Emotionally Focused Therapists in Dartmouth, NS

Jessica Rose McEachern
Counsellor, RCT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dartmouth, NS B2Y
Waitlist for new clients
I am influenced by by the work of Carl Jung, and I have received post-graduate training in a diverse set of treatment modalities (EMDR, IFS, ACT, CPT, PE, EFT).
My specific areas of focus and interest include: parenting and family relationships, couples counselling, developmental trauma and attachment injuries, complex and/or chronic PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder, existential anxiety/depression, ADHD/highly sensitive people, and spiritual growth/development.
I am influenced by by the work of Carl Jung, and I have received post-graduate training in a diverse set of treatment modalities (EMDR, IFS, ACT, CPT, PE, EFT).
My specific areas of focus and interest include: parenting and family relationships, couples counselling, developmental trauma and attachment injuries, complex and/or chronic PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder, existential anxiety/depression, ADHD/highly sensitive people, and spiritual growth/development.

I am informed in IFS and ACT, and have level 1 EFIT certification and am trained in emotionally focused therapy for couples.
Andrea approaches her work with a compassionate and empathetic mindset, understanding that every individual has unique strengths and sometimes needs a helping hand to navigate life’s challenges. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients can feel safe to engage in open and meaningful discussions. Andrea draws from various modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), and is in the process of completing EMDR basic training.
I am informed in IFS and ACT, and have level 1 EFIT certification and am trained in emotionally focused therapy for couples.
Andrea approaches her work with a compassionate and empathetic mindset, understanding that every individual has unique strengths and sometimes needs a helping hand to navigate life’s challenges. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients can feel safe to engage in open and meaningful discussions. Andrea draws from various modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotionally focused therapy ( EFT), emotionally focused individual therapy (EFIT), internal family systems therapy (IFS), and is in the process of completing EMDR basic training.

I practice from a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens and incorporate practices from person centred, emotionally focused, and compassion focused therapies.
Welcome! My name is Cassidy and I provide therapy to individuals, ages 16 and up, as well as couples. My areas of focus include emotional regulation, communication skills, relational health, identity and autonomy development, life transitions, and self-compassion. I also support clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and grief. I am trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy (Level 2), and work with couples in areas of conflict resolution, building friendships and intimacy within the relationship, and finding shared meaning in life.
I practice from a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens and incorporate practices from person centred, emotionally focused, and compassion focused therapies.
Welcome! My name is Cassidy and I provide therapy to individuals, ages 16 and up, as well as couples. My areas of focus include emotional regulation, communication skills, relational health, identity and autonomy development, life transitions, and self-compassion. I also support clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and grief. I am trained in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy (Level 2), and work with couples in areas of conflict resolution, building friendships and intimacy within the relationship, and finding shared meaning in life.

Chris uses a relational, client-centred approach to counselling that integrates strategies from various methodologies including Emotionally Focused and Strengths-Based approaches.
Chris identifies as a member of the queer community and she has experience working with diverse clients in areas such as anxiety, depression, gender identity, sexuality, life transitions, relationships, and stress management. She uses approaches that are rooted in emotion and relationships, and those that are attachment-based and trauma-informed.
Chris uses a relational, client-centred approach to counselling that integrates strategies from various methodologies including Emotionally Focused and Strengths-Based approaches.
Chris identifies as a member of the queer community and she has experience working with diverse clients in areas such as anxiety, depression, gender identity, sexuality, life transitions, relationships, and stress management. She uses approaches that are rooted in emotion and relationships, and those that are attachment-based and trauma-informed.

I am trained in compassion focused therapy (CFT), Gottman method, and emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) to support individuals and couples in therapy.
I work with individuals and couples in therapy where my areas of focus include relational health, sexual health, emotional regulation, stress management, identity and self-compassion, transitions, and change, and have experience supporting clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. I am also trained in CFT to support clients experiencing chronic pain and chronic illness.
I am trained in compassion focused therapy (CFT), Gottman method, and emotionally focused therapy ( EFT) to support individuals and couples in therapy.
I work with individuals and couples in therapy where my areas of focus include relational health, sexual health, emotional regulation, stress management, identity and self-compassion, transitions, and change, and have experience supporting clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. I am also trained in CFT to support clients experiencing chronic pain and chronic illness.

