Slope Side Support Society
Slope Side Support Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting men’s mental health through the power of skiing.
We provide free group therapy sessions and individual support in a positive, outdoor environment, fostering connection, resilience, and personal growth.
Our Mission
To create a safe space where men can share their experiences, build community, and find healing on the slopes. Through our programs, we aim to break the stigma around mental health and empower men to prioritize their well-being.
The Program
At Slope Side Support Society, our program is designed to provide a unique blend of outdoor adventure and mental health support. We offer free group therapy sessions and individual support tailored specifically for men, utilizing skiing as a therapeutic tool. Please be advised that this program is for male-identifying individuals aged 18 and over.
- Group Therapy Sessions:
- Our group therapy sessions are conducted prior to skiing and take place in a supportive and relaxed environment. Led by a registered psychotherapist, these sessions encourage open dialogue, shared experiences, and camaraderie among participants. This setting fosters trust and connection, allowing men to engage in meaningful discussions before hitting the slopes.
- Chairlift Chats:
- While skiing, we offer "Chairlift Chats", where participants can have conversations with trained mental health clinicians while riding the chairlift. This unique setting provides a comfortable space for discussing challenges, setting goals, and developing coping strategies in a relaxed and natural environment.
- Community and Connection:
- Our program emphasizes building a strong sense of community, where participants can forge lasting friendships and support networks. By breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding mental health, we aim to empower men to share their stories, seek help, and prioritize their well-being.
- Important Session Information:
- Our sessions start at 10 AM and last for 4 hours. Participants are expected to provide their own ski pass and ski gear, as we do not provide equipment. Please note that this is not a ski lesson; we will not be providing instruction on skiing. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, participants should be able to comfortably ski a blue run. This allows for a focus on both mental health support and enjoying the slopes together.
- Join us at Slope Side Support Society, where we believe that healing happens not just in conversation, but also in connection with nature and each other.
Meet the Team
Krista Scott - Founder & RCC
Krista is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and the founder of Slope Side Support Society. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling and a BA in Psychology & Philosophy, Krista specializes in providing therapeutic intervention to youth trauma survivors in Whistler, Pemberton, and Lower Stl’atl’imx Nations. The inspiration for Slope Side Support Society came from Krista’s desire to combine her passions for therapy and skiing, providing mental health services in a way that met people where they are, and minimizes barriers. She aims to offer accessible support that feels authentic to the Sea to Sky Corridor. When she’s not working, Krista enjoys skiing, hiking, and pretending to love biking.
Greg McDonnell - RCC & CCC
Greg McDonnell has worked in the area of social service delivery for 30 years. Currently, he is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors) and has owned a successful private psychotherapy practice in Whistler BC since 2007. In his private practice he specializes in trauma, family systems, couple and individual therapy. He is also registered with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and provides Mental Performance Consulting. Greg has worked collaboratively with a complex range of individuals, communities, corporations, cultures and sport groups on projects related to Health and Social Development. Greg also consults with several sport groups in Canada reviewing and identifying needed supports in the area of mental performance and goal setting (most notably the Canadian Sports Institute). Many moons ago, Greg played elite level basketball, he has competed competitively in running, triathlon, road and mountain bike racing. He is a reviewer for the Canadian Journal of Counselling A believer in leading a balanced lifestyle, Greg can otherwise be found with his family or with the wind in his face while skiing, mountain biking, surfing or traveling.
Taylor Macdougall - MSW
Taylor Macdougall (he/him) holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Victoria, and bachelor’s degrees in social work and philosophy from the University of British Columbia and the University of Guelph respectively. Taylor has worked in the field of mental health since 2012, and currently works as a social work clinician with Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health and Substance Use Services in Whistler and Pemberton. Taylor volunteers as a director with the Alpine Club of Canada Whistler Section, helping to coordinate the Wendy Thompson Hut Volunteer Custodian Program. When the fish aren’t biting on the rivers of Pemberton, Taylor has been known to ski, bike and climb around the Sea to Sky Corridor. Taylor lives with his family on the unceeded territory of the Lil’wat Nation in Pemberton.
Partners
