COUNSELLING SERVICES
Contact Us
We are ready to listen and help guide you in your goals towards better well-being, with both in-person and virtual counselling services. We have counsellors available throughout the week to suit your schedule. Book a session today.
Meet the Counselling Team
Aaron Roorda, MA, CCC
Counselling Services Supervisor
Aaron Roorda is the Counselling Services Supervisor at Columbia Bible College (CBC). In addition to his work at CBC, he is a Clinical Counsellor serving clients in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and throughout British Columbia. Aaron works from a person-centered approach, meeting clients with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental presence. His goal is to foster greater self-understanding and empower clients to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope.
Aaron holds a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College. Aaron also holds a number of micro-credentials for working with specific presenting challenges. Before becoming a counsellor, Aaron served for over 20 years as a pastor in various roles, including Worship Pastor, Youth/Associate Pastor, and Lead Pastor.
Outside of his professional life, Aaron is married and the proud father of two teenagers and two young adults. He’s also an avid Seattle Seahawks fan and enjoys going fishing with his kids.
Whitney Bender, MA, CCC
Counsellor
Hi everyone! My name is Whitney Bender. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trinity Western University and a Masters of Arts in Counselling from Providence University. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and absolutely love the refining, healing, brave work of counselling. I have completed clinical work at the Ministry of Children and Family Development and have experience working with kids, teens, and adults. For the past several years, I have worked in the addiction recovery field and love the work I get to do. I am passionate about seeing people pursue the brave work of self-reflection, exploration and vulnerability with self, others, and God.
I believe that we are all created to connect, and that there are seasons for each of us where counselling support can foster meaningful change as we walk through life. My counselling approach is fueled by compassion, highly collaborative, and rooted in unconditional positive regard for the client. I work from a person-centered, attachment-based lens, taking a trauma-informed approach to care. Believing that therapy should be tailored to each unique individual, I collaborate closely with my clients to determine the most effective therapeutic path forward. I am committed to facilitating a non-judgmental space where clients can be safe to share. No matter what circumstance or emotional space you find yourself in, I would be honored to journey alongside you! May God bless you in your time at Columbia!
Counselling Services FAQ
What is counselling?
A counsellor listens to your specific situation and your needs. A counsellor guides you through a process towards understanding yourself better and exploring the things that hold you back from experiencing a healthy and fully engaged life. You are a crucial part of this process as you are the expert on you! Counselling is a place where you get to safely examine things that seem to be preventing you from living the way you would like to. Counselling looks very different for different people and counsellors can skillfully assess and guide this process for you.
What kinds of things do you deal with in counselling?
Counselling can handle any issue really, and it does not matter how overwhelming the issue may feel at first, or how small or trivial you think it sounds. If you feel held back from the life you want to live in any way, then it is valuable to come to counselling. You may not even know how to define why you feel the way you do, but you know you need help, and that is OK. Or, you may have an identified tendency in behaviours, or a relationship that causes distress, or perhaps a way of coping with life’s stressors that you would really like to change. There is no prerequisite list of issues and our team will be alert for any helpful additional supports and discuss those with you when appropriate to best serve you.
Will counselling resolve my issues?
Sometimes, issues are identified and much progress can happen in just a few sessions. The support of a counsellor can help prioritize and make changes in an area that can impact day to day satisfaction in our lives. For others, counselling may begin or continue a journey of healing that is part of a longer process.
How much does counselling cost?
Students receive counseling for a nominal fee of $20 per session. Please keep in mind that students who miss appointments, without notifying their counsellor at least 24 hours in advance, will be charged $20 for the missed session.
Is my information kept private?
Columbia respects the right to privacy, and keeps counselling appointments confidential. During the intake appointment, the Counselling Services Supervisor will discuss guidelines and limits of confidentiality.
How do I arrange my first appointment?
To book a counselling session,complete the online intake form as your first step. We’ll contact you as soon as possible (within a few days) to schedule your intake interview.
When is the Centre open?
Counselling is available weekdays by appointment. Friday the center is closed. If you want to get on the intake list, please see our booking form online. If you have any questions before booking, please email and the counselling supervisor will answer any of your questions.
Do you offer drop-in counselling?
We do not offer this currently.
How often can I come for counselling?
This varies based on your presenting concerns and our assessment. We try very hard to see all students who wish to see us, even if just once or twice to help work through an issue. Some students may be seen weekly or biweekly for a time, where appropriate.
What if I just want a couple of sessions?
Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through a decision that seems hard, or you don’t forsee weeks of counselling happening so you are resistant to contact us. No problem is too small if it is bothering you. Or perhaps you just want a referral to a community support –we can do that here too. We help you figure out what support you want and where to get it. Depending on what you want, sometimes the answer is counselling, and other times it is a local community group or church.
What if I want to find a local community group, program, or church resource?
Yes, we can do that too. Just email us and let us know you just want a one-time resource and referral meeting. Or sometimes we can even answer your questions with a phone call. So give us your number if you would like a callback.
Who will my counsellor be?
We have a great team of counsellors! You can take a look at our names and photos below. After your initial interview, you’ll be assigned the counsellor we feel will be the best fit, based on many factors.
Web Resources
We’ve curated a list of online resources with solid information, trustworthy staff teams, and helpful action steps.