Aetna Therapists in Dartmouth, NS
You go to work and do things most people cannot imagine. Either way, you come home carrying more than you show.
Whether you are a paramedic, a police officer, or a professional running on empty the pattern is the same: functioning on the outside, struggling underneath.
For first responders and military members, this work is also personal. I served eight years as a US military reservist. I understand the culture you operate in and why asking for help inside that culture is its own kind of courage.
I am Iffy Nwankwo, Registered Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia and founder of Hartwell Counselling Therapy Group (HCTG ).
You go to work and do things most people cannot imagine. Either way, you come home carrying more than you show.
Whether you are a paramedic, a police officer, or a professional running on empty the pattern is the same: functioning on the outside, struggling underneath.
For first responders and military members, this work is also personal. I served eight years as a US military reservist. I understand the culture you operate in and why asking for help inside that culture is its own kind of courage.
I am Iffy Nwankwo, Registered Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia and founder of Hartwell Counselling Therapy Group (HCTG ).
Maybe you wake up already tense, your mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Maybe you feel low, numb, or disconnected, even though you’ve learned how to look “fine” on the outside. You might be stuck in the same relationship patterns, overwhelmed by emotion, or carrying past experiences that still live in your body. If you resonate with this, I want you to know that you're not alone, and I believe that together, we can create a space where change, growth and a life with meaning is possible.
Maybe you wake up already tense, your mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Maybe you feel low, numb, or disconnected, even though you’ve learned how to look “fine” on the outside. You might be stuck in the same relationship patterns, overwhelmed by emotion, or carrying past experiences that still live in your body. If you resonate with this, I want you to know that you're not alone, and I believe that together, we can create a space where change, growth and a life with meaning is possible.
More Therapists Nearby
Somewhere along the way, many of us learn to shrink ourselves to stay loved, accepted, or safe. If that sounds familiar, you might be carrying childhood trauma, faith-based trauma, or the weight of navigating your identity within your culture, your family, or the LGBTQ2IA+ community. You might be neurodivergent and still figuring out what that means for how you move through the world. I work with adolescents and adults facing these experiences, including depression, C-PTSD, family dysfunction, and relationship challenges, and I bring culturally responsive care that honours where you come from.
Somewhere along the way, many of us learn to shrink ourselves to stay loved, accepted, or safe. If that sounds familiar, you might be carrying childhood trauma, faith-based trauma, or the weight of navigating your identity within your culture, your family, or the LGBTQ2IA+ community. You might be neurodivergent and still figuring out what that means for how you move through the world. I work with adolescents and adults facing these experiences, including depression, C-PTSD, family dysfunction, and relationship challenges, and I bring culturally responsive care that honours where you come from.
You do not have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of the people I work with are navigating something quieter but just as heavy: a transition they did not expect, a pattern they cannot seem to break, a version of themselves they are trying to grow into. I work with children, adolescents, and adults across all stages of life. Whether a child building confidence, a teen finding their footing socially, or an adult moving through change and uncertainty, I meet each person where they are and build from there.
You do not have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of the people I work with are navigating something quieter but just as heavy: a transition they did not expect, a pattern they cannot seem to break, a version of themselves they are trying to grow into. I work with children, adolescents, and adults across all stages of life. Whether a child building confidence, a teen finding their footing socially, or an adult moving through change and uncertainty, I meet each person where they are and build from there.
You might be navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, or a life transition that has left you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself. I work with adolescents and adults aged 13 and up on a range of concerns including relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, and the kind of stress that builds quietly until it becomes hard to ignore. My clients often arrive knowing something needs to change but not quite knowing where to start. That is exactly where we begin, together, at a pace that works for you.
You might be navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, or a life transition that has left you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself. I work with adolescents and adults aged 13 and up on a range of concerns including relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, and the kind of stress that builds quietly until it becomes hard to ignore. My clients often arrive knowing something needs to change but not quite knowing where to start. That is exactly where we begin, together, at a pace that works for you.
You might be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or depression and feeling out of step with everyone around you. You might be a parent trying to understand what your child is experiencing, or an adult facing the pressure of school, career decisions, or figuring out who you are. I work with clients of all ages, drawing on my background as both an educator and a therapist to understand not just what you are feeling, but the systems and pressures shaping it. We start with your nervous system, and build from there.
You might be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or depression and feeling out of step with everyone around you. You might be a parent trying to understand what your child is experiencing, or an adult facing the pressure of school, career decisions, or figuring out who you are. I work with clients of all ages, drawing on my background as both an educator and a therapist to understand not just what you are feeling, but the systems and pressures shaping it. We start with your nervous system, and build from there.
