Access Counselling
Access Counselling is an expansion of DTRC’s existing counselling services, available to both member and non-member dance artists across the country. This program offers support through two streams: Personal Counselling and Career Pathways Counselling (including Career, Employability, Entrepreneurship, Financial and Legal consultations).
We understand the unique experiences that affect dance artists and know that funds are often unavailable to access needed support. The transitions dancers make are complex to navigate and securing professional guidance in the form of counselling or consultation can make those transitions easier. Identifying transferrable skills and developing parallel careers can enable dance artists to fulfill other passions, establish financial stability and build overall career resiliency.
Thank you for your interest. This program has concluded.
We are no longer accepting applications or registration.
Please watch our social media channels for information about DTRC’s upcoming programs and services.
If you have any questions, please contact nationaloffice@dtrc.ca.
FREE
Open to all professional dancers who are legally entitled to work in Canada, and to Canadian professional dancers working abroad, including DTRC members. See application form for full eligibility criteria. Must be at least 18 years of age.
DETAILS
By application. *Applications must be approved by DTRC to be eligible for support. January through March 2023. Individuals meet with counsellors on a one-to-one basis. Sessions may be in-person, online or by phone. All counselling sessions are confidential. Types of counselling available in each geographic region may vary.
Access Counselling provides support as follows:
Stream 1: Personal Counselling
Stream 2: Career Pathways Counselling
Types of Counselling Offered
Personal Counselling
Dance careers are full of transitional moments, into, within and from the field, as well as all the ongoing shifts inherent in an artistic life. Times of transition involve great personal growth and change. Personal counsellors help dancers navigate their lives and resolve issues so that they can reach their full potential within the dance profession or when beginning a new career.
Career
Career counselling helps dancers identify additional passions, values, transferrable skills, and abilities, supporting them to pursue new or parallel careers. Career counsellors can help dancers create effective education and career plans. They also help build job-search and interview skills and provide resources for dancers to gain experience in their field of interest.
Employability
Employability counselling assists professional dance artists to find ideal part time employment that best supports the busy lifestyle of the working dancer. Learn how to identify your transferrable skills on your resume. Write a great cover letter. Hone your interview skills. Secure the additional income you need so you can focus on performing.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship coaching can help you transform your idea into your own parallel career or business. Learn the tools to create a successful business plan, plus marketing and sales strategies. For already established entrepreneurs, take an assessment, and learn how to grow your business with the support of a coach.
Financial
Financial counsellors advise members on current financial issues impacting their dance career and how to financially prepare for various transitions. Our counsellors speak to a broad range of financial issues including money management, budgeting, and financial security for newcomers. They can also provide referrals to appropriate services for specific needs.
Legal
Legal consultation is the first step in helping dancers navigate the unique legal issues they face as artists. Legal counsellors offer summary advice on contract issues, copyright law, immigration issues and personal injury matters, and provide resources for those requiring longer-term legal support.
Application Process and Timeframe
Step 1: Application (approx. 10 mins)
The application contains 3 sections:
- Eligibility Declaration,
- Choice of Counselling,
- Basic & Additional Information.
Step 2: Intake Review (3-5 days)
The Counselling Services Intake Team will process your application, confirm your eligibility, and assign you sessions.
Step 3: Confirmation Email and Referral Information (1 week, depending on volume)
You will receive an email confirming your request and the number of sessions assigned.
With this email you will also receive:
- Counsellor Resource & Referrals List
- Counsellor Selection Tip Sheet
- Subsidy Reimbursement Form (for Stream 1: Personal Counselling only)
- Program Contact Information for our team in case of questions.
Please allow up to one week for follow-up depending on our intake numbers.
I have more questions / Can someone help me with this form?
Of course, we are here to help.
- Email us with your questions and we will get right back to you: amanda@dtrc.ca, lopa@dtrc.ca
- Check the FAQ for more details about the program and the application process.
FAQ
Can I apply for counselling if I am a DTRC member?
Yes. Please fill out the application form. The sessions awarded by the ERICA program won’t count against your member sessions. Access Counselling sessions may be used with your current DTRC counsellor or via the subsidy program.
Can I apply twice for sessions: once for Personal sessions and once for Career Pathways sessions?
Please apply for one set of sessions at a time. There will be a second intake starting Jan. 15th when you can apply for second set, *if sessions remain. All sessions must be used by March 31st, 2023.
All applicants who qualify will receive counselling support on a first-come-first-served basis.
Is this assistance taxable?
The Stream 1: Personal Counselling subsidy reimbursement received through the Access Counselling Program is taxable income. You will receive a final email confirmation from DTRC at the end of the program outlining the total amount you have used. This will be your documentation for declaring income. The Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) will not be providing a T4A slip. We recommend you consult with an accountant to understand your tax implications and reporting requirements.
The Stream 2: Career Pathways Counselling support received through the Access Counselling program may be considered a taxable benefit, depending on your circumstances. You will receive a final email confirmation from DTRC at the end of the program outlining the total benefits you have received. This will be your documentation for accounting purposes. We recommend you consult with an accountant to understand your tax implications and reporting requirements.
Do I have to be unemployed to be eligible to apply?
No.
What type of personal counselling professional can I work with?
To be eligible for subsidy reimbursement through the Access Counselling program, you can only work with Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Registere Social Workers, and Licensed Counsellors.
If my application is approved, how long will it take before I can start the sessions?
You can begin using the sessions as soon as you receive your confirmation email. Stream 1: Personal Counselling is a subsidy program, and you will need to find your own counsellor. Stream 2: Career Pathways Counselling will provide you with a list of counsellors for you to review and choose from.
I can’t find a counsellor. What can I do?
Contact us at amanda@dtrc.ca and lopa@dtrc.ca. Friendly and experienced help is an email away.
Can I challenge the decision about my application?
Yes. Please send an email to executivedirector@dtrc.ca with your review request. A team of 3 from the DTRC will review your request and reach out to learn more about your individual situation.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. It will only be shared within the DTRC and ERICA program delivery team for the purposes of providing you with these services unless you agree to be contacted about providing further feedback quotes, etc. We will share aggregated data only (no individual information) with the Department of Canadian Heritage (program funder), our board of directors and other organizational stakeholders for reporting purposes only.
What if I need help applying?
Please email us at amanda@dtrc.ca and lopa@dtrc.ca for online assistance.
I need help with my reimbursement and payment from Plooto.
Please email us at amanda@dtrc.ca and lopa@dtrc.ca for online assistance.