Emily Bushell is the owner and Clinical Director of Wholetherapy. Emily is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, a Canadian Counsellor Supervisor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and an Approved Consultant with the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association.
Emily has over 10 years of counselling experience and has been training and supervising other clinicians and helping professionals over the past 4 years. Emily is passionate about healing and growth in the face of adversity. She completed her undergraduate and graduate research on the topic of posttraumatic growth and healing. In practice, she has been drawn to working with trauma survivors who are ready to make important changes in their lives. She believes that empowerment and connection are the cornerstones of healing and wellness.
Most recently, Emily has turned her focus towards “helping the helpers”. Emily supports the team of clinicians at Wholetherapy, provides consultation to other therapists who are interested in honing their skills, supervision to new therapists entering the field, and training to organizations with mental health staff. Emily works with the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute as a trainer. She delivers training to healthcare workers on the topics of trauma, vicarious trauma, resiliency, and other subjects. Emily also provides workshops and crisis support to federal agencies with Health Canada as a part of their Specialized Organizational Services Team. Emily also works as a facilitator with Envision Services’ EMDR basic training program.
Emily holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) from Cape Breton University.
Emily is on leave from all external bookings but continues to support her team internally.
Matthew Hall has a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Matthew has a trauma-informed approach to therapy using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Matthew comes from a background of working with clients with a diverse array of mental health issues as a mental health worker in an assisted living setting.
Matthew is interested in a working with diverse populations, and has experience working with such issues as abuse/neglect, substance abuse, and depression, as well as experience working with LGBTQ+, First Nations, and BIPOC communities. Time spent as a mental health worker has also provided Matthew experience with a variety of mental health disorders and issues related to acquired brain injury.
Matthew enters sessions with open-minded understanding, and humanistic approach that aims to foster a sense of ease and acceptance with clients.
Jessie views each client as an expert on their own experiences and works collaboratively with the client to develop and implement individualized treatment plans. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, client-centered, and Mindfulness based approaches within her counselling sessions to assist clients in making meaningful changes within their own lives.
Prior to pursuing her degree in Counselling, Jessie worked in residential care facilities caring for adults with various physical and mental health challenges. Jessie also has experience working with at risk youth in residential group homes. These professional roles have shaped Jessie’s integrative approach to clients, which emphasizes the importance of, and interaction between, the physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects of one’s health and well-being.
Jessie is interested in working with diverse populations, and has experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal relationship challenges, as well as individuals of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jessie completed her Master of Arts Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Jessie also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies from Cape Breton University (CBU)
Sometimes life can throw you curveballs or be difficult to manage, but we don't have to navigate this process alone. Maintaining a mentally and emotionally balanced life is important in creating overall wellbeing and functioning. While striving for that balance, it is also important to know and understand your limitations and strengths. This process of creating balance can sometimes be difficult, but having an effective mental health professional accompany you along the journey of exploring and unpacking given thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviours along the way can make the journey that much easier and less overwhelming.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) who believes that each individual deserves to feel heard and supported. I also believe that there is no bigger show of strength than embracing help when it is needed. I have experience working with individuals and their situations related to trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, substance use, and self esteem. I believe in creating an environment of support and compassion, which fosters a space for clients to better understand their needs.
My educational background is science focused and I have practice previously from a combined approach, ensuring that the therapy is person-centered and tailored to the specific needs of the client. The integrative approach of therapy is effective at examining the overall needs of a client and aims to incorporate well-being in all the given areas of ones life.
Khanden prioritizes a sense of individualized care by co-creating a shared space based on understanding to allow for therapy to be a collaborative process in attaining your wellness goals. As a therapist and support, Khanden focuses on understanding you and your lived experiences, while drawing on affective neuroscience and attachment theory, in order to help contextualize the difficulties you experience, and to explore how to navigate those difficulties together in ways that would lead to a fuller and more fulfilling life.
Khanden has had training in various psychotherapy approaches and draws mostly from forms of evidence-based psychodynamic therapies, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) & Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), to consider and involve the complexities of being human to address the diverse set struggles we can often experience.
After graduating from Saint Mary's University, Khanden went on to complete his Master's degree in counselling from Acadia University and is a Registered Counselling Therapist, Candidate, with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Since then, Khanden has come to gather a wealth of experience in supporting those struggling with a range of mental and emotional difficulties, from anxiety, depression, relationship problems, abuse, and in cases of medically unexplained symptoms.
