Stephanie Townsend

MA, RCT, CCC

she/her

Registered Counselling Therapist

Connecting through relationships and supporting individuals in their own healing journey is at the heart of my passion. Growing up, I had a particularly strong connection and love for horses. This has since transformed into the cultivation of partnerships and programs that now allow me to offer services that include horses as therapeutic partners in some group sessions.

Recognizing the importance of relationships and their influence on our mental health and well-being has drawn me to attachment-based approaches.

I have spent much of my career supporting military and veteran populations and their families as well as the larger community. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities including The Circle of Security Parenting Program ©, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) © for individuals and couples, and Somatic Experiencing © to support trauma processing and release within the body. In my Equine Supported Wellness work utilizing horses in the therapeutic session, I have training in several programs and certifications across North America. My work has allowed me to support individuals, couples and families experiencing challenges with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship Breakdown, Child and Youth Behaviours, Post-Partum Psychosis and various Exceptionalities.

I am licensed through the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists as a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) and with the Canadian College of Psychotherapy Association as a Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC).

I invite you to reach out and connect with me to explore how I can support you in your healing journey.

Kathleen Murphy

B.Ed., MSW, RSW

she/her

Clinical Social Worker

I believe that we all have innate capacity to move towards healing and know that often healing is a process. Part of our restorative journey is ensuring that we have the right fit with our therapist. This relationship is critical in ensuring our sense of safety and feeling supported during challenging times. I genuinely strive to create an environment that feels supportive, offers compassion and creates a space where you feel like you can land and show up in a different way.

Having worked in the non-profit sector for over a decade, I am passionate about bringing together supports, communities and people. I have experience supporting individuals with trauma, attachment injury, life transitions, stress, anxiety, grief & loss and depression. I also offer couples counselling, family counselling and supporting parents with the day to day challenges of parenthood. Additionally, I have experience in women’s mental health, supporting those who are seeking a healthier balance in managing the daily pressures and feelings of stress, supporting single moms, and women experiencing relationship breakdowns.

I have adopted both attachment and trauma responsive approaches ensuring a client-centered experience. I have training in Somatic Experiencing which is a body based approach to treating trauma, Circle of Security Parenting ™, Narrative Therapy, the Gottman Method in supporting Couples, Emotion Focused Therapy and a myriad of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy trainings. I know that often the hardest part is making the first call to set up an appointment. Hesitation is normal as it can feel like an important decision. Let’s connect and see how I can support your pathway forward.

Michelle MacIsaac

MSW, RSW

** Not Accepting Clients **

Clinical Social Worker

I began my practice in 2000 with at-risk parents and children, not knowing the impact this work would have in shaping me. Driven by a desire to connect with people in need, I have been blessed to learn from the stories of many who have overcome extraordinary challenges.

Among the people I have been privileged to meet are: children with exceptionalities and their families, multi-stressed families, military members and veterans, couples facing tremendous conflict, loss and infertility, parents working to find a way to connect with their children, families coping with chronic and sometimes life-threatening illness, the grieving, survivors of childhood abuse, people battling addiction and those searching for peace from thoughts of suicide.

My experience has included work as an Early Interventionist, service as a Social Work Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Pediatric Social Worker with the IWK Health Centre, and a Child and Family Therapist with New Directions Parenting Centre in Manitoba and Greenwood Military Family Resource Centre.

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches rooted in attachment theory. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Circle of Security Parenting. I also have training in play based therapies including Theraplay.

My areas of specialization include trauma (developmental/attachment and complex trauma/ PTSD), parenting difficulties/disruptive behaviour, couple therapy, treatment of anxiety, adjustment, and depression (including Post-Partum), and exceptionalities including ADHD and Autism.

“The common thread in my work, and my daily inspiration, is the hope of relationship and healing.”

