Wellness Coaching Sessions

Our ENGWellness team offers 1:1 Wellness Coaching Sessions! Read below to see what types of sessions we currently offer. If you are in need of crisis support, please refer to the resources listed on our Getting Help page.

***Due to developments with COVID-19, availability for in-person wellness coaching sessions are limited for the time being. We have a suite of remote coaching options available (phone, email, video, etc.) so please connect with us: ENGWellness@uwaterloo.ca.***

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How Do I Book A Wellness Coaching Session?

Easy, email: ENGWellness@uwaterloo.ca and specify the following:

  • Which department you are in – Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) or Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (MME)
  • If you are a grad or undergrad student
  • Your current academic level or program (e.g., 2A or MEng)
  • A couple of sentences or brief description stating what you would like to discuss

A wellness coordinator will email you with their most recent availability. (Please remember that our operating hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. We are closed evenings, weekends, and holidays). If you are in need of crisis support options, please refer to the resources outlined on our Getting Help page. 

What Should I Expect?

  • We will collect some information such as your name, email, and year (if we don’t already have), and we may ask for some information (like if you live in residence). Rest assured, this information is for our purposes only and will be kept confidential.
  • As we usually book 30-50 minute sessions, and want to use your time wisely, we will get started pretty quickly by asking you something like, “How would you like to use our time today?” or “What would you like to get out of our session?" Or “What are your goals for today?” (You get the idea).
  • Sessions may follow a particular structure/format depending on the type of support you need. We like to leave things a bit open in order to support you in the most effective way possible!

Information About Confidentiality

Will you tell my parents/friends/instructors/etc. what we talk about during our wellness session?

The short answer is – that depends on a few factors... 

  • Risk of lethal harm– If there is a risk of an individual harming themselves or others, we are obligated by law to contact Counselling Services or Police Services as appropriate for the situation. We will make you aware of the fact that we have reached out to access additional support on your behalf.
  • When the situation is out of our scope of practice and connecting the person with professional support is in their best interest –Occasionally there are serious situations where connecting a student with other, next level, services is vital to that individual’s wellbeing. This might be an advisor, a counsellor, a Resident Life Coordinator, or another professional service. In these situations, we will provide the receiving service(s) with a high level overview around why we are referring the individual to the service, as well as our concerns. We will share the minimum amount of information possible to provide context about the situation for the receiving service. We will do our best to make the transition as smooth as possible.
  • If you are involved in a petition or grievance process – Sometimes we are asked to comment on, or provide opinions related to, issues of student academic progression or discipline. During those processes we will do our best to stick to the facts that have already been presented, minimize the details we share, and focus on the topic of progression (rather than your situation).
  • Subpoenaed by a court of law – This is extremely rare – OK, it’s never actually happened, but if, for whatever reason, a court of law subpoenas us, we must comply.
  • You give us permission to work collaboratively with others – It is often helpful to have a team supporting you. In these situations, with your expressed consent, we can act as your advocate and collaborate with advising, counselling, residence, and other services on/off campus.

Other than the above situations (or any other extreme circumstances similar to the ones above that we failed to list), the answer is NO. Your sessions are confidential.

Please note, we will make suggestions and referrals to other resources and services as appropriate during any of the appointment types above. If you have any additional questions, or are ready to book your session, please email us at: ENGWellness@uwaterloo.ca!