I use the Emotionally Focused therapy( EFT) approach.
Are you a parent of a teen?Is communication a struggle? Signs that your teen may need counselling support are; emotional outbursts, insomnia, poor academic performance, decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy, grief around a life transition, death of loved one or break up. Now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let us work together to support you and your teen!
I use the Emotionally Focused therapy( EFT) approach.
Are you a parent of a teen?Is communication a struggle? Signs that your teen may need counselling support are; emotional outbursts, insomnia, poor academic performance, decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy, grief around a life transition, death of loved one or break up. Now might be the time to connect with a therapist who can help. Let us work together to support you and your teen!

I primarily use ACT and EFT, which are about changing your relationship to your thoughts, emotions and behaviors, understanding patterns and the root causes to your issues, as well finding alternative ways of being.
Hi I'm Dave! I’m really happy you’re here—no one should have to navigate life alone. I work with both adults and couples. Therapy with me is like a warm, compassionate conversation with a close friend, where tears and even laughter can be found. I have experience supporting people through depression, ADHD, loss and grief, anxiety, identity exploration, navigating life’s transitions, understanding your relationship patterns and finding the right path of healing that works for you. Alongside my work as a therapist, I’m also a musician and artist with years of experience performing across Canada.
I primarily use ACT and EFT, which are about changing your relationship to your thoughts, emotions and behaviors, understanding patterns and the root causes to your issues, as well finding alternative ways of being.
Hi I'm Dave! I’m really happy you’re here—no one should have to navigate life alone. I work with both adults and couples. Therapy with me is like a warm, compassionate conversation with a close friend, where tears and even laughter can be found. I have experience supporting people through depression, ADHD, loss and grief, anxiety, identity exploration, navigating life’s transitions, understanding your relationship patterns and finding the right path of healing that works for you. Alongside my work as a therapist, I’m also a musician and artist with years of experience performing across Canada.

I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy-primarily used in couples counselling.
Life isn’t always hard, but when things get challenging, when feelings of anxiousness and despair seem overwhelming, seeing a counsellor can help. Having a place to say it all out loud can be the gateway to better emotional and mental health. Sorting through and dealing with issues of anger, abandonment, fear, trauma and hopelessness can help you restore balance in your life. We can work together to find your way forward.
I am available on weekends and evenings too.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy-primarily used in couples counselling.
Life isn’t always hard, but when things get challenging, when feelings of anxiousness and despair seem overwhelming, seeing a counsellor can help. Having a place to say it all out loud can be the gateway to better emotional and mental health. Sorting through and dealing with issues of anger, abandonment, fear, trauma and hopelessness can help you restore balance in your life. We can work together to find your way forward.
I am available on weekends and evenings too.

I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Attachment-based theory.
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult. As human beings, we are primed for connection with others. When we are facing obstacles, it can feel difficult to access the parts of us that help us in moving forward. I see my role as a facilitator in this process – meeting you where you are in your journey from a place of compassion & curiosity.
I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Attachment-based theory.
Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult. As human beings, we are primed for connection with others. When we are facing obstacles, it can feel difficult to access the parts of us that help us in moving forward. I see my role as a facilitator in this process – meeting you where you are in your journey from a place of compassion & curiosity.

Lisa Dexter
Licensed Professional Counsellor, RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dartmouth, NS B2X
I draw from many theories such as EMDR, ACT, EFT, and narrative therapy.
My ideal clients range in age from adolescents through adulthood, including couples and families. They may have a past history of trauma or grief, or perhaps they are presently struggling with symptoms of ADHD, life changes, or a breakdown of a key relationship. They may be feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure where to go next. They will be open to trying new ideas to help them on the path to feeling better, but will not be worried about talking to me when certain strategies that do not work for them, as they will know it is best that we use techniques that they are comfortable with and will use.
I draw from many theories such as EMDR, ACT, EFT, and narrative therapy.
My ideal clients range in age from adolescents through adulthood, including couples and families. They may have a past history of trauma or grief, or perhaps they are presently struggling with symptoms of ADHD, life changes, or a breakdown of a key relationship. They may be feeling completely overwhelmed and unsure where to go next. They will be open to trying new ideas to help them on the path to feeling better, but will not be worried about talking to me when certain strategies that do not work for them, as they will know it is best that we use techniques that they are comfortable with and will use.

