What is NIHB?
NIHB stands for Non-Insured Health Benefits. NIHB is a Health Canada program that provides funding for counselling to Registered First Nations and Inuit people. If you have a Status number, you are eligible to access up to 20 sessions of counselling per year with an Approved Provider. As an Approved Provider, I can offer access to my counselling service through NIHB at no cost. Please be in touch with me if you would like to learn more. I am happy to answer any questions you might have, meet with you so you can determine if/how you want to proceed, and complete all of the necessary forms to get the process started.
My goal is to work in partnership with you to create a safe space where you can feel comfortable and connected in order to explore what you need to in therapy. My approach is trauma informed, strengths-based, and includes recognition of the history of colonization as well as the present day impacts of historical trauma. I provide support related to present day impacts of trauma in one's life, family and relationships in a manner that reflects the values of cultural safety and that is holistic in nature.
I have Master of Social Work degree and am a member of the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers. My work reflects the core values and principles of social work practice.
Historical Trauma
"Intergenerational or multi-generational trauma happens when the effects of trauma are not resolved in one generation. When trauma is ignored and there is no support for dealing with it, the trauma will be passed from one generation to the next...
The unhealthy ways of behaving that people use to protect themselves can be passed on... without them even knowing they are doing so"
- Aboriginal Healing Foundation, 1999.
Move Forward Counselling/Amy Babcock
I encourage Traditional healing and ceremonies, and support from Elders, and can help you access cultural support if desired at any point during our contact. Click here for a list of Aboriginal agencies/businesses in Toronto).
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for Indigenous People
The Indian Residential School Resolution Help Support Program (IRS-RHSP)
This program provides free counselling support to Residential School survivors who attended a Residential School listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Family Members of those who attended an IRS are also eligible for their own course of counselling, including spouses/partners, children, and any relations who experienced the impacts of inter-generational trauma associated with a family member's time at a Residential School.
The IRS-RHSP covers 20 sessions of counselling every year. Please be in touch with me if you would like to learn more about accessing my services through this program.
Call or Text 416-893-1973.
What Can I Address in Counselling through NIHB?
Childhood Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, Systemic/Cultural Trauma including impacts of the child welfare system and IRS
Family Issues/Family Violence/Family Disconnection
Relationship Issues/Changing Negative Relationship Patterns
Depression/Anxiety
Alcohol/Substance Use
Sexual Violence
Adjustment to a post-secondary setting
Counselling for youth and former youth in foster care
Sexual orientation/gender issues
Building positive family/community relationships
Self-esteem
Expanding your support system (help with service navigation)
Advocacy (help getting what you need)
Couple/Family counselling
Changing negative thinking patterns and behavours
Adjustment to community living following incarceration
Managing chronic health issues