Counselling services at StMU
Our counselling team is here to set our students up for success and support them in their wellness journey. Our campus counsellors, Brynn Hanson and Laura Nicholson, provide free and confidential support to StMU students – offering guidance and strategies for managing stress, anxiety and other concerns facing our students.
Book your free counselling appointment with Brynn or Laura today, by visiting our online booking site here or email them directly at Brynn.hanson@stmu.ca or laura.nicholson@stmu.ca for any questions you may have.
Counselling Services does not provide emergency response services. If you are in need of immediate assistance, contact the numbers below:
If you are in distress, call 403-266-HELP (4375) or call 911.
StMU CARES referral
StMU CARES is a collaborative early alert program that supports our student’s: mind, body, and spirit. It is a non-disciplinary, person-centered way to connect students to support and resources and address barriers to academic success. Students can refer themselves or connect with support resources directly. Faculty, staff and Peer Tutors can also refer. Referrals can be sent through the referral form, or an email can be sent to cares@stmu.ca. Once the referral has been received, the CARES team will connect with the student to individually tailor resources and a plan to address their needs.
Spiritual Counselling at StMU
Jolene Smith, our Director of Campus Ministry, is available for spiritual counselling to assist students, faculty and staff in spiritual growth – as well as personal and relational issues. Campus Ministry provides a safe, supportive and healing environment for all. Conversations can be on a drop-in basis or by appointment at the Campus Ministry Office.
Student food pantry
Our student food pantry is open every Wednesday from 12:15 – 1:30 pm in M100. Students are asked to bring their own grocery bag to stock up on essentials.
Apps recommended by our CARES team
Aura: Access the world’s largest community of world-class coaches & therapists.
Aura is home to hundreds of vetted, world-class coaches & therapists. Listen to their content and also receive 1-1 coaching directly from your favorite coaches.
Balance: personalized meditation and sleep guidance
Balance is an award-winning wellness app that’s helps users:
- Reduce stress
- Sleep better
- Feel happier
- Increase focus
Right now, Balance is free for one year of use. Download Balance here.
Buddhify
Buddhify is a meditation & mindfulness app designed to fit busy lifestyles. This app focusses on mobile or on-the-go meditation, which you can do wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. They also offer more traditional formal meditations, but they are there for when you have time. Buddhify has a onetime cost of $30 and no monthly subscription model.
Calm: meditation and sleep aid
Calm is the #1 app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Sleep better, relieve stress, lower anxiety and refocus your attention. Explore an extensive library of guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathwork, exclusive music and stretching exercises.
Invest in your mental health and choose a guided meditation session that fits within your busy schedule. Add Calm to your daily routine and join the millions experiencing the life-changing benefits of practicing mindfulness. Beginners, intermediate and advanced users can all find their home in Calm.
Calm charges an annual user fee. Download calm here.
Healthyminds Innovations
With a combination of podcast-style lessons and both seated and active meditations, you’ll learn what the science says about the brain while developing skills to tap into these learnings for a healthier, happier you. The ground-breaking Healthy Minds Program uses neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and skill-based learning methods to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind, now in the palm of your hand.
Healthyminds is free, download the app here.
Headspace
Learn to manage feelings and thoughts with the lifelong skill of everyday mindfulness, any time of the day. Think of Headspace as your mind’s best friend. We’re here for you whenever you need us, wherever you are, helping you get through tough times and find joy in every day.
Headspace charges a monthly user fee and is currently heavily discounted. Download Headspace here.
I.M. WELL app
Short for Integrated Mental Health & Wellness, I.M. Well on your campus consists of the intuitive I.M. Well Mobile App. I.M. Well is available to ALL St. Mary’s University students and their families, even after graduation.
Your I.M. Well Mobile App connects you to campus and community resources for a variety of topics. Download I.M. WELL here.
Insight Timer
Insight Timer is a meditation app with a large selection of audio tracks to choose from, including guided meditations, music, and talks by teachers. Users can find support by joining the community of users, which includes chat groups focused on specific issues.
Insight Timer is free, download the app here.
Smiling Mind
Run by a nonprofit organization, Smiling Mind is a daily mindfulness and meditation guide at your fingertips. Practice your daily meditation and mindfulness exercises from any device!
Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. This app is completely free, download Smiling Mind here.
