Psychodynamic Therapists in Halifax, NS
Have you been to therapy before and not had the results you were hoping for? You may have insight into some areas of your troubles, but that insight alone hasn’t been enough. I offer therapy that focuses on internal emotional processes, not how you can change your thinking, but how something can feel different in the moment. Therapy will feel like a corrective emotional experience, where we can work together to notice how your unconscious processes are shaping your experiences in the here and now. I will help you experience emotions safely, regulate your anxiety, and turn against your ways of coping that are keeping you stuck.
Have you been to therapy before and not had the results you were hoping for? You may have insight into some areas of your troubles, but that insight alone hasn’t been enough. I offer therapy that focuses on internal emotional processes, not how you can change your thinking, but how something can feel different in the moment. Therapy will feel like a corrective emotional experience, where we can work together to notice how your unconscious processes are shaping your experiences in the here and now. I will help you experience emotions safely, regulate your anxiety, and turn against your ways of coping that are keeping you stuck.
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.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, panic, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, panic, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
Healing from trauma isn't about "fixing" something that's broken within you; it's a profound unravelling of rediscovering and embracing the parts of yourself that have remained hidden in the shadows of fear and chaos. It's about dismantling destructive patterns created out of survival so that you can reconnect and come home to your authentic SELF. It's about learning to live with a full range of experiences and emotions and feeling as though you are capable, worthy, and enough.
Healing from trauma isn't about "fixing" something that's broken within you; it's a profound unravelling of rediscovering and embracing the parts of yourself that have remained hidden in the shadows of fear and chaos. It's about dismantling destructive patterns created out of survival so that you can reconnect and come home to your authentic SELF. It's about learning to live with a full range of experiences and emotions and feeling as though you are capable, worthy, and enough.
I use different modalities - psychodynamic, CBT, somatics, humanistic, social/structural, biological/neuropsychological - taking the time to get to know the person I'm working with, and choosing strategies that fit their individual circumstances.
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for nearly 20 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
I use different modalities - psychodynamic, CBT, somatics, humanistic, social/structural, biological/neuropsychological - taking the time to get to know the person I'm working with, and choosing strategies that fit their individual circumstances.
Dr Birchwood, aka TheDivergenceDoctor, has worked in mental health and social services for nearly 20 years; creating practices and spaces to serve communities in a variety of ways. This provides you with a multitude of talents and experiences to help you live the life you want, in the way you want. They meld history, sociology, and psychology; giving weight to social determinants of health such as race, gender, ability, and trauma. Dr Birchwood believes knowledge is power and knowing yourself is the path to freedom. Who are you? Where have you been? How do you want to live?
I'm Joleen, a queer, cisgender therapist based in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). I support individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, self-discovery, self-worth, and life transitions. Many of the folks I sit with are trying to reconnect with themselves, feel less overwhelmed, and be a bit kinder to the parts of them that are struggling.
I'm Joleen, a queer, cisgender therapist based in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). I support individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, identity exploration, self-discovery, self-worth, and life transitions. Many of the folks I sit with are trying to reconnect with themselves, feel less overwhelmed, and be a bit kinder to the parts of them that are struggling.
I often use a Psychodynamic approach in my practice.
We are all thrown into this journey of life without our consent. While life can be astonishingly beautiful, it has a way of testing our limits and pushing us to our breaking point at times. I am here to offer you a guiding hand along the way and to provide you with additional support to navigate the rough waves of life. I offer sessions to adolescents, adults and couples, helping them with diverse concerns. I have an easy-going, non-judgemental attitude fostered on meeting the client with unconditional positive regard. I use a strength-based, person-centred approach, being mindful that the client is the expert of their own care.
I often use a Psychodynamic approach in my practice.
We are all thrown into this journey of life without our consent. While life can be astonishingly beautiful, it has a way of testing our limits and pushing us to our breaking point at times. I am here to offer you a guiding hand along the way and to provide you with additional support to navigate the rough waves of life. I offer sessions to adolescents, adults and couples, helping them with diverse concerns. I have an easy-going, non-judgemental attitude fostered on meeting the client with unconditional positive regard. I use a strength-based, person-centred approach, being mindful that the client is the expert of their own care.
My practice is attachment based, trauma informed, psychodynamic, and draws upon multiple modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Are you having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviours? Have you begun to explore your attachment style and would like to learn how to become more secure? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. My practice aims to highlight your strengths while finding solutions for unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, helping you to move forward and thrive in the areas of your life which are most important to you.
