“After the Storm”

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Father Linus Bastien is due in court tomorrow morning:  09:30 am, court room #6, Windsor, Ontario courthouse.

I believe that tomorrow morning will see Bastien answer to the 18 new charges, and probably the old and these new charges will be joined so that there no longer be the two sets of charges winding through the system.

As always I encourage those who can do so to attend.  And, as always, please relay news of the outcome, either with a comment, or a link to media coverage.

Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

*****

Believe it or not, despite facing 19 sex charges from at least five complainants, ex-priest Gabriele Del Bianco, is still counselling and has allegedly set up business under a new name, optimistically called:  “After the Storm.”

I had heard before Christmas that Del Bianco briefly planned to get out of the counselling business.  He had expressed an interest in landscaping so the thought was that he was going to open a landscaping company.  However, no sooner was the word out that he was getting out of counselling than Del Bianco was setting up new counselling appointments – for mid December.

Now the word is that Del Bianco has a new business (After the Storm) which I suppose means the other is defunct?

No matter. I am told this is the message which went out by mail unveiling After the Storm:

The news of my retirement was greatly exaggerated!! It has been humbling to hear from so many clients hoping that I might decide to continue to offer my services though in a down sized manner.

It has been quite a year but as I have often taught we cannot control the storms-we can only build lighthouses to help us make our way towards shore and avoid the rocks that inhabit the shallow waters.   I myself have learned a lot each time I have had to build a light house in my own life. I hope my own personal storm experiences have added to my ability as a counsellor by increasing my empathy, compassion and understanding. I hope to help a few more light houses to be built for those of you who are facing or have faced a storm or two.

The key to life is often to spend less time looking backward at the “should’s” and “what if’s” and celebrate instead new beginnings and new possibilities. Then, our greatest trials and tribulations can become a new wisdom with which to value ourselves. After all, success in life often involves many new beginnings.

Our new beginning is called “After the Storm” helping you pick through the debris and decide on what to build anew. I will be taking on only 40 clients. Therefore, if you or anyone you know would like to access my new service in 2012, please call to place your name on our list. After we have forty names, we will only add clients if one of the 40 ceases to require our services. even if you already have an appointment booked in 2012, call us to verify that you want to continue to access our service.

I did a little asking around before Christmas trying to find out how this man could possibly be functioning as a counsellor while he is facing criminal charges of a sexual nature.  To date what I understand is that he is apparently accountable to no one – anyone, it seems, can hang up a shingle and offer counseling services.

Does anyone know any more on this?  I am floored.

Yes, I fully understand that Del Bianco has to put food on the table, but I can not understand how he can or is allowed to do so by offering counselling services to the vulnerable in our society.

Anyway, there is it is, ex-priest and accused molester Gabriele Del Bianco seems to think he has weathered the storm – now he is going to  help the wounded, vulnerable and/or broken souls in society build lighthouses to weather the storms in their lives!

Surely there has to be some provincial agency somewhere which keeps tabs on those who offer themselves as counsellors?

*****

I had to spend more time on technical details on the site today.  One of my plug-ins was causing me heart-ache – it took a while to realize that the plug-in was my problem.  It had fallen behind on a WordPress update and was no longer compatible.  I have now removed the plug-in and found a replacement which is compatible with the new WP and will do the same job as well if not better.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

This entry was posted in Accused or charged, Administrative, Canada, Scandal and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

45 Responses to “After the Storm”

  1. Orion says:

    Quite a number of ex-priests have gone into this business. As well there are not a few who have joined outfits wherein they continue to ‘act as priests’ and make money officiating at marriages.Some are part of the so-called Women Priests movement and there are a number who operate here in Canada. The web is filled with these pages offering counselling,marriage etc.
    A is usually the case, they are opposed to ‘organized’ religion and to the ‘ heavy burden’ Rome has placed on them and the world.
    It appears that there has been a loss of faith and lack of real theology in their remarks and one has to ask if the seminaries are doing their job

  2. Sorry I Can't Say says:

    Where is this man operating from? How does one make an appointment to see him? What city is he in?

    Does anyone know?

