Therapists in Nova Scotia
Donna Marie McLean
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3H
I believe that people are inherently healthy and resilient, and capable of recovering from areas where they may be stuck by finding new insights, knowledge and tools. I see my role as helping people find their way through mental health challenges, challenges with family relationships or with work, struggles with chronic illness, loss and grief, or through life transitions to see their highest potential.
I believe that people are inherently healthy and resilient, and capable of recovering from areas where they may be stuck by finding new insights, knowledge and tools. I see my role as helping people find their way through mental health challenges, challenges with family relationships or with work, struggles with chronic illness, loss and grief, or through life transitions to see their highest potential.
Beatrice M. E. Breitling
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3J
Depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, chronic illness, grief and life transitions are the most prevalent mental health issues I am privileged to help others to overcome.
In times of life challenges, we suffer not only as individuals but also in our relationships. Since 2008, it has been my passion to support individuals, couples and families in their quest to turn personal and relationship challenges into opportunities for personal growth and greater connection. I feel privileged to work collaboratively with my clients to help them implement the positive changes they desire to achieve. I welcome you into an inspiring, trusting, safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for you to discover your strengths, your challenges and your potential that is waiting to be unfolded.
Depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, chronic illness, grief and life transitions are the most prevalent mental health issues I am privileged to help others to overcome.
In times of life challenges, we suffer not only as individuals but also in our relationships. Since 2008, it has been my passion to support individuals, couples and families in their quest to turn personal and relationship challenges into opportunities for personal growth and greater connection. I feel privileged to work collaboratively with my clients to help them implement the positive changes they desire to achieve. I welcome you into an inspiring, trusting, safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for you to discover your strengths, your challenges and your potential that is waiting to be unfolded.
Paula Arndt
Counsellor, RPC, CHT, nd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3K
Mindful Healing is a place where you can rest, talk, gain clarity and heal; a place where your natural innate healing abilities are validated, respected and encouraged. Together, you and I decide which approach is best for the presenting circumstances. At times, you may need bodywork such as massage or reflexology. Other times, counselling and/or hypnosis therapy are appropriate. I am often asked to draw upon Energy Therapies: Reiki, Eden Energy Medicine,Therapeutic Touch, Quantum Touch® and Emotional Freedom Techniques (“tapping’). My philosophy is based on client-centered therapy which encourages self-knowledge and inner wisdom.
Mindful Healing is a place where you can rest, talk, gain clarity and heal; a place where your natural innate healing abilities are validated, respected and encouraged. Together, you and I decide which approach is best for the presenting circumstances. At times, you may need bodywork such as massage or reflexology. Other times, counselling and/or hypnosis therapy are appropriate. I am often asked to draw upon Energy Therapies: Reiki, Eden Energy Medicine,Therapeutic Touch, Quantum Touch® and Emotional Freedom Techniques (“tapping’). My philosophy is based on client-centered therapy which encourages self-knowledge and inner wisdom.
Nelleke Strik
Counsellor, CCC, RCT, MEd, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Bridgewater, NS B4V
You may encounter a stressful event or face a challenging period in your life. You may experience low mood, suffer from a lack of motivation, or feel stuck. You may want to talk through past experiences to better understand them and see how they still impact your current life. Being in a state of distress can affect your mental health and quality of life. Counselling therapy can help. I am a compassionate, experienced therapist and I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to explore your questions with you.
You may encounter a stressful event or face a challenging period in your life. You may experience low mood, suffer from a lack of motivation, or feel stuck. You may want to talk through past experiences to better understand them and see how they still impact your current life. Being in a state of distress can affect your mental health and quality of life. Counselling therapy can help. I am a compassionate, experienced therapist and I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to explore your questions with you.
Simon Sherry
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Halifax, NS B3J
Dr. Sherry is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Dalhousie University. He has published 160 journal articles, delivered 275 scientific presentations and earned $2.5 million in grant funds. In 2018, Dr. Sherry and his wife founded CRUX Psychology, a team of 16 Ph.D.-level psychologists. We provide high-quality individual therapy, couples therapy and assessment. We use scientifically tested therapies and assessments. And each service is tailored to your preferences, values and goals, and delivered with exceptional care and warmth. By merging compassion with science, we help you get the results you want.
Dr. Sherry is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Dalhousie University. He has published 160 journal articles, delivered 275 scientific presentations and earned $2.5 million in grant funds. In 2018, Dr. Sherry and his wife founded CRUX Psychology, a team of 16 Ph.D.-level psychologists. We provide high-quality individual therapy, couples therapy and assessment. We use scientifically tested therapies and assessments. And each service is tailored to your preferences, values and goals, and delivered with exceptional care and warmth. By merging compassion with science, we help you get the results you want.
See more therapy options for Nova Scotia
Chronic Pain Counsellors
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophising, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.