Sometimes you're not ready for counselling, but you still want someone to talk to—and that's okay. We're here to listen, support, and meet you where you're at.

Emotional support appointments are a space to be heard without judgment. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what you need, or just want to connect with someone who will listen, we’re here for you.

These sessions can be a one-time check-in or something you come back to as needed. You don’t have to go through anything alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out.

Trying to figure out where to turn after experiencing sexual violence can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to walk with you and help make things feel a little more manageable.

Whether you’re looking for housing, legal support, mental health services, help connecting to other community programs, or something else, we can support you in exploring your options. We can also provide more information about what services are available to you, so you feel informed and empowered to make decisions that work for you.

If you need someone by your side, we can also accompany you to the hospital, police, or court. You don’t have to face these systems alone—we can be there with you every step of the way.

These appointments are flexible and guided by your needs. Whatever you're facing, we’ll help you figure out your next steps—based on what feels right for you, at your pace.

While you’re able to book a time to talk more with us here, if you’re looking for immediate accompaniment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly:

Rachael
coordinator@safeharbourservices.com | (506) 625 1922

MaryEllen
counselling@safeharbourservices.com | (506) 625 1929

Office: (506) 773 7472

Our counselling services are free, confidential, and open to anyone 16+ who has been impacted by sexual violence—including sexual assault, abuse, or harassment—at any point in their life.

Counselling is led by MaryEllen, a Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT) in New Brunswick and a certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC). MaryEllen offers specialized support for survivors of all genders and backgrounds. She brings both professional training and deep compassion to her work, and creates a safe, respectful space for you to begin your healing—at your own pace.

Our counselling follows a three-phase model, but it’s always guided by you. That means we won’t go into anything you’re not ready for. Sessions are paced slowly and steadily to help you feel safe and in control. Along the way, you’ll learn practical tools to help you manage triggers and navigate daily life.

We start with an intake session to talk about what you need right now, then MaryEllen will connect with you to begin one-on-one counselling sessions. You decide when you're ready to start, how often to meet, and when it feels right to finish.

You don’t have to go through this alone—and you don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out. We’re here to support you, wherever you're at.

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to speak up or where to start when you’re not being heard. We can support you in advocating for yourself—whether that’s with service providers, systems, or institutions.

We can help you communicate with people like landlords, employers, schools, or other professionals. That might mean writing a letter with you, making a call together, attending a meeting by your side, or just helping you figure out what you want to say and how to say it.

Our goal is to help make sure your voice is heard and your rights are respected. You deserve to be treated with dignity and care—and we’re here to stand beside you while you advocate for what you need.

This group is a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for people aged 16 and older who have been impacted by sexual violence. You don’t need to have any previous counselling experience — just a willingness to show up and take part in a space where you’ll be met with care and respect.

Together, we’ll explore and build skills to:

- Understand how trauma can affect the body and mind
- Feel safer and able to regulate emotions
- Develop healthy coping tools
- Set boundaries and build stronger relationships
- Strengthen confidence and sense of self

The group is led by MaryEllen Kingston Ritchie (LCT, CCC) and Rachael Carroll (RSW), who bring compassion, experience, and a trauma-informed approach to every session.

You’re not alone. Here, you’ll find understanding, support, and encouragement to take the steps that feel right for you.