  3. Sylvia says:

    Sorry I Can’t Say, Del Bianco previously operated out of Auburn Ontario. If you google his name and Innerfit you will find a phone number. I can’t get beyond the answering machine. I left a message and asked for a call back.

    We shall see….

  4. Sylvia says:

    I just had a call back from Del Bianco’s receptionist/wife Patricia. I confirmed that the caller is indeed Del Bianco’s wife, and that the counselling service is indeed “After the Storm.”

    I asked Patricia if there is anyone who governs counsellors in Ontario? She started by saying that there are several, and then asked why did I want to know? I said I had concerns that Mr. Del Bianco, who is presently facing several sex abuse charges, is permitted to carry on counselling services, a situation which would not be permitted in any other profession.

    At this Patricia said she would not discuss the matter any further with me and hung up.

  5. Mike Mc says:

    Interesting situation. I read the thread on Fr Del Bianco….which then lead to this thread. I can well see why his wife hung up. It’s amazing he practices. I was looking up the Code of Ethics for the AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy). Not sure if in Canada he belongs to any such or similar organization. But at the bottom of the Code is this statement. Maybe you can find a similar contact in Canada.

    How to File Complaint
    If you are seeing a therapist and you feel that the person is acting unethically, you may be able to file complaint against that person with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The first step is to verify if the therapist is a member of AAMFT. You can do this by calling our main number (703-838-9808 703-838-9808 ) and asking the receptionist or by speaking with someone in the Ethics Department.
    (http://www.aamft.org/imis15/content/legal_ethics/code_of_ethics.aspx)

  6. prima facie says:

    Anyone can hang up a shingle, however, getting the government to aid clients by paying for the services is a different story. Most trsidents of Ontario are use to government paying the bill, so if the client has to pay because the “counsellor” does not meet the standards, the client may not pay and may not take the counselling. If the “counsellor” meets the government and professional standards, then there are prescribed protocols, ethics, complaints procedures, etc. The term “counsellor” must be clearly defined and where it falls, if it does, within any government initiatives/programming.
    However; a person can take the role as a “counsellor” and retain clients, without intense scrutiny, through a referral service; ex) the church or other individual, agency elects to refer clients to a specific “counsellor” and pay their costs.

  7. Sylvia says:

    I agree prima facie. Much rests on the definition of counsellor. I believe too that Del Bianco refers himself as a counsellor offering counselling services – vs a therapist providing therapy.

    That’s a good point – if he files claims with the government then he is answerable to someone in the provincial government. I truly don’t know if his fee is offset in while or in part by a government agency.

    MikeMc, I did find that there is a Psychotherapy Act which was introduced in Ontario in 2007, but it covers only those who are psychotherapists or registered mental health therapists. From what I can see Del Bianco refers to himself as a counsellor. He probably isn’t a member of or answerable to covered by this regulatory body.

    • Mike Blum says:

      There is the Canadian Counselling Association to which most Counsellors have to answer to if they charge for services. Donald Grecco was a member of this and after he was charged the Association kept him a member until the charges were proven.

  8. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Mike Blum. I checked their website – seems they must acquire the status of Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) to be members.

    I’m getting lost in all of this. If anyone knows Gabe Del Bianco’s actual status or designation as a counsellor would you post a comment or send me an email at: cornwall@theinquiry.ca?

  9. Lisa says:

    I think the most disturbing part about this for me is reading his letter. The man hasn’t lost his touch. He is still a masterful con artist.

  10. Marty says:

    I went to school with the girls he “supposedly” victomised, these beautiful woman were, are some of my most beloved friends.
    Thier lives and choices were stolen from them.. Its appauling that this man is still free let alone practising..

  11. Amber says:

    Where did you see this information, Sylvia? Does Gabe have a website?

