Area gets new community counselor

Ken Johnston

Feeling stressed? Having marital problems? Facing addiction or family violence? Well there is someone in Rainy River who can help you.
Hal Wilhite is the new Community Counselor with Rainy River Community Counselling. He is replacing Karen Ruff who retired earlier this year.
Under the umbrella of Riverside Health Care Facilities, his office is located at the Rainy River Hospital and is open during normal business hours Monday to Friday.
Wilhite began in early September. He brings a high degree of experience to the job having earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg. He saw clients in Winnipeg for two years and then spent three years working in northern Minnesota as a counselor for employees at Marvin Windows and Polaris.
He and his wife moved to Morson about 11 years ago. After which Hal commuted to school in Winnipeg for five years.
“I have always wanted to help folks,” said Wilhite. Through his job as a counselor he hopes to do just that. “Each person has the keys to their own wellness. I help them to realize that.”
Anyone can call his office if they think they need some help. He urges them not to wait, but to call early on. After first contact he does an initial assessment to insure that he is the right resource for them. If not he tries to put them in contact with the help that is right for them.
He uses a lot of his own personal life experiences to try and help clients. “That way they see I am human and that they are to.”
All sessions are completely covered by Ontario Health Insurance and everything is kept in the strictest confidence. The only time that confidence is breached is if there is a danger to the client or other people. “By law if they are a threat to themselves or to others I have to call the police.”
“This kind of work is, for me, more a calling. I really want to help people improve their lives. I feel like a facilitator or a guide for them.”
In addition to the afore mentioned mental illnesses, he also helps counsel trauma victims and also with cancer care recovery.
Hal is a part of a team of counselors stationed in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances. Anyone wishing to access his help can call him at 852-4462 during business hours Mon.-Fri. After hours for emergencies call 1-866-888-8988.