Healing often begins with learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you already offer everyone else. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns, perfectionism, work stress, and relationship challenges. My clients often arrive feeling disconnected from themselves, struggling to trust their own voice or feel confident in who they are. Whether you are dealing with social pressure, family dynamics, dating, or the quiet weight of self-criticism, this is a space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself.
Healing often begins with learning to treat yourself with the same compassion you already offer everyone else. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns, perfectionism, work stress, and relationship challenges. My clients often arrive feeling disconnected from themselves, struggling to trust their own voice or feel confident in who they are. Whether you are dealing with social pressure, family dynamics, dating, or the quiet weight of self-criticism, this is a space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself.
Seeking help can be hard. I admire your strength! Therapy with me is a space to slow things down & look more closely at what’s happening for you. I'm here to help you ease the internal chaos, feel in control again, and let go of any self sabotage. You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or the lasting weight of depression that leaves you feeling unseen or disconnected. At times, it might feel like you are giving so much to others while quietly carrying your own pain. Therapy can provide a supportive space to move beyond these patterns and begin building a more grounded and fulfilling life.
Seeking help can be hard. I admire your strength! Therapy with me is a space to slow things down & look more closely at what’s happening for you. I'm here to help you ease the internal chaos, feel in control again, and let go of any self sabotage. You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or the lasting weight of depression that leaves you feeling unseen or disconnected. At times, it might feel like you are giving so much to others while quietly carrying your own pain. Therapy can provide a supportive space to move beyond these patterns and begin building a more grounded and fulfilling life.
Sandra Lee Pickrell Baker
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to work with clients to find hope and meaning in the challenges and the chaos that life presents us. I believe life is a journey to be travelled, not a destination to be reached. As such, life offers us lessons and learnings to be unravelled and transformed. At times we need another to help us make sense of what has been unfolding on the journey.
My goal is to work with clients to find hope and meaning in the challenges and the chaos that life presents us. I believe life is a journey to be travelled, not a destination to be reached. As such, life offers us lessons and learnings to be unravelled and transformed. At times we need another to help us make sense of what has been unfolding on the journey.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it makes sense to feel uncertain about it. I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, and major life transitions, including the moments where you feel stuck and are not quite sure what comes next. My clients often arrive knowing something needs to change but unsure where to begin. That uncertainty is not a problem to fix before we start. It is exactly where we begin, together, at a pace that feels right for you.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it makes sense to feel uncertain about it. I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, and major life transitions, including the moments where you feel stuck and are not quite sure what comes next. My clients often arrive knowing something needs to change but unsure where to begin. That uncertainty is not a problem to fix before we start. It is exactly where we begin, together, at a pace that feels right for you.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before, it may be because conditions like personality disorders, chronic anxiety, and emotional dysregulation require highly specialized treatment. I provide dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) delivered as it was intended.
I take a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to each individual’s unique needs and goals. As my work is rooted from an integrative approach, I use multiple evidence-based modalities including CBT, and ACT to provide flexible and individualized care.
I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational issues and many other problems. Reach out today!
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before, it may be because conditions like personality disorders, chronic anxiety, and emotional dysregulation require highly specialized treatment. I provide dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) delivered as it was intended.
I take a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to each individual’s unique needs and goals. As my work is rooted from an integrative approach, I use multiple evidence-based modalities including CBT, and ACT to provide flexible and individualized care.
I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational issues and many other problems. Reach out today!
Many people have already talked their stories through. The goal here isn’t to endlessly process - it’s to heal. We go beneath coping and analysis, carefully deconstruct what’s holding you in place and rebuild from the foundation up. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) supporting adults, couples, and adolescents through trauma, neurodivergence, OCD, personality disorders, attachment-based challenges and more. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. Many of my clients have experienced therapy before but are ready for a deeper layer of healing. I provide a comforting space to heal while growing.
Many people have already talked their stories through. The goal here isn’t to endlessly process - it’s to heal. We go beneath coping and analysis, carefully deconstruct what’s holding you in place and rebuild from the foundation up. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) supporting adults, couples, and adolescents through trauma, neurodivergence, OCD, personality disorders, attachment-based challenges and more. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. Many of my clients have experienced therapy before but are ready for a deeper layer of healing. I provide a comforting space to heal while growing.
The ways we learn to cope often make perfect sense given what we have been through. Over time, those same patterns can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, attachment injuries, infidelity, and the lasting effects of sexual abuse and assault. If you are caught in patterns you cannot seem to shift, or carrying something that has never felt fully safe to explore, this is a space built for exactly that work.
