Cancellation Policy
Please note 24 hour notice must be given to avoid being charged for cancelled or missed appointments.
Address
1 Mount Cashel Road
St. John's, NL
A1A 1X6
Phone
709 738-0432Hillary’s framework is rooted in a Client-Centered Approach, with a belief that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process, tailoring treatment modalities to meet an individual’s unique needs and goals. In sessions Hillary utilizes components from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Structured Relapse Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment Theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Gottman Method.
Hillary strives to create a therapeutic atmosphere that is warm, non-judgemental, and comfortable to support people in their wellness journey.
Education
· Bachelor of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland
· Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University
Registration
· Registered Social Worker with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW), #3718
B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.(Counselling Psychology), C.C.C.
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY COUNSELLING
AGES: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24) and Adults, Seniors
Arwa has a natural ability to connect with clients using a holistic counselling approach. She helps clients to understand the essence of being present through mindfulness in order to see more clearly how personal growth is possible and attainable.
Arwa has expertise in working with diverse clients – individually and in groups—experiencing a wide range of client issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, job loss and career transition, childhood sexual abuse, transition from adolescence to adulthood, and coping with adult effects of parental divorce. She draws from a variety of counselling theories and perspectives and also uses imagery and visualization techniques when working with clients.
Arwa believes the counsellor-client connection is integral to effective counselling and helps clients to look at themselves with compassion, openness, and curiosity.
Arwa Brown Counsellor
Arwa Brown B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., C.C.C.
Education
B.A., B.Ed., Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology), Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
Certification
Certified Counsellor, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, #2380
Personality Dimensions® Facilitator Certificate, Career/Lifeskills Resources Inc.
Sexual Abuse Group Counsellor Training Program Certificate, York Region Abuse Program
Certified Member of The Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists (ANN), #19-6363
Professional Membership
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Newfoundland and Labrador Counsellors’ and Psychologists’ Association (NLCPA)
Registered Social Worker
BSW, MSW, RSW.
Individual and Family Counselling
Samantha has a BSW and MSW from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is currently working on her PhD in Social Work from Memorial University.
Samantha has been practicing as a social worker for over 9 years in numerous capacities. She has experience providing individual counselling, family counselling, group counselling and play therapy to children, youth, and adults. Samantha has also developed and facilitated psychoeducational groups as well as mutual-aid support groups.
Samantha practices from a person-centered perspective and utilizes solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and sand-tray therapy. Samantha has training in brief focused counselling, and sand-tray therapy. She believes in a strengths-based approach to underpin her therapeutic modalities.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Master of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Registration
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #3306
B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY COUNSELLING
Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Shelley has over 27 years of experience in the field of social work and specializes in working with youth, adults and families to manage the impact of trauma and abuse histories. She has experience with relationship building and interpersonal difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, stress management and self-care.
Her clinical approach is trauma-informed and strengths based, using various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Approach, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy.
Shelley provides client-centered treatment plans for her clients that are inclusive of the unique challenges they have identified; providing validation for their lived experiences while empowering them to define and achieve their goals.
Education
• Bachelor of Social Work, Memorial University of
Newfoundland
• Master of Social Work, Memorial University of
Newfoundland Registration
• Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and
Labrador College of Social Workers, #1930
Leigha is a compassionate therapist with over 10 years of experience providing clinical counselling to children, youth, and their families. As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), she is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and develop healthy coping strategies. She offers both individual therapy for a range of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, parent-child relationship challenges, and emotional regulation.
Leigha’s approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, with a focus on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), particularly for helping children and adolescents heal from trauma.
Leigha creates an inclusive, affirming space for clients of all cultural, spiritual, sexual, and gender identities. Her warm, non-judgmental style helps clients feel heard and supported, while empowering them to build resilience, emotional well-being, and lasting change.
Education:
• BSW, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• MSW, McGill University
Certificates and Training:
• EMDR training in working with defences
• EMDR Child Specialist Intensivist Program
• EMDR Basic training level 1 & 2
• Tailoring DBT to be more Effective and Affirming for Autistic Clients
• DBT with Parents, Couples, and Families
• DBT Advanced Clinical Training in Case Conceptualization
• DBT Core Clinical Training
• Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) training with a focus on eating disorders
• Moving Toward More Effective Helping Conversations: Making the Most of Every Moment (Single Session Counselling)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Registration:
• Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers: Registration # 3296
BA.(Sociology/Psychology), B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual and Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Lisa has been working in helping roles for more than 23 years, mostly with marginalised and vulnerable people of all ages.