  12. Amber says:

    It appears that Gabe is counselling out of his home in Kincardine now. The number is: (519) 396-5318 – in case anyone wants to ask him what he thinks he’s doing. I am especially concerned about people who might send their pre-teen girls to see him.
    Apparently, Gabe is a member of the Canadian Counselling Association. I encourage any and all of his victims to contact them at this site: http://www.ccacc.ca/en/ethics/ethicalcomplaintsprocedure/

  13. Amber says:

    Sorry, Sylvia. It might be this association: http://www.cpca-rpc.ca/ Bottom line is that he has to have insurance, and the only way insurance is affordable for self-employed counsellors is through an association. It might be worth someone calling Patricia back and asking if he is insured – that is a reasonable question for someone seeking a new counsellor. Asking who he is insured through should reveal the name of the association.

  14. Amber says:

    I’ve looked pretty thoroughly and couldn’t find a web presence for Gabe’s “After The Storm”, but there are many services called that so he may run into copyright issues as well.
    Perhaps it’s time for someone to send his introductory letter to the media. The Windsor Star seems to have demonstrated the most interest in his case.

  15. Sylvia says:

    Amber, I can not reveal my source for the information, but it was a reliable source. I too looked for After the Storm online and could find nothing. Because my source was reliable I knew it existed and that he was operating under that name. I decided to call the number he had used for Innerfit: 519-526-7625. That was it. I asked for a call back. When Patricia called I asked if this was After the Storm counselling: she said it was. As soon as she knew why I was calling she refused to speak to me.

  16. Maggie says:

    It has come to my attention that Gabe has a Blog that can be found online. I am interested in reading what he has to say. Does anybody have any information on this?

  17. Amber says:

    Thanks, Sylvia. I hope someone calls Gabe’s Kincardine number – that’s where he is hiding out these days. He apparently has been telling people that he has been exonerated – that the charges have been dropped.

  18. monica says:

    Amber
    That “someone” could be you.

  19. Amber says:

    I called today. I got a woman – I presume his wife. I asked if this was the number for After the Storm and she hesitated and then asked who I was. I told her I wanted to know if this was the number for Gabriele Del Bianco and if he was the same pedophile priest who was operating in Auburn. She got really upset. She stated that I had reached a private residence and demanded to know where I got the number, and when I told her I found it on the internet, she hung up. My guess is that there will be a new number soon.

  20. Amber says:

    Any news on how the prelim is going? How are you all holding up?

  21. Amber says:

    Monica,

    Your message just says *. Is that good?

  22. Sylvia says:

    I just posted the text over here Amber.  Good news!

  23. monica says:

    The * was a typo but it reminds me of a tear…

    Four women had to recount the shame and disgust this man has brought to their lives and yet everyone involved knows there are likely many, many more.  How will justice be served?  The amount of people and the degree of pain brought on by this monster is staggering…

  24. monica says:

    The * was a typo but it reminds me of a tear…

    Four women had to recount the shame and disgust this man has brought to their lives and yet everyone involved knows there are likely many, many more.  How will justice be served?  The amount of people affected and the degree of pain brought on by this manipulating monster is staggering…

  25. Amber says:

    Hang in there Monica and everyone affected by this manipulating monster. I hope any of you who had to testify at the preliminary hearing were treated with respect by the court at least.

  26. Amber says:

    Anyone know the trial dates for Del Bianco?

  27. monica says:

    October 15, 2013

  28. Amber says:

    Holy crap! That is nearly a year away!

  29. Amber says:

    You are all in my thoughts today. Hang tough!

  30. Monica says:

    Action, not thoughts is what makes things happen. I hope anyone thinking about coming forward realizes its not too late. Women need to stand together to make their voices strong enough to make change happen! 4 out of the 11 women that were given compensation have taken on the responsibility of stopping Gabe from continuing to hurt more young women. My thoughts are with the women sitting in silence. Strength comes from truth telling and I hope others will find their power.

  31. Amber says:

    It was up to the church to stop the likes of Gabe and his ilk, and because it didn’t, it’s now up to society to stop his behaviour, not his victims. That expectation is unfair. After all, none of his victims chose to be victimized. It takes all of us, survivors and allies, to stop perpetrators – and the institutions that allow their behaviour. The call to action is for all of us but especially for those of us who aren’t making the sacrifices we expect of victims.