The ways we learn to cope often make perfect sense given what we have been through. Over time, those same patterns can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. I work with individuals and couples navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, attachment injuries, infidelity, and the lasting effects of sexual abuse and assault. If you are caught in patterns you cannot seem to shift, or carrying something that has never felt fully safe to explore, this is a space built for exactly that work.
Many people have already talked their stories through. The goal here isn’t to endlessly process - it’s to heal. We go beneath coping and analysis, carefully deconstruct what’s holding you in place and rebuild from the foundation up. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) supporting adults, couples, and adolescents through trauma, neurodivergence, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, abuse, and attachment-based challenges. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. Many of my clients have experienced therapy before but are ready for a deeper layer of healing. I provide a comforting space to heal while growing.
Many people have already talked their stories through. The goal here isn’t to endlessly process - it’s to heal. We go beneath coping and analysis, carefully deconstruct what’s holding you in place and rebuild from the foundation up. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Q) supporting adults, couples, and adolescents through trauma, neurodivergence, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, abuse, and attachment-based challenges. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. Many of my clients have experienced therapy before but are ready for a deeper layer of healing. I provide a comforting space to heal while growing.
Deirdre can help you explore and understand your personal patterns. Learn how your past influences your present. Deirdre uses IFS and EMDR to challenge influential memories and heal inter-generational trauma in a safe, confidential environment. Consistent or recurring negative thoughts, overwhelming feelings, impulsive behaviours, pain, dizziness, loss of short-term memory and self-harm are just a few symptoms that therapy can help with.
Deirdre can help you explore and understand your personal patterns. Learn how your past influences your present. Deirdre uses IFS and EMDR to challenge influential memories and heal inter-generational trauma in a safe, confidential environment. Consistent or recurring negative thoughts, overwhelming feelings, impulsive behaviours, pain, dizziness, loss of short-term memory and self-harm are just a few symptoms that therapy can help with.
You know something needs to change, but you are not sure where to start. Maybe you are exhausted from the pressure of work, running on empty, or moving through a transition that has left you feeling unsteady. I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, stress, depression, and life transitions, including career changes, relationship shifts, and those stretching moments of uncertainty about what comes next. If you have spent years putting everyone else first and are ready to understand yourself better and build a life with more clarity and balance, you are in the right place.
You know something needs to change, but you are not sure where to start. Maybe you are exhausted from the pressure of work, running on empty, or moving through a transition that has left you feeling unsteady. I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, stress, depression, and life transitions, including career changes, relationship shifts, and those stretching moments of uncertainty about what comes next. If you have spent years putting everyone else first and are ready to understand yourself better and build a life with more clarity and balance, you are in the right place.
August 2026: Currently accepting female clients for virtual counselling across Ontario, Canada.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, workplace stress, self-doubt, trauma, or a major life transition while trying to hold everything together?
I support women navigating these challenges. Many of my clients are high-achieving women who feel emotionally exhausted from constantly holding everything together.
Therapy with me provides a warm, culturally responsive space to process experiences, strengthen boundaries
August 2026: Currently accepting female clients for virtual counselling across Ontario, Canada.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, workplace stress, self-doubt, trauma, or a major life transition while trying to hold everything together?
I support women navigating these challenges. Many of my clients are high-achieving women who feel emotionally exhausted from constantly holding everything together.
Therapy with me provides a warm, culturally responsive space to process experiences, strengthen boundaries
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist, I bring both clinical depth and a warm, down-to-earth presence. I know how hard it can be to begin. I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll face the hard things together - at your pace, with compassion and clarity.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As a Registered Social Worker and Registered Psychotherapist, I bring both clinical depth and a warm, down-to-earth presence. I know how hard it can be to begin. I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll face the hard things together - at your pace, with compassion and clarity.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
I work with adults navigating life transitions, including infidelity, separation or divorce, grief, identity shifts, and major relational changes. I also support clients with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and complex trauma. I provide sex therapy, including support around desire, intimacy, sexual functioning, communication, and relationship dynamics. I also work with couples navigating ENM, infidelity, intimacy concerns, and relational repair.
I work with adults navigating life transitions, including infidelity, separation or divorce, grief, identity shifts, and major relational changes. I also support clients with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and complex trauma. I provide sex therapy, including support around desire, intimacy, sexual functioning, communication, and relationship dynamics. I also work with couples navigating ENM, infidelity, intimacy concerns, and relational repair.
