Hospice Yukon provides supportive counselling for:

  • Individuals grieving the death of a person or pet
  • Individuals diagnosed with an advanced life-limiting illness
  • Their family members, loved ones, and professional caregivers

Our counsellors offer a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your grief, illness-related experiences, emotions, and personal challenges. Using a person-centered approach grounded in empathy and reflective listening, your counsellor will work with you to recognize your strengths and develop strategies that support your unique healing process.

As a general guideline, we offer up to 8 free counselling sessions, with each session lasting up to 45 minutes. In some situations, a referral to another community resource or professional may be in your best interest. With your consent, your counsellor will assist with this process to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.

Potential Benefits

Many clients experience:

  • Reduced emotional distress
  • Increased clarity and understanding of grief and coping
  • Greater self-awareness
  • Improved coping strategies
  • Strengthened communication and support networks
  • A sense of direction and empowerment during challenging times

Potential Risks

Counselling may involve discussing difficult memories or feelings, which can lead to temporary discomfort such as sadness, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, or emotional exhaustion. These reactions are normal and often part of the healing process. Your counsellor will support you through these experiences at your pace.

Session Structure, Attendance, and Cancellations

  • Sessions are typically 45 minutes in length.
  • Frequency and scheduling will be determined collaboratively with your counsellor.
  • If you need to cancel a session, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Late cancellations or no-shows may limit your ability to book future appointments, as we strive to provide fair access to services for all clients.

(Please note: Hospice Yukon does not charge fees for counselling services, but attendance policies ensure fair access.)

Confidentiality and Limits to Confidentiality

Everything you share in counselling is confidential. Your information will not be released to anyone without your explicit written consent, except in the following situations where disclosure is required by law or ethical duty:

  1. Suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment
  2. Suspected imminent risk of harm to yourself or others (suicide or violence)
  3. Medical emergency requiring intervention
  4. Court order requiring release of information

Supervision and Professional Consultation

Counsellors may consult confidentially with qualified supervisors or colleagues to ensure high-quality care. These consultations do not include identifying details unless necessary and are bound by strict confidentiality standards.

Client Records

  • Your clinical records are stored securely in compliance with Canadian privacy legislation.
  • You may request to review the information in your file.
  • Records are kept for a minimum of 7 years.

Telehealth, Privacy, and Communication Guidelines

If you participate in online or phone sessions:

  • Ensure you are in a private, quiet, and safe location to protect your confidentiality.
  • Recording of sessions is not permitted—by either you or your counsellor—without written consent from both parties.

Concerns and Complaints

You have the right to express concerns or dissatisfaction at any time. You may:

  • Speak directly with your counsellor
  • Request the contact information for the counsellor’s regulatory or credentialing body
  • Contact Hospice Yukon management if you prefer to communicate outside the counselling relationship

We are committed to addressing concerns safely, respectfully, and without judgment.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is an ongoing process. You have the right to:

  • Ask questions
  • Seek clarification
  • Change or withdraw your consent at any time
  • Pause or discontinue counselling

Your counsellor will check in regularly to ensure that you continue to feel comfortable, informed, and actively involved in decisions about your care.