My practice is attachment based, trauma informed, psychodynamic, and draws upon multiple modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Are you having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviours? Have you begun to explore your attachment style and would like to learn how to become more secure? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged. My practice aims to highlight your strengths while finding solutions for unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, helping you to move forward and thrive in the areas of your life which are most important to you.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. For over 30 years, Dr. Nina Woulff, Psychologist & Associates, has provided thoughtful, compassionate, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families in Halifax. Our experienced team is carefully selected for their training, clinical skills, and areas of specialization. We understand that each person’s situation is shaped by many factors — including life stage, relationships, personal history, and change — and we take care to provide support that is tailored to your needs.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. For over 30 years, Dr. Nina Woulff, Psychologist & Associates, has provided thoughtful, compassionate, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families in Halifax. Our experienced team is carefully selected for their training, clinical skills, and areas of specialization. We understand that each person’s situation is shaped by many factors — including life stage, relationships, personal history, and change — and we take care to provide support that is tailored to your needs.
I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist. I work with adults, teens (13+) and couples. I enjoy working with a variety of symptoms/diagnoses (see below). I'm passionate about collaborating with my clients and offering a variety of options for treatment that include the following: blending together skills/approaches from different modalities depending on the need of my client, helping clients to develop insight, educating and empowering clients to acquire a skill set to more effectively manage their symptoms, and helping clients learn it's safe to be vulnerable by engaging them in a therapy that challenges defense mechanisms.
I have 10+ years of experience as a therapist. I work with adults, teens (13+) and couples. I enjoy working with a variety of symptoms/diagnoses (see below). I'm passionate about collaborating with my clients and offering a variety of options for treatment that include the following: blending together skills/approaches from different modalities depending on the need of my client, helping clients to develop insight, educating and empowering clients to acquire a skill set to more effectively manage their symptoms, and helping clients learn it's safe to be vulnerable by engaging them in a therapy that challenges defense mechanisms.
Drawing on advanced training in CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, I provide evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment.
I view therapy as a collaborative and meaningful journey. I create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and experiences openly. I have a particular specialty in supporting individuals experiencing psychosis, including voice hearing, offering compassionate, evidence-informed care. I also work with older adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, attachment concerns, chronic health issues, grief, life transitions, stress, and relationship challenges, fostering resilience and lasting wellbeing.
Drawing on advanced training in CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, I provide evidence-based, goal-oriented treatment.
I view therapy as a collaborative and meaningful journey. I create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and experiences openly. I have a particular specialty in supporting individuals experiencing psychosis, including voice hearing, offering compassionate, evidence-informed care. I also work with older adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, attachment concerns, chronic health issues, grief, life transitions, stress, and relationship challenges, fostering resilience and lasting wellbeing.
Whether you're facing a specific challenge or feeling that something isn't quite right, I'm here to help. My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative. I work from a culturally affirming, trauma-informed lens that honours your communities and strengths, while also staying attentive to the broader systems and experiences that shape how you move through the world.
Together we can slow down, make sense of whats beneath the surface, and work on strengthening your capacity to cope and heal.
Whether you're facing a specific challenge or feeling that something isn't quite right, I'm here to help. My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative. I work from a culturally affirming, trauma-informed lens that honours your communities and strengths, while also staying attentive to the broader systems and experiences that shape how you move through the world.
Together we can slow down, make sense of whats beneath the surface, and work on strengthening your capacity to cope and heal.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or your purpose? Maybe you’ve experienced a loss, are navigating a transition, or are curious about how past experiences may be shaping your life today. My compassionate, person-centred approach blends Art Therapy, Talk Therapy and Somatics to support the complex, and sometimes conflicting, emotions that come with being human. Rooted in a background in Neuroscience, my approach recognizes the powerful connection between the brain and body. I deeply believe in your innate capacity to heal and grow, and always honour that you are the expert in your own life.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or your purpose? Maybe you’ve experienced a loss, are navigating a transition, or are curious about how past experiences may be shaping your life today. My compassionate, person-centred approach blends Art Therapy, Talk Therapy and Somatics to support the complex, and sometimes conflicting, emotions that come with being human. Rooted in a background in Neuroscience, my approach recognizes the powerful connection between the brain and body. I deeply believe in your innate capacity to heal and grow, and always honour that you are the expert in your own life.