She uses a combination of therapeutic modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Motivational Interviewing Techniques. She is a certified ASIST Facilitator, trained in Mental Health First Aid, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Harm Reduction. Lisa has recently developed a DBT skills training program for parents/carers (or staff) who live (or work) with youth.
Lisa believes that building a trusting, person-centered, respectful relationship with her clients is of the utmost importance. Lisa is known by her colleagues and clients for her down-to-earth personality which allows people to feel safe when sharing personal details of their lives.
Education:
Master of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Fellowship of the School of Graduate Studies for outstanding achievement.
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba
Bachelor of Arts, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Sociology and Psychology
Certificate in Criminology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Certificates and Training:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Trauma (Trauma-Focused ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training - Certified ASIST Facilitator
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Being Trauma Aware/Trauma Informed Care
Seeking Safety - PTSD and Substance Abuse
Helping Women Recover - A Program for Treating Addiction
Beyond Anger and Violence - A Program for Women
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Mental Health First Aid
Harm Reduction
Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma
Cultural Competency
Guilt and Shame
Anti-Shoplifting training – The Shulman Centre for Compulsive Theft, Spending and Hoarding
Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Levels 1 & 2- present
Registration:
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #3587
Certified ASIST Trainer #n48352
B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual, Couples and Family Counselling
AGES: Youth (13-17), Adults, Seniors
Carrie specializes in practice with youth, adults and families to manage anxiety and mood disorders, addictions, adult and childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, stress management and self-care, relationship and interpersonal difficulties.
Her clinical approach is trauma-informed, using various treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, and when available, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Carrie provides tailored treatment plans for her clients that are inclusive of their challenges and needs; providing validation for their lived experiences while instilling empowerment principles to achieve their goals.
Education:
Bachelor of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Master of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Registration:
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #2982
Professional Membership:
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW)
B.A.(Psychology/Sociology), B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY COUNSELLING
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24) and Adults, Seniors
Sarah has experience providing empathetic and non-judgemental
therapeutic services to children/youth, adults, and seniors within individual,
family, and group settings. She has extensive experience in providing group
therapy and workshops in relapse prevention, suicide and mental health
interventions, challenging phobias, general wellness, as well as psychological
first aid and incident debriefing.
Sarah has a passion for helping people through utilizing integrated
approaches that build on client strengths, are solution focused and are client
centred. Her approach is evidence based and holistic in nature, integrating
concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural
Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and other
methods into individualized treatment.
During her downtime, Sarah enjoys partaking in activities which she
endorses for mental health and wellness, including meditation, hiking, and
painting.
Education
• Bachelor of Arts, University of New Brunswick, Psychology and Sociology - Double Major
• Bachelor of Social Work, Dalhousie University, Graduate with Distinction
• Master of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies for outstanding academic achievement and performance of special merit
Registration
• Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #3124
Professional Membership
• Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW)
Certificates and Training
• Trauma Informed Care
• Psychological First Aid and Debriefing
• Suicide Intervention
• Mental Health First Aid for Youth
• Cultural Competency
• Substance Use, Recovery and Aftercare
• Indigenous Mental Health
B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Registered Social Worker
Individual, Couple, and Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Vanessa has over 13 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in working with individuals experiencing addiction, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. Vanessa is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a proven-effective treatment for trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, and anger. Vanessa’s approach is informed by a combination of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), enabling her to offer a diverse range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of each client
Vanessa takes a holistic approach to working with clients and helps guide them in identifying strengths, new skills, and effective self-care practices. She creates a non-judgmental, open, and supportive environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. Vanessa’s goal is to foster positive change and provide compassionate care that promotes healing and well-being.
Education:
Master of Social Work - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Fellowship of the School of Graduate Studies for outstanding academic achievement.
Bachelor of Social Work - University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Certificates and Training:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for PTSD
Couples Training Therapy (Relational Life Therapy)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Memorial University, School of Social Work Field Instructor
Registration:
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #3191 Professional Membership
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW)
BA.(Sociology/Women’s Studies), B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual and Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Lindsay is a Registered MSW clinician who provides counselling services to children, youth, and adults. With more than 16 years of clinical practice in various social work roles with vulnerable populations, Lindsay is a kind and compassionate social worker who strives to reduce stigma related to seeking help for mental health concerns.