Sybil Power

RCT, CCC

Registered Counselling Therapist

Sybil is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, and a Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Beginning her career as a teacher, she is passionate about the social emotional health and development of children and adolescents. She has extensive experience as an Elementary / Middle School Classroom / Resource teacher as well as School Counsellor and is still employed part time in the school system in this capacity.

In her private practice, she has experience working with individuals across the lifespan. She believes that healing occurs in relationship and in the supportive networks that we have, or create, and therefore sees her work through an attachment and relational lens. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, grief and loss or trauma, Sybil believes that creating a warm, safe environment and relationship is the starting point for being able to address these concerns and move towards meaningful change in our lives.

Sybil is trained to offer several modalities within the context of a “person first” counselling relationship, such as EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT, for adults and children) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

“Sybil’s collaborative nature will ensure that together, you will find your best path forward.”

Azra Poe

MA, RCT-C

I am a white cis, genderqueer femme, nature-loving, silly being who lives in the forest. I am a somatic, relational, trauma therapist, and I am trained in working with past traumas, relational stress and chronic stress in a safe, contained and paced process. I am continuously amazed and humbled in hearing my clients’ stories. Not only the stories they tell, but how they tell them.

Healing happens when there is trust between the client and therapist and like any relationship, trust gets built over time. Trust allows for space to explore where habits and patterns stem from. In understanding the “why” of behaviour’s, we begin to develop compassion towards ourselves, our histories, and we can develop internal resources that support self-reflection, learning and growth. People have an innate wisdom and intelligence in their own body-mind system. My job is to be a guide in a non-judgmental space, so my clients can feel safe enough to be with their emotions without getting stuck there.

I am deeply influenced by Hakomi philosophy and incorporate the practice of a loving presence as a foundation within my work. For those facing constant oppression, I strive to create a space for rest and I prioritize the continuous work of decolonizing and de-pathologizing the therapist-client dynamic. I am human first, therapist second and believe connection is a beautiful place to heal.

Evie Dunville (Community Partner)

BA, BFA, DKATI

she/her

Art Therapist

Evie Dunville; born, raised and currently practicing Art Therapy in the beautiful K’jipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. Sometimes jeweller, sometimes doula, sometimes poet, sometimes singer, sometimes a writer – undeniably a hiker and an Art Therapist. I work in a Humanistic, Relational and Feminist frame, providing responsive client-centered support that is holistic, trauma-informed and wellness focused.

I started my journey to Art Therapy at Mount Saint Vincent University (2004), completing a BA in Psychology and English, followed by a quick trip around the world, teaching English in South Korea. Once back in Nova Scotia I completed a BFA in Jewellery Design and Metalsmithing from NSCAD University (2010), before earning my certification as an Art Therapist from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (2016). I continue learning each day, from my clients, from the earth, and through my colleagues and other professionals.

I believe in creating a sustainable and accessible environment for creativity and wellness to flourish. I often intertwine the written word with art, creating a body of work wherein the form is either emphasized or accentuated by prose and inspired by nature. This intentional approach permeates my sessions, meeting each new individual with respect, faith and acceptance.

Alissa Cue (Community Partner)

Competition Coach Specialist

she/her

Owner and Operator of Rohan Wood Stables

Alissa is an Equestrian Canada Level 1 Coach (Competition Coach) and owner/operator of Rohan Wood Stables. She has worked hard to expand the business from a three stall barn to a full scale boarding, lesson, training and show barn.

Alissa is an Honours Graduate of the Equine Science Certificate at Guelph University and achieved her B rating in Pony Club.

In 2003, Alissa established Evangeline Pony Club run out of Rohan Wood Stables. She continues to maintain her affiliation with Pony Club through involvement at the Regional and National Board.

Alissa can be found most weekends at a Pony Club function or coaching and competing at Hunter and Jumper shows around the Maritimes.

Alissa was the recipient of the Equine Canada/NCCP National Competition Coach/EC Level 1 Coach of the year in 2014 and more recently the NSEF Coach of the Year Award.