The Office of Learner Affairs (OLA) offers personal counselling services to a variety of learners in the following programs: MD, MD/PhD, Medical Radiation Sciences (MRS), Physician Assistant (PA), Occupational Therapy (OS&OT) and postgraduate medical education (PGME) residents and fellows.
Our Learner Life Specialists (LLS) provide confidential individual counselling, system navigation and support to learners on both the St. George and Mississauga campuses. The primary goal of the LLS is to support learners through their academic journey. Learner Life Specialists often support learners with self-care strategies, relationship issues, and work/life balance. LLS’s are trained mental health professionals with graduate degrees in either social work, counseling psychology or occupational therapy. There is no cost to see a Learner Life Specialist.
Discussed topics may include, but are not restricted to, the following:
Depression/depressed mood
Anxiety
Interpersonal/relationship difficulties
Difficulties in self-esteem and/or identity
Stress
Adjustment/transition
Addictions
Grief and loss
Past or current emotional, physical or sexual abuse
Learner Life Specialists provide short-term individual counselling, system navigation and support to learners on both the St. George and Mississauga campuses. Learner Life Specialists are trained mental health professionals, with graduate degrees in either social work, counselling psychology or occupational therapy. All services provided by LLS’ are at no cost.
The primary goal of the LLS is to support learners through their academic journey and to address a variety of issues such as stress, burnout, relationship issues and work/life balance.
Learner Life Specialists use a variety of therapeutic lenses such as: trauma informed; anti-oppressive/anti-racist; and strengths-based approaches. They also use a variety of therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy.
OLA uses a short-term therapy model, up to 10 sessions are available per issue.
If longer term counselling is needed, the LLS will continue to provide support until there is a “warm handover” to a counselling service within the community.
Yes, Learner Life Specialists follow the terms of confidentiality outlined within PHIPPA and FIPPA. There is no record of meetings with OLA on MedSIS/POWER, MSPR, or other learner related platforms.
Furthermore, all discussions within our team are strictly confidential. OLA provides a variety of services including consultations, referral services, short-term treatment, workshops, and support groups to learners at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. We understand that confidentiality is a significant concern for all learners. The information you share will not be released or shared without your permission and written consent except as the law requires.
Please note we are required to disclose confidential information if:
it is believed that you may be a danger to yourself or others
a minor is being physically or sexually abused or is at risk of being abused
a health professional has been sexually abusive to a client (including yourself)
