A cornerstone of Innisfail's mental health community has been re-established.
A long-standing shortfall with Innisfail's mental health treatment has now been addressed with the arrival of Ken Lebel, a family therapist under contract with Innisfail Family Community Support Services. He will work one day a week for general counselling.
ìWe, at FCSS, are pleased to have Ken Lebel partner with us in providing counselling services to Innisfail citizens,î said Tammy Oliver-McCurdie, Innisfail Family Community Support Services manager. ìHaving a therapist in Innisfail was part of our mental health strategy, and now he is here.î
Lebel brings a wealth of experience with him.
ìI've been working as a counsellor for over 20 years and have a master's in marital and family therapy,î said Lebel. ìMy primary focus is helping individuals and families live a better quality life. Throughout my career, I have helped people adjust to difficulties in life such as ongoing stress, and bad habits or relationships.î
Oliver-McCurdie describes Lebel's counselling model as a brief focus model, which deals with how a patient thinks, feels and behaves to address problems. According to statistics, most patients will use counselling services four to five times before their issues are resolved, with the system designed for a maximum of eight to 10 sessions.
ìThis is a new program to Innisfail,î said Lebel. ìMy expectation and hope is that this is the beginning of a long-term program to address family health issues. As long as I have been a counsellor, my goal has been to help them be healthier and happier. Innisfail is no different.î
Appointments can be booked by calling FCSS at 403-227-7744 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services cost $25 to $95 per session depending on the income of the client. Lebel will be available every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
