Positive psychology researchers have found that people that savor activities of daily life report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. The 5 x 5 Technique is a simple practice that can help us break out of automatic pilot and open us up to the full experience of what is here right now. Here is how it works: • Choose 5 things that you normally do each day. • Pay attention to your 5 senses while you are engaging in the activity. • What do you see? • What do you smell? • What do you notice with your sense of touch? • What do you hear? • What do you taste? This exercise doesn’t take any ex ..read more

Did you know that people who report feeling happy more often than not practice happiness on purpose? We can all experiment with adding something pleasant or even joyful into our day.  It can be helpful to start a list made up of: •small, easy things that you can do by yourself •bigger things that you have to plan. Pick something from your list each day, give it a try and keep on the look out for more things to add to this list.  Here is a small portion of mine.  List of Joy: 1. Make a snowman 2. Listen to The Vinyl Cafe 3. Sing like no one is listening 4. Dance to the Gypsy Kin ..read more

Take some time during your day to pay attention to your body. How we hold and move our bodies makes a difference. It can add to stress that is already there or dial it back a notch. Here is a little head to toe check: •Soften any muscles that are working harder than they need to. The face, shoulders, quads are a good place to start. •Slow down. How fast are you blinking, chewing, breathing, typing or moving? Try to slow them down, even if it’s just by 10%. •Unclench your jaw, hands and toes. •Uncross any parts of your body that are crossed. SSUU It’s a simple thing. Be curious, give it a try a ..read more

We extend our solidarity and condolences during this devastating time to the First Nations community in Tk’emlúpste te Secwépemc territory and across this land.   We are shocked and saddened by the reports of the discovery of the remains of 215 children, some young as three, at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. This is another terrible chapter in the dark and horrific legacy of residential schools.   These Indigenous children were taken from their land, isolated from their homes, forced into residential schools, and finally, died while in care of church a ..read more

I completed my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University in 2016. Since that time I have worked with military and Veterans Affairs Canada, first responders and civilian adults suffering with PTSD, mental health and substance abuse issues. My area of focus is in treating depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also help people address concerns associated with fertility challenges. When working with clients I draw from evidence based approaches including Solution Focused, Narrative and Mindfulness based therapies. I b ..read more

I completed my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Adler University in 2012. I have taught at Acadia University and Saint Mary’s University, and I am a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am WPATH trained and am qualified to conduct hormone and surgery readiness assessments. I work primarily with military, veterans, first-responders, and their family members who are living with symptoms of PTSD. My other areas of practice include treatment for anxiety, depression, couples counselling, and LGBTQ issues. In addition, I administer assessments for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and ..read more

I completed my Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and my Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from The University of Calgary in 2001. I was a lecturer in the Psychology Department at St. Francis Xavier University for seven years. My areas of practice include treatment and assistance for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, disordered eating, stress management, workplace issues, career counselling, relationship issues, couples counselling, and sport/performance psychology. My treatment approach is primarily cognitive-behavioural ..read more

I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at McGill University in 1991. I have extensive experience working with police officers and firefighters here in Nova Scotia and have been involved in overseas training initiatives with The Philippine National Police and The Gambia Police Force. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I also have an interest in helping individuals with transitioning into retirement ..read more

I completed my M.A. in Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University in 1990. Since that time I have received extensive training in working with adults and families in the areas of parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, and infertility counselling. I taught in the graduate program at Mount Saint Vincent University for 4 years. In 2016, I earned my qualification to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through the Centre for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts. My treatment approach is a practical mix of cognitive behavioural and mindfulness strategies. I ..read more

I completed my Master’s degree in Psychology at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2011. I am a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst specializing in Applied Behaviour Analysis. Using Applied Behaviour Analysis, I have provided service to youth with complex behaviour and mental health needs. I also work with parents, families, and caregivers on managing difficult behaviour in children, adolescents, and young adults. I have worked in the public P-12 system where I have provided services to children, adolescents, and young adults in the areas of learning difficulties, study skills, self-esteem, anxie ..read more