Khanden is currently welcoming new clients for both online and in-person sessions, offering a blend of expertise, empathy, and personalized care to support your journey towards wellness.
Julia has been dedicated to the helping field since 2010, driven by her deep compassion for others. Her commitment to making a positive impact led her to pursue a career as a counsellor. With a person-centered approach, Julia empowers clients to find balance and stability in their lives. By recognizing and harnessing their strengths, she guides clients to build confidence and regain control of their life's journey.
Previously, Julia ran her own successful private practice as a Registered Professional Counsellor from 2018 to 2021. This experience fuelled her desire to provide even more comprehensive support to her clients, leading her back to school to pursue a Master's degree. During her time in private practice, Julia worked with individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and advocacy ensures that she creates a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Julia has cultivated strong relationships within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is a passionate ally.
Julia is currently a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a Diploma in Human Services.
Avani is a Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate and Clinical Psychologist committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Her client-centered approach fosters collaboration, helping each person to discover their unique strengths and set personalized therapy goals. Avani believes that everyone is naturally inclined towards positive psychological growth.
She has extensive experience working in a multi-specialty hospital setting under three psychiatrists. Avani's expertise spans across various age groups and mental disorders. She is dedicated to her continuous education and professional development, staying informed of the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the best care.
Avani's passion lies in supporting individuals through their mental wellness and personal growth journeys. Whether tackling overwhelming emotions, navigating life's transitions, or seeking deeper self-awareness, she offers unwavering support at every step.
She holds a special interest in addressing women's issues, including Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Postpartum Depression (PPD), and menopause-related depression, focusing on building strong connections with clients to collaboratively develop effective treatment plans.
Her integrative therapeutic approach combines various modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to meet the individual needs of her clients. Avani is currently welcoming new clients and offers both in-person and telehealth sessions, catering to a wide range of preferences and ensuring accessible support for all.
‘In secret life, many of us have confusions, thoughts, feelings, and desires that we have no place to express. This beautiful stranger called a 'Therapist' can study your life, understand your feelings, and guide you the right way.” - Avani
Ayesha completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Ayesha has completed her bachelor’s degree in medicine and sciences (M.B.B.S) with a focus of training in counselling various mental health issues. Ayesha has previously worked in teaching hospital and educational settings and has an experience in working with diverse group of clients.
Ayesha is inclined to integrate the treatment modalities according to the individual needs and preference of the client. Her goal is to work collaboratively and walk alongside with the clients in navigating their cause of psychological distress and moving in the direction that is empowering to them. Ayesha speaks both Urdu/Hindi languages and welcomes those who prefer services in Urdu/Hindi languages. Ayesha provides individual therapy as well as couples therapy in her practice. Currently, she is offering both in-person as well as online (telehealth) sessions.
Ayesha works from an integrative model approach and utilizes Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Interventions. She provides specialized treatment, known as Eye-Movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for various mental health problems. Ayesha is basic trained in EMDR and is currently engaged in training to become EMDR certified therapist.
Ayesha is interested in working with diverse populations and has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation, self-esteem issues, stress, anger, grief, relationship and interpersonal issues, as well as with the LGBTQ+ community. Ayesha welcomes indigenous clients as well as well as those from different ethnic or racial backgrounds. Ayesha is committed to build therapeutic alliances that help clients in identifying themselves in a supportive environment which enhances personal growth.
Lindsey MacDonald, originally from Cape Breton Island, has called Halifax home for the last two decades. During her nearly 20-year career in education, Lindsey has held roles such as Student Support Teacher, Transition Teacher, Department Head for Student Services, and is currently serving as a School Counsellor. With an impressive educational background that spans across diverse fields of mental health and education, Lindsey holds multiple Masters of Education degrees from Acadia University in Counselling, from St. Francis Xavier University in Leadership and Administration with a focus on Mental Health, and from Mount Saint Vincent University in Supporting Diverse Learners with Needs and Exceptionalities.
As a Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate (RCT-C) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.), Lindsey's approach is all about understanding, empathy, and supporting growth. She has a special knack for helping children discover their strengths, advocate for themselves, and set goals. Lindsey believes in hope, resilience, and the unique potential in everyone, striving to make her therapy sessions a place where clients of all ages feel relaxed, supported, and empowered to tackle life's challenges.