Something that I offer that may help is Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Counselling offered to adults, couples, families, and youth. Anxiety, depression, stress, self esteem, relationship issues, ADHD can all be addressed using EFT and BFT principles.
Something that I offer that may help is Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT).
Counselling offered to adults, couples, families, and youth. Anxiety, depression, stress, self esteem, relationship issues, ADHD can all be addressed using EFT and BFT principles.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors

Kay Vinova
Psychologist, BSc, MSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dartmouth, NS B2W
Waitlist for new clients
When working with relationships, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist who works with adults struggling with issues such as trauma, disordered eating, emotional dysregulation, and religious conflict. I work with individuals and couples. I am committed to creating a safe space for clients of different gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and people with different types of romantic and/or sexual relationships. I take a collaborative, feminist, and empathetic approach, ensuring I am providing evidence-based treatment. Additionally, I offer assessments for adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
When working with relationships, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist who works with adults struggling with issues such as trauma, disordered eating, emotional dysregulation, and religious conflict. I work with individuals and couples. I am committed to creating a safe space for clients of different gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, and people with different types of romantic and/or sexual relationships. I take a collaborative, feminist, and empathetic approach, ensuring I am providing evidence-based treatment. Additionally, I offer assessments for adults for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I use interventions from emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and play therapy.
My clients are often children(5yrs+), adolescents, or young adults who are having difficulties with anxiety, emotion regulation, attachment difficulties, trauma, or general mental health challenges. Often my work with young children also involves working alongside parents to ensure that their child is being supported in all areas of their life.
I use interventions from emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and play therapy.
My clients are often children(5yrs+), adolescents, or young adults who are having difficulties with anxiety, emotion regulation, attachment difficulties, trauma, or general mental health challenges. Often my work with young children also involves working alongside parents to ensure that their child is being supported in all areas of their life.

I believe in using the appropriate type of therapy for each client, I have training in a variety of types of therapy including: EMDR, Cognitive Based , Logosynthesis, Cognitive Processing, Acceptance and Commitment, , Reality, Emotionally Focused, dialectical behaviour, solutions focused and internal family systems.
Accepting New Clients - Clients are brave to come to the counselling arena" I can offer over 20 years of counselling experience to assist with a deeper understanding of self. Counselling can provide shifts in perspective that can help alleviate suffering and increase coping skills in life. Through a greater understanding clients can start the healing process towards a stronger sense of healthier happier self by overcoming past hurts and refocusing on the hear and now.
I believe in using the appropriate type of therapy for each client, I have training in a variety of types of therapy including: EMDR, Cognitive Based , Logosynthesis, Cognitive Processing, Acceptance and Commitment, , Reality, Emotionally Focused, dialectical behaviour, solutions focused and internal family systems.
Accepting New Clients - Clients are brave to come to the counselling arena" I can offer over 20 years of counselling experience to assist with a deeper understanding of self. Counselling can provide shifts in perspective that can help alleviate suffering and increase coping skills in life. Through a greater understanding clients can start the healing process towards a stronger sense of healthier happier self by overcoming past hurts and refocusing on the hear and now.

My approach is rooted in evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
Life can feel like a lot to handle, especially when navigating relationship shifts. Whether it's the emotional toll of divorce, the strain of separation, the heartbreak of infidelity, or the complexities of parenting and communication, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed. The weight of external pressures often makes it hard to prioritize your emotional health. As a therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals, couples, and families through these challenging moments, helping you find lasting and meaningful change. My practice is neurodiverse-affirmative, fostering a space of warmth, acceptance, and curiosity.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based methods, including the Gottman Method, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Integrative Sex Therapy for Couples.
Life can feel like a lot to handle, especially when navigating relationship shifts. Whether it's the emotional toll of divorce, the strain of separation, the heartbreak of infidelity, or the complexities of parenting and communication, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed. The weight of external pressures often makes it hard to prioritize your emotional health. As a therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals, couples, and families through these challenging moments, helping you find lasting and meaningful change. My practice is neurodiverse-affirmative, fostering a space of warmth, acceptance, and curiosity.

Chris Hessian- Trauma & Couples Therapist
Licensed Professional Counsellor, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Dartmouth, NS B3B
Using EMDR, Internal Family Systems, ACT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, I offer a compassionate, tailored approach to support healing, build resilience, and foster deeper emotional connection.
It can feel overwhelming to carry the weight of past experiences or feel disconnected from those you love. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate trauma, mental health struggles, or relationship difficulties on your own. I will work with you to provide a safe, compassionate space for healing and growth. Together, we focus on building resilience, strengthening emotional bonds, and helping you reconnect with your authentic self for lasting, meaningful change.
Using EMDR, Internal Family Systems, ACT, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, I offer a compassionate, tailored approach to support healing, build resilience, and foster deeper emotional connection.
It can feel overwhelming to carry the weight of past experiences or feel disconnected from those you love. I understand how challenging it can be to navigate trauma, mental health struggles, or relationship difficulties on your own. I will work with you to provide a safe, compassionate space for healing and growth. Together, we focus on building resilience, strengthening emotional bonds, and helping you reconnect with your authentic self for lasting, meaningful change.