She has training in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Childhood Trauma, Grief and Loss with children and adults, loss due to suicide and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). Lindsay has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, mood disorders, maternal mental health, infertility, and grief and loss. She provides a safe and nonjudgmental environment and believes that nobody should feel alone when experiencing difficult times in their life.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Women’s Studies), Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Bachelor of Social Work, Lakehead University, First-Class Standing
Master of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Certificates and Training:
Trauma Informed Care
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Cultural Competency
Motivational Interviewing
Memorial University School of Social Work, Field Instructor, BSW & MSW programs
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT)
Child Abuse Investigation Training
Registration:
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #2737
B.A.(Sociology/Psychology), B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual, & Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
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Katie has over a decade of experience working alongside individuals, couples and families both in-person and virtually. Most of this time has been spent in community health care supporting individuals experiencing severe/persistent mental health challenges, persons/families living with addiction, those experiencing a mental health crisis and/or suicide ideation, providing counselling/therapy using a variety of modalities, as well as completing critical incident debriefs for those whom just experienced a traumatic event.
In her work, Katie is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). She is a solution focused and strengths-based practitioner who puts emphasis on a motivational interviewing lens to ensure she is using a client-centred approach. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and post-graduate training is something that she values when it comes to staying current and using best practice.
Katie places emphasis on creating a non-judgemental, open and comfortable environment to support others.
Education
Master of Social Work - Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Bachelor of Social Work - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Bachelor of Arts - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Certificates and Training
Certificate in Criminology - Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Motivational Interviewing - Paul Burke Training and Consulting Group
Psychological First Aid and Debriefing - John Hopkins University
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy - Treatment Implementation Collaborative
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Crisis Prevention Intervention Training (CPI)
Registration
Registered Social Worker with Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, #3309
Professional Membership
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW)
B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S. W.
INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES COUNSELLING
AGES: Young Adult (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Meghan has a range of experience working in the field of mental health and addictions. She has worked with diverse individuals and couples who experience various issues including, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, relationship abuse, self-esteem, stress management, anger management, grief and loss, communication, interpersonal relationships conflict, and life transitions.
Meghan uses best practices in the field of mental health and addictions and implements therapeutic approaches that meet the individual's needs. Primary approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Gottman Method. Meghan believes practice and persistence are important to the individual’s progress and provides tools and resources that can be used outside of session. Meghan works from a collaborative and strengths based perspective; she is person-centred and strives to facilitate self-empowerment. Meghan values and considers all areas of an individual’s life and believes recovery is possible for all.
Education
BSW, Memorial University of Newfoundland
MSW, with Specialization in Mental Health and Health, University of Toronto. Some courses include Psychodynamic Theories and Clinical Social Work Practice, Cognitive Behavioural Theories in Clinical Social Work Practice, Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health.
Trainings:
Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 training, present
Gottman Method, Treating Affairs and Trauma, present
Single Session Brief Solution Focus Therapy Training, 2017
Drug Overdose Prevention Training, 2015
Seeking Safety, Trauma Informed Care, 2015
Motivational Interviewing, 2015
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, 2015
Adult Smoking Cessation, 2014
Professional Membership
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) #3230
B.A.(Psychology), M.Ed.(Counselling Psychology), C.C.C.
INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE AND FAMILY COUNSELLING
AGES: Adults, Seniors
Helen has a wide range of experience working with individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with a variety of issues including anger, anxiety, aging-related issues, stress, grief, loss, relationship problems, self-esteem, life transitions, and separation & divorce.
She is trained in EMDR therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. She has facilitated mediation services as well as psycho-educational groups related to positive parenting, setting healthy boundaries, and support groups for separated and divorced individuals.
Helen takes a holistic approach when working with clients and is open to include one’s spiritual beliefs and values in the counselling process.
Helen Mackinnon Counsellor
Helen MacKinnon B.A., M.Ed., C.C.C.
Education
B.A. Major-Psychology, Minor-Sociology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS
Specialized courses in Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
Certification
Certified Counsellor – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, #4097
Certified Member of The Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists (ANN) #17-6192
Professional Membership
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Member of EMDR Canada
Member of EMDR International Association
Member of ICEEFT - Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Training
EMDR Level One and Two completed 2010
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) Externship completed 2011
Gottman Training for Couples Level One and Two completed 2018