When not working, Lindsey loves road trips, culinary adventures, live music, and outdoor summers. She enjoys time with her friends and family, two special Boston Terriers (Clem and Ringo), and her much loved nephew. She's actively involved in her community, volunteering with Hospice Halifax as a Group Bereavement Facilitator. This role underscores her dedication to providing compassionate support to those navigating grief and loss.
At Wholetherapy, Lindsey is currently welcoming new patients, offering her expertise in counselling to both children and adults. Her approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from her extensive background in education and mental health to provide tailored support that meets the unique needs of each individual and family.
Jessica Gingras RCT CCC takes a collaborative and integrative approach to her work with clients, acknowledging that adverse or traumatic life events can impact individuals in many different ways throughout their lives.
Jessica is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and originates from Ontario. Before moving into clinical practice, Jessica served in the Canadian Forces as a clerk and now is an active participant in military family culture and has experience working with clients who share in this culture.
Jessica has a special interest in working with adults with ADHD, Autism and people in the neurodivergent community and helping them navigate the specific challenges they may experience throughout their lives. Jessica is also passionate about working with clients who belong to marginalized groups. She acknowledges that every person has a unique experience of their own intersection of identities. Jessica brings a feminist framework and a social justice orientation to her work and is an advocate for BIPOC and LGBT+ rights. She integrates cultural competence, anti-racism, and inclusivity into her clinical practice.
Jessica has experience working with individuals with a history of trauma, those living with mental illness, and those who struggle to maintain healthy relationships. She encourages her clients to explore their past and current selves through a compassionate lens and uses an integrative approach to help them foster an understanding of their thoughts, behaviours, and emotional experiences to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Jessica tailors her treatment plans to suit each individual client. Her clinical approach is informed by the mind-body connection, somatic interventions, trauma-informed practices and client-centred care. Jessica also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a trauma processing modality.
Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours) from York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies (Honours) from York University.
Karen Belliveau has been working in various human services fields for 26 years. She is a French speaking social worker, registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work. She is a warm and friendly individual, who welcomes the use of humor in therapy as a form of healing. As a competitive bodybuilder, she understands how the physical and mental function as one, which enables her to incorporate workable lifestyle routines and habits into a holistic treatment approach. As a clinician, she meets your unique needs with an eclectic therapeutic style.
Karen is strengths based and solution focused, trained in EMDR (trauma), CBT (anxiety & depression), CBT -TI (trauma informed), CBT-ED (eating disorders) and DBT (emotional regulation & distress tolerance). She has over 11 years experience working with concurrent disorders and specializes in the field of addictions (Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction Principals).
Karen takes a trauma approach and has worked closely with Indigenous and French Acadian populations in schools, clinics, and private practice settings. She has provided services to children, adolescents, and adults presenting with various concerns as individuals, couples, families, and groups. Other interests are working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), BPD, Couple/Family Therapy, Victims of abuse/neglect, Narcissistic relationship survivors, Grief (including suicide loss), Co-parenting, Burnout and Life/Adjustment issues.
Karen brings to her sessions, a respectful sense of curiosity about the people she serves. She strives to create a safe space for all and believes that therapy helps to locate, claim, and hone skills naturally occurring within us.
Karen holds a Master degree in Social Work (with distinction) from Renison-University of Waterloo, a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from University of Manitoba and a Human Services diploma from NSCC (Honours). She is offering phone, virtual and in-person sessions, with virtual or phone sessions only in New Brunswick.
Karen is happy to accept new clients at this time.
Meaghan is a Certified Canadian Counsellor and Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate within the college of Nova Scotia Counselling Therapists. Meaghan holds a Master of Education in Counselling from Acadia University. Using a holistic lens, Meaghan aims to work in collaboration with the client supporting the social, physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health.
Using a trauma informed approach to care, Meaghan draws on evidence-based modalities tailored to support the unique nature of clients. She draws on modalities from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), narrative therapy techniques, and mindfulness-based techniques. Meaghan believes the client inherently holds the qualities necessary for healing and frequently incorporates strength-based and self-compassion techniques into the therapeutic environment. Meaghan also provides clients with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a trauma processing modality.
Meaghan spent many of her own developmental and childhood years living outside of Canada, where she was born. These lived experiences fostered a value and respect for the unique nature of every lived experience and views the client as the expert of their own life.