By exploring relationship patterns through an emotionally focused approach, my goal is to help you uncover and transform these patterns.
As a social worker candidate, I am dedicated to promoting a safe and supportive environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore their emotions and experiences. My approach is rooted in a person-centred approach, which allows me to truly see each client as a unique individual with their own story. In our collaborative work, I prioritize understanding your feelings, thoughts, and values, creating a space where you feel heard and validated.
By exploring relationship patterns through an emotionally focused approach, my goal is to help you uncover and transform these patterns.
As a social worker candidate, I am dedicated to promoting a safe and supportive environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore their emotions and experiences. My approach is rooted in a person-centred approach, which allows me to truly see each client as a unique individual with their own story. In our collaborative work, I prioritize understanding your feelings, thoughts, and values, creating a space where you feel heard and validated.

The main modalities I use include; EFT, CBT, Attachment-Based Therapies, and Mindfulness-Based practices— tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
I am currently a Master’s level MA in Counselling Psychology practicum student who is qualified to practice onsite under the clinical supervision of an approved practicum Supervisor. I recognize that feeling stuck is a universal human experience, one that can overwhelm individuals amidst life’s daily challenges. Often, what holds us back isn’t just the visible issue at hand, but the intricate web of emotions and past experiences woven beneath it. In my practice, I cultivate a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and therapeutic goals.
The main modalities I use include; EFT, CBT, Attachment-Based Therapies, and Mindfulness-Based practices— tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
I am currently a Master’s level MA in Counselling Psychology practicum student who is qualified to practice onsite under the clinical supervision of an approved practicum Supervisor. I recognize that feeling stuck is a universal human experience, one that can overwhelm individuals amidst life’s daily challenges. Often, what holds us back isn’t just the visible issue at hand, but the intricate web of emotions and past experiences woven beneath it. In my practice, I cultivate a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and therapeutic goals.

Jennifer Shadbolt
Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate, MSc, MEd, RCT-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Online Only
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I strongly believe healing happens within connection — with ourselves and with those we trust and love.
Loss takes many forms… the death of a loved one or a beloved pet…the loss of trust and emotional safety in a relationship… or the quiet grief of dreams unfulfilled. It can show up in life transitions like becoming a parent, facing infertility, navigating estrangement from a family member, or losing a sense of identity.
Each loss carries a unique kind of pain — one that is often invisible, complicated, and hard to hold. Whether your loss is clear or harder to name, the ache of your grief is real, and it can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and alone.
As an Emotionally Focused Therapist, I strongly believe healing happens within connection — with ourselves and with those we trust and love.
Loss takes many forms… the death of a loved one or a beloved pet…the loss of trust and emotional safety in a relationship… or the quiet grief of dreams unfulfilled. It can show up in life transitions like becoming a parent, facing infertility, navigating estrangement from a family member, or losing a sense of identity.
Each loss carries a unique kind of pain — one that is often invisible, complicated, and hard to hold. Whether your loss is clear or harder to name, the ache of your grief is real, and it can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and alone.

I am trained in EMDR and also draw on CBT, ACT, EFT, narrative therapy, somatic practices as well psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches.
Currently Accepting New Clients. I am a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate, who specializes in working with clients struggling with Trauma, Grief, Relationship issues, OCD, Complex Family Dynamics, Emotional Processing, Attachment concerns and anxiety/depression. I enjoy working with clients for symptom management and also in the realm of personal growth. All of my clients will be met with a warm and compassionate approach to create a space conducive to healing. I work with the general public 18+ as well as Veterans, WCB clients, and people on the Autism Spectrum.
I am trained in EMDR and also draw on CBT, ACT, EFT, narrative therapy, somatic practices as well psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches.
Currently Accepting New Clients. I am a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate, who specializes in working with clients struggling with Trauma, Grief, Relationship issues, OCD, Complex Family Dynamics, Emotional Processing, Attachment concerns and anxiety/depression. I enjoy working with clients for symptom management and also in the realm of personal growth. All of my clients will be met with a warm and compassionate approach to create a space conducive to healing. I work with the general public 18+ as well as Veterans, WCB clients, and people on the Autism Spectrum.
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Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.