Counselling Resources
BCVTA members now have access to Togetherall, an anonymous, online peer-support community for those in the veterinary profession, available 24/7 in English and French. There’s no cost, no referral, and no waitlist. Moderated by mental health professionals, the platform offers:
Profession-specific discussion spaces
Self-paced courses, journaling, and self-assessment tools
Clinically moderated community support
All Canadian veterinary professionals, across all roles and workplaces, are eligible to join. To register or share with your team, click here.
Conscious Evolution Counselling
Julie Morse-Elliott, RVT, VTS (ECC), RPC-C
Whether you are coping with the loss of a beloved animal or loved one, managing the emotional demands of a career in veterinary medicine, struggling with depression or anxiety, or seeking to strengthen your relationships through couples counselling, I am here to support you every step of the way. My extensive background enables me to sit with you in a place of authentic understanding, allowing for a deeper connection and more effective support.
Having spent two decades working as a Registered Veterinary Technologist, with a Veterinary Technician Specialty in Emergency and Critical Care, I have a unique insight into the challenges faced by those in the demanding field of veterinary medicine. I understand the emotional toll that comes with caring for animals, the pressures of high-stakes situations, and the weight of responsibility felt by veterinary professionals.
I will be supporting those of you working in veterinary medicine by providing a space where you can openly discuss your experiences, fears, and challenges. I will be a source of understanding and guidance for you when grappling with the emotional complexities of your work, helping you find a balance and resilience amidst the demands of your career, and helping you work through interpersonal relationships.
BCVTA members can receive a discount on services by providing proof of registration during the initial consult.
Janet Sunstrum, DVM, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
With over twenty years of experience in the veterinary field, starting as a receptionist and assistant before becoming a veterinarian, I understand the unique challenges faced by the veterinary community and how they can contribute to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, guilt, and burnout. I continue to practice as a veterinarian, and I am also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), currently completing my counselling practicum.
My approach is non-judgemental, empathic, and collaborative. I tailor therapy to fit your unique preferences, experiences, and goals. Using trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques, I can support you in strengthening nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and self-compassion while building resilience. This process can help you cope more effectively and foster a greater sense of authenticity, balance, and fulfillment.
I offer free initial 50-minute virtual sessions and low-cost ongoing sessions. You can email me at j.sunstrum@alli.io or book directly here.
Mental Health Resources
HealthLinkBC Mental Health and Substance Use
This page from the Province of BC includes resources and links for a wide variety of mental health support for residents.
There are numerous mental health and substance use related services and resources available to British Columbians. The link below will take you to a short list of these resources. To search for all available services in the province, use the HealthLinkBC Directory. If you need help finding a service or a resource, call 8-1-1 any time of the day, any day of the year.
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources
Indigenous Mental Health – Government of Canada
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1576088923626/1576088963494
Suicide Prevention
CVMA – “Working Together to Prevent Suicide in Veterinary Medicine” Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Nafw_KF3g
QPR Institute – Question, Persuade, Refer Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. Multiple courses and resources to aid in detecting behaviours and recognizing a crisis.
https://qprinstitute.com/
Canadian Violence Link Coalition (CVLC) – formed in 2017, CVLC recognizes the link between interpersonal abuse and animal abuse as well as the intersection of vulnerabilities in both populations.
https://humanecanada.ca/en/sector-professionals/violence-link-professionals
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention https://suicideprevention.ca
Survivors of Suicide Loss Day https://afsp.org/international-survivors-of-suicide-loss-day
Government of Canada Statistics and Health Links https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-infographic.html
Centre for Suicide Prevention
https://www.suicideinfo.ca/resources/
Veterinary Professional Resources
Not One More Vet Support and Emergency Grants nomv.org/apply-for-a-grant/
Not One More Vet also has a private Facebook group for support staff to share issues and get feedback or suggestions for support. https://www.facebook.com/groups/NOMVSupportStaff/
Seneca College – Acute Self-Care for Veterinary Professionals
There is a growing understanding and appreciation of the nuanced stressors impacting the well-being of animal-care providers, particularly those in veterinary and shelter medicine. In this practical microcredential, you will learn how to implement concrete tools into your daily practice that will improve your stress response, which in turn will elevate your overall well-being. Competency will be built in areas that can elicit immediate benefits including establishing boundaries, enhancing self-regulation and self-management, improving reframing as well as health promotion techniques.
Working professionals and students in animal-care settings (veterinary and shelter medicine) will benefit from participating. This includes staff and students at all levels of practice including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, reception and managers.
This microcredential has been approved by the Ontario Association Of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) for five Continuing Education credits.
Program Highlights
- sessions will be fully delivered online using both synchronous and asynchronous formats
- synchronous sessions will take place weekly on Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- foundational material will be provided at the beginning of the week; tools will be practiced during the week and the synchronous portion of the microcredential will be utilized for deeper processing and application
- approved by the OAVT for five Continuing Education credits
https://www.senecacollege.ca/programs/workshops/SCV100.html#menu
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, Reviving Veterinary Medicine Online Programs
Are you tired of trudging through life waiting for things to change? Do you struggle to prioritize self-care and family-time over work and professional demands? Do you read blogs and follow social media posts about wellness, but find it difficult to translate what you read into your own work and home life?
Marie offers wellbeing programs for veterinarians and veterinary team members looking to transform their life and stop stress and burnout.
These immersive online programs include weekly emails with exercises, weekly Zoom sessions, reflection exercises, and the support of others in the form of a private Facebook group. Registrants also have the opportunity for one-on-one coaching sessions with Marie, so that she can answer your specific questions and be your personal cheerleader throughout the program. All programs have been approved for continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE. https://marieholowaychuk.com/learn-with-marie/
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
Running on Empty: Compassion Fatigue in Health Professionals
General Compassion Fatigue Information from Canada (Nursing study but still relevant):
When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession
All you ever wanted to do was help. But before you can truly help your patients and your clients, you need to help yourself and your team. The only book of its kind specific to veterinary practices, When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession utilizes helpful quizzes, case studies, and worksheets to not only help prevent compassion fatigue before it starts, but also to combat it once it occurs, improving the quality of life of everyone involved.
The Antidote to Compassion Fatigue, by Julie Squires
Julie is a compassion fatigue specialist who brings a unique perspective and approach to support the sustained energy and passion of animal workers. Her company, Rekindle LLC, offers on-site compassion fatigue training to veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and other animal organizations.
Julie has more than 20 years of experience within the veterinary field and with leading organizations. She has developed and executed training, workshops, and 1:1 coaching for major companies in the animal health industry. She obtained her certification as a compassion fatigue specialist through the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology and has also completed training from The Figley Institute and Traumatology Institute. Julie’s clients also gain from her experience as a certified health and wellness coach and corporate wellness specialist.
https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/the-antidote-to-compassion-fatigue/
Pet Loss Resources
Pet Loss Support https://petlosspartners.com/pet-bereavement-b/
BC Bereavement Helpline https://www.bcbh.ca/
Pet Parent Grief Support https://www.petparentgriefsupport.com/
Okanagan Pet Cremation – Grief Support Group Meetings and resources for pet loss counsellors within BC interior https://www.okanaganpetcremation.ca/pet-loss-grief-support/
LGBTQ2S+ Resources
The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
QMunity https://qmunity.ca/
LGBT National Hotline https://lgbthotline.org/