Meaghan offers individual counselling to adults and older adolescents. She welcomes clients from various backgrounds and has experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, PTSD, trauma, and relationship challenges. Prior to pursuing clinical work, Meaghan worked for many years within a post-secondary setting supporting young adults with anxiety and life transitions.
Deanne has over 25 years of front-line counselling experience with issues ranging from but not limited to:
Utilizing a strength-based approach with a Humanistic foundation, believing in the inner potential of all, and working to access that which is hidden from our usual way of thinking and of showing up in the world. Originally from Saskatoon, Deanne has worked and lived in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia before settling in Nova Scotia in 2019. She has also been called upon to do workshops and presentations at Physicians’ General Meeting (Vancouver), Social Work Conferences (Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton) and The University of Hong Kong (Risk Threat Protocol).
Deanne has experience in various treatment modalities to adapt to the client’s needs. These include:
Deanne is passionate about her chosen profession and the people she meets and serves.
Connect with Deanne today to see how her energy and creativity can assist in your healing journey and increase your quality of life.
Please note that Deanne is no longer accepting new clients and that online booking is reserved for her current caseload only.
Carolyn Hauser has her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. She had previously completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in neuroscience from Acadia University in Wolfville, NS. Carolyn takes on a collaborative and integrative approach to counselling, drawing on solutions-focused, cognitive-behavioural, and trauma informed modalities. In addition to her developing skill base, Carolyn brings into each session her warmth and respect for each client’s unique life experiences. She is also EMDR trained and offers this therapy to her clients .
Prior to living in Nova Scotia, Carolyn grew up in rural Saskatchewan. This lived experience has provided insight into the difficulties associated with accessing mental health resources and education in rural areas, which has ultimately been a driving force behind her decision to enter the mental health field.
Carolyn is interested in working with diverse clientele and is engaged in allyship with the LGBTQ+, First Nations, and BIPOC communities. She brings with her a feminist and social constructivist perspective, allowing clients to explore their identities in a supportive environment. Carolyn has also gained valuable experience working with adults who are neuro-diverse and have unique mental health needs.
Carolyn aims to understand the individual perspectives and lived experiences of her clients, so that she can curate the treatment plan to suit their unique needs.
Carolyn is no longer accepting new clients and as such online booking is reserved for her current caseload only.
Jane Gavin-Hebert is a Clinical Social Worker (RSW) with the Nova Scotia College of Social Work and is approved by Canada Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher with 250 yoga certification hours (RYT 250). Jane has specialization in trauma-informed approaches, yin yoga, and yoga nidra. As a social worker, anti-oppression and feminist methods are central to her therapeutic practice.
Jane has experience counselling youth and adults of all gender backgrounds through street outreach, needle exchange programs, and in a variety of settings including schools, prisons, and community-based organizations in her role as a trauma therapist. Specializing in working with survivors of gender-based and sexualized violence, Jane spent 11 years working at the local sexual assault centre.
As a EMDR Certified Therapist, Jane offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a trauma processing modality, and draws on self-compassion and narrative therapy techniques. Jane brings an affectionate curiosity and relational healing approach to therapy, and hopes to cultivate meaningful connection and attunement with clients.
Jane holds a Master of Social Work, a Master of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Women’s Studies.
Please note that Jane is no longer accepting new clients and that online booking is reserved for her current caseload only.
Lauren MacKenzie is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She holds a Masters of Education in Counselling from Acadia University. Lauren believes in whole-person care that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit in healing. She offers individual therapy for adults and older adolescents on their journey to wellness.
Lauren emphasizes an integrative and trauma-informed approach to client-centred counselling, weaving in strategies that respond to clients individual needs. She views clients through an attachment-focused lens embracing each client’s unique perspectives and life experiences with curiosity and playfulness. Her goal is to accompany clients as a compassionate guide through their times of crisis and transition as they work to integrate their experiences.
Lauren is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) techniques. She encourages mindfulness, movement, and connection to the natural world in her practice to help clients thrive in their lives. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) therapy as a trauma processing modality. She relies on evidence-based practices and believes in continually learning and expanding her practice.
Lauren invites work with clients experiencing difficulties in many areas of life, including anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and trauma. She welcomes clients from diverse demographics and strives to be an ally in social justice.
