Our Team

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller

At Clannad, we encourage a strong emphasis on nurturing relationships and making mental health accessible for all in the community.

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

she/her

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.”

Robyn Levy

MA, RCT-C

she/her

Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate)

I believe the way in which we each uniquely interpret our world informs our experience in it.  I feel part of my responsibility in my work is to help my clients better understand their inner experiences, find ways to attend to their own needs and move towards healing.

A love of music and recognizing its profound emotional impact on people led me to my first career as a music therapist. It was through my work as a music therapist that I was able to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings and identify my passion for supporting those struggling with mental health challenges. This led me to continue my education and obtain my master’s degree in the field of counselling psychology.

As a registered counselling therapist candidate, I strive to provide my clients with an environment which feels safe, warm, and free of judgement. I strongly believe that the strength of our relationships with others and sense of security within those relationships has a tremendous impact on our mental health and well-being. This belief influences my counselling approach and although I work from a variety of different therapeutic models, I view mental health through an attachment lens. I have experience working with children and adults addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions and relationship conflict. I have completed additional training in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT).

Kim Therriault

MA, RCT-C

she/her

Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate)

I believe powerful healing can take place when our stories and emotions are witnessed and validated.

As a therapist, I aim to create a warm and safe landing space for my clients that is full of unconditional acceptance. A place where old wounds, both big and small, can be brought into the light, and our authentic selves can come out from hiding. My work is collaborative and holistic, integrating body, mind, and spirit, and I welcome all parts of you, even (especially!) the angry, rejected parts.

I’m an endlessly curious person who is deeply committed to my own growth, and I know how vulnerable it can feel to sit on the other side of the chair as a therapy client. I believe this helps me relate to my clients and allows me to show up more authentically with them.

As a Registered Counseling Therapist, I have training in complex trauma and emotionally focused therapy (EFT) with a particular interest in working with clients who identify as neurodiverse. I also have experience supporting parents and am currently offering couples and relationship counselling.

If you feel like something is missing in your life, or you want to make a change but aren’t sure where to start, please reach out. You are so worth it!

Carrie Bahm

RCC

she/her

Registered Clinical Counsellor

What kind of free spirit is it that breathes through me and is the dominant influence in
my life?” (H.Luke)

I began counselling 20yrs ago combining depth psychology with body work in the form
of craniosacral therapy and zero balancing. I first began working in a pastoral care
centre and later a sexual assault centre, where I further developed a body-centered
approach supporting clients towards an integrated recovery. Branching out into private
practice, I worked with people from all walks of life, also facilitating grief and women
support groups.

While working through my own life patterns, I experienced my own health crisis and
discovered symptoms were my body’s way of speaking. I realized both symptoms and
synchronicity had symbolic meaning in helping me to live my own authentic life.
Through my own transformative experiences, I felt called to bring together depth
counselling with body therapy as a path to wholeness.

I have experience working with grief and loss, loneliness, health issues/diagnosis,
psychosomatic/psychophysical symptoms, PTSD/trauma, soul loss, depression and
anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions (divorce, aging, end of life) and dream work.
I also facilitate group therapy for women.

I have training in Advanced Craniosacral therapy and zero balancing, focussing,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, coma communication and Authentic Movement training.

If you’re looking for a wholistic approach to counselling, I’d be happy to connect with
you to support your healing journey

Sybil Power

RCT-C, CCC

she/her

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 nd your best path forward.”

Evie Dunville

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.

Samantha Gravel

BA

she/her

Office Manager

As a transplant Nova Scotian, I have truly grown to appreciate the beautiful community I am surrounded in. I landed here in the Annapolis Valley in 2012 to join my then fiancé after finishing my degree at the University of New Brunswick.    

My life plan was to become a teacher…that quickly changed.  I found myself in a role at our local family resource centre that allowed me to not only provide front line client services, but to have a part in behind-the-scenes event planning and orchestrating and to be on the ground, participating in my community in a way I had never experienced before. My passion for community minded work was ignited.  

After having my daughter and recognizing that I needed to continue in grass roots, community focused client services, I went in search of a new something and I found Clannad.   

With an introduction to Circle of Security, I knew that I did not just discover a new framework for relationships, I also found a mental health practice that believes in people and in our inherent worth.   

I am passionate about removing barriers to mental health services and supporting every person to find a healing journey that feels right for them. If you are unsure of what supports you need, or are new to therapy, simply send me an email or give me a quick call and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming and sometimes it feels impossible to find the right fit. That is where I can come in and journey alongside you. I look forward to connecting with you and discovering how we at Clannad can support your healing journey.  

Alissa Cue

Level 1 Equestrian Coach

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.

Glossary of Treatment Modalities, Methods or Procedures

(SE) Somatic Experiencing
(COS) Circle of Security
(ESW) Equine Supported Wellness
(EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EFT) Emotion Focused Therapy
(DBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
(CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Play Based therapies including Theraplay
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
(ACT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
(TF-CBT) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(MI) Motivational Interviewing
(CPT) Cognitive Processing Therapy
(EFTC) Emotion Focussed Therapy for Couples