Mental Health – Zuʔmintéxʷ wellness team

Zuʔmintéxʷ (zoo-meen-shtwow) means “holding somebody until they can stand up for themselves”.

The zuʔmintéxʷ Wellness Team is guided by the mission of mutual support, helping one another stay on a good path and grow stronger together. Their programs focus on mental health, healing, and cultural connection, and include suicide intervention training (ASIST), emotional wellness programs (Living Life to the Full, Grief Recovery Edu-Therapy), culturally rooted parenting support (Bringing Tradition Home), and recovery-focused initiatives like RedPath Addictions, RedPath Living Without Violence, and the weekly Wellbriety Program.

Mental Health and Addictions Counselling

Our counsellors offer confidential, culturally grounded support for individuals and families facing mental health challenges or substance use concerns. We use a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being while creating a safe space for rebuilding control and empowerment.

Counselling may include one-on-one sessions, crisis support, and prevention education, with services tailored to each individual’s needs.

Treatment Referrals

When specialized care is required, our Mental Health & Addiction Counsellors connect clients with additional services, such as:

  • Sexual abuse counselling
  • Psychiatric or psychological assessments
  • Detox programs and residential treatment facilities

We also refer clients to internal wellness programs for ongoing support.

Relapse Prevention

Our Relapse Prevention Program supports individuals in maintaining recovery and preventing lapses into old patterns of behavior.

This aftercare process may include:

  • Following and updating treatment plans as goals are met
  • Structured counselling sessions to strengthen coping strategies
  • Participation in support groups or other relevant programs

Relapse prevention is just as important as initial treatment, helping sustain an addiction-free lifestyle long-term.

Group Programming

We offer a variety of group programs that encourage peer connection, cultural learning, and personal growth. These include educational workshops, skills training, and culturally informed healing practices.

Healing Grief & Loss Program (with Traditional Teaching)

The Grief Recovery Edu-Therapy program combines emotional wellness strategies with traditional teachings to guide individuals through the grieving process. Participants gain tools for acknowledging loss, processing emotions, and moving forward while honoring their cultural roots.

Wellbriety Program

Held weekly, the Wellbriety Program is a culturally-based recovery initiative emphasizing Indigenous values and holistic wellness and healing. It combines Indigenous values with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) principles, focusing on the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of recovery while fostering community connection and long-term sobriety. The program is open anyone who would like to join.

Aboriginal Parenting Program – “Bringing Home Tradition”

This culturally rooted parenting program strengthens family bonds by blending traditional values with practical parenting skills. Parents learn how to incorporate cultural teachings into everyday life, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for children.

Anxiety & Depression Program – In Development

A new program is being developed to provide targeted support for individuals living with anxiety and depression. It will combine evidence-based strategies with culturally relevant approaches to promote emotional resilience and overall well-being.

Anger Management Program – “Pulling Punches”

Our anger management program helps participants understand the root causes of their anger, learn regulation tools, and implement long-term change. Delivered through video content, worksheets, and guided discussions, Pulling Punches teaches strategies to reduce “rage load” and avoid harmful outbursts.

These collaborative efforts by SCHSS with various programs and organizations underscore a comprehensive approach to community health, addressing physical fitness, maternal health, nutrition, and access to healthcare services, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for community members.