A Holding Place

1 Mount Cashel Road
St. John's, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, A1A 1X6
709 738-0432
help@aholdingplace.ca

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

709 738-0432
Service Provider
Katie Walsh Registered Social Worker
Katie Walsh
BA.(Sociology/Psychology), BSW., MSW., RSW.

Individual, Couples & Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
____________________________________________
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)
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Melanie Hickey Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
B.A. (Sociology/Women’s Studies), B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual, Couples & Family Counselling
Ages: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24), Adults, Seniors
Melanie is a Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) practicing for over 17 years in various roles. She adopts a down to earth, compassionate and person-centered approach to therapy. Melanie has extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients. Melanie is committed to helping her clients reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. With a passion for helping others, she creates a safe and supportive environment where her clients feel heard and understood. Valuing each client's unique experiences and perspectives, Melanie builds trust and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship. She builds her foundations on trauma-informed care and incorporates evidence-based techniques.
Melanie has training in: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid (Seniors) Instructor. Melanie is experienced in working with individuals in the areas of trauma, various mental health problems, addictions, coping skills, impulsivity, life transitions, relationships, grief, loss, stress, and suicidal/self-harm ideations. Counselling is tailored to the unique needs of the person, providing space for the individual to find meaning through exploring their emotions and feelings and working through tough situations. Melanie will work with you to develop coping techniques to support you with your mental health and well being.

Education
• Bachelor of Arts, Memorial University, Sociology and
Women’s Studies
• Certificate in Criminology, Memorial University
• Bachelor of Social Work, University of Victoria
• Master of Social Work, Memorial University, 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, #2657
Professional Membership
• Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW)

Certificates and Training
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1 training
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), present
• Trauma Informed Care
• Seeking Safety
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Cultural Competency
• Motivational Interviewing
• Substance Use, Recovery and Aftercare
• Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), Field Instructor Certificate Program
• Mental Health First Aid-Seniors, Certified Instructor, Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
• Memorial University School of Social Work, Field Instructor, BSW & MSW programs
• Compassion Fatigue
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT)
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
• Child Abuse Investigation Training, Memorial University
• Single Session Counselling Certificate, Wilfrid Laurier University School of Social Work
• Harm Reduction and Recovery, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• Person Centered Case Management, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH)
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Shelley Butt Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
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
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Amy Lethbridge Registered Psychotherapist
Registered Psychotherapist
M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology), R.P.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
AGES: Young Adults (18-24) and Adults, Seniors

The counselling environment is a unique space as it allows individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. Amy recognizes that it can take a great deal of courage and effort to come to therapy and do the work involved. Amy’s goal is for clients to feel accepted and safe in the counselling relationship so that they can work towards increased self-awareness, compassion, and growth. Amy uses a client-centered approach that is informed by the following theoretical orientations: Emotion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Mindfulness Practice.

Amy has provided counselling and psychotherapy services in various settings including: an EAP company, