support now?
The psychotherapy program email is not monitored for urgent or crisis support. Green Haven’s Crisis Support Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Local: 705-327-7319
Toll-free: 1-888-285-6958
Email: crisis@ghws.ca
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