    For those of you who chose not to come forward, please don’t feel guilty. You didn’t choose any of this and it is not your duty to redress Gabe’s violence. As for the women in court – THANK YOU – you remind all of us that it takes a kind of courage that most of us simply don’t have to make the choice to speak up in the face of denial, disbelief and blame.
    We “survive” violation in our own ways – let’s not separate survivors into two camps; one being somehow lesser than the other. That, too, is unfair.

  32. monica says:

    What you consider a sacrifice, I consider my responsibility as a woman. Speaking out is one way of moving away from being a victim, especially when you stand in solidarity with other women. I want more from life than to be a survivor. Telling my truth is my way of handing the story back to it’s rightful owner. Regardless of the outcome, I am moving on in good conscience. Life is full of unfairness, get over it.

  33. Amber says:

    More power to you, Monica. But don’t impose your idea of what it means to be woman on the rest of us. Isn’t that what the church does?

  34. monica says:

    Amber, If you read carefully, you will see that I referred to “my” responsibility. Sharing my opinion is different than imposing my opinion. If sharing opinions were the same as imposing opinions, I might suggest you stop imposing the idea that coming forward is of no use.
    As for the church, I have no room for them in my life and hold no value in what they do.

  35. monica says:

    “First They Came for the Jews”
    By Pastor Niemoller

    “The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities.” – Ayn Rand

    First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

    Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

    Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

    Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

  36. Sylvia says:

    Tensions are running high. Don’t let Gabriel DelBianco reduce you to picking on each other.

    A few thoughts….

    Those who know me know that I always encourage those whose molester is still alive to go to police. It’s not an easy journey, but at the end of the day it is the only way to have a child molester legally and publicly identified for what he is, and it is the only way to put the shame and blame smack where it belongs – on the shoulders of the molester.

    Not everyone can find the strength to take that step. Some have no support network to walk by their side and they fear going it alone. For some it takes time until eventually, one day, they are ready. Others regret that they did not go to police when there was initially opportunity.

    The decision to go to police is one each victim must make on his/her own. I would never castigate a victim for not going to police, but neither would I ever suggest it is futile to report to police nor would I fail to encourage a victim to do so. I think it good to remember too that the more victims who come forward and go to police the greater the prospect of conviction. I wish I could say the more who come forward greater the chance of a good stiff sentence too, but, that’s not always the case and is something else which needs fixing when it comes to dealing with child sex predators.

    In cases where the molester has never been charged and is around children I believe it is extremely important that victims go to police. I don’t believe there is a victim out there who would wish the abuse they endured on another child. Sometimes therefore going to police is going for a greater good – to protect the children who are or may be at risk.

    Somewhere we must reach the point where victims are not afraid or ashamed to come forward. There is no shame in being a victim of childhood sexual abuse. None.

    Do I wish every woman who sued DelBianco had gone to police? Yes. I really did wish that.

    Do I condemn those who did not go to police? No. Never. I don’t believe there is a soul who does. But I do ponder what we need to do to reach that point where fear and shame no longer bind victims and prevent them from seeking justice in a criminal court of law.

  37. monica says:

    Well said. Thank you.

  38. Amber says:

    My points exactly. Thank you, Sylvia. And my apologies, Monica. It is clear that my initial comment about the unlikelihood of jail time was seen as not supportive. It was a comment on how the system generally treats sexual assault and not on the veracity of the case. But, I never suggested that coming forward was of no use. I will stand by my assertion that it is a matter of choice, and that that choice must be respected.

  39. Jill says:

    I want to offer my support to Gabe’s victims. I expect there are many, and that I may even know some of them as I, too, faithfully attended church and the “youth group” he initiated while in Wallaceburg. This predator knew how to conduct himself – he had everyone fooled into believing he was a wonderful leader and role model to the youth. He was placed on a pedestal by the parishioners – young and old alike. His actions DISGUST me, and I hope he is found guilty and severely punished!! Stand proud ladies – you are making a difference!! If I can arrange it with my work, I hope to attend court for submissions in December to show my support.

  40. monica says:

    Thank you Jill.

  41. Amber says:

    Four years. He’ll be in protective custody with all the other child violators. Fitting.

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