Elizabeth Berlasso
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, SEP, CCC
4 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
Waitlist for new clients
Taking new clients for in-person appts. A 15-min. free consult by phone is available. Online appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. My approach to therapy is rooted in the view that people have an inherent capacity for healthiness. I will work with you to uncover that wellbeing again so that you can live the life you deserve with more vitality and authenticity whether you suffer from chronic illness, the burden of a traumatic injury or complex trauma, a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, unprocessed grief, or the malaise that comes from being over-stressed and not coping as well as you'd like.
Taking new clients for in-person appts. A 15-min. free consult by phone is available. Online appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. My approach to therapy is rooted in the view that people have an inherent capacity for healthiness. I will work with you to uncover that wellbeing again so that you can live the life you deserve with more vitality and authenticity whether you suffer from chronic illness, the burden of a traumatic injury or complex trauma, a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, unprocessed grief, or the malaise that comes from being over-stressed and not coping as well as you'd like.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
The process relies on insights, which are self-realizations and self-knowledge of deep-rooted thoughts, emotions, memories, or reasonings of what, why, and how events happened in the past. Experiencing deep-rooted realizations helps patients find reason, meaning, and context in their lives.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
The process relies on insights, which are self-realizations and self-knowledge of deep-rooted thoughts, emotions, memories, or reasonings of what, why, and how events happened in the past. Experiencing deep-rooted realizations helps patients find reason, meaning, and context in their lives.
I work from the perspective that everyone has basic healthiness, a natural yearning for brilliant sanity and the wisdom of wholeness as part of their being. Conditioning and confusion can obscure these endowments but they are never absent. My job is to help draw out this wisdom for healing that is already there, by encouraging awareness. I begin with client-centered listening that honours where you are now, and the change you want. I then move into more experiential work to facilitate transformation. The contract for change and the pace of change is always in the client's hands
I work from the perspective that everyone has basic healthiness, a natural yearning for brilliant sanity and the wisdom of wholeness as part of their being. Conditioning and confusion can obscure these endowments but they are never absent. My job is to help draw out this wisdom for healing that is already there, by encouraging awareness. I begin with client-centered listening that honours where you are now, and the change you want. I then move into more experiential work to facilitate transformation. The contract for change and the pace of change is always in the client's hands
My clinical orientation is strongly rooted in the integration of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories.
My practice is general in scope. I work with individuals presenting with anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorders, major depressive disorders, and other mood-related conditions. I also work with individuals presenting with personality disorders, trauma and other relational/interpersonal difficulties. I provide comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessment services (e.g., ADHD, ASD, brain Injury, personality and interpersonal functioning). Over time, my clients' symptoms reduce, and we shift focus to finding meaning and fulfillment in life.
My clinical orientation is strongly rooted in the integration of psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral theories.
My practice is general in scope. I work with individuals presenting with anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorders, major depressive disorders, and other mood-related conditions. I also work with individuals presenting with personality disorders, trauma and other relational/interpersonal difficulties. I provide comprehensive psychological and neuropsychological assessment services (e.g., ADHD, ASD, brain Injury, personality and interpersonal functioning). Over time, my clients' symptoms reduce, and we shift focus to finding meaning and fulfillment in life.
I use a combination of evidence-based modalities, including: EMDR, CBT, IFS, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, DBT, ACT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
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.
I use a combination of evidence-based modalities, including: EMDR, CBT, IFS, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, DBT, ACT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
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.
Clients come to me when they (or their loved ones) are dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, mood swings, challenging life events, flash backs, PTSD, or childhood trauma. I use Brainspotting, EMDR, Creative Arts therapy and other strength-based approaches to help clients build confidence, self-understanding, and concrete strategies to manage the challenges of daily life. My clients learn about the brain-body connection of their distress and challenges, building positive skills to be able to manage life’s stresses and become less overwhelmed by emotional triggers.
Clients come to me when they (or their loved ones) are dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, mood swings, challenging life events, flash backs, PTSD, or childhood trauma. I use Brainspotting, EMDR, Creative Arts therapy and other strength-based approaches to help clients build confidence, self-understanding, and concrete strategies to manage the challenges of daily life. My clients learn about the brain-body connection of their distress and challenges, building positive skills to be able to manage life’s stresses and become less overwhelmed by emotional triggers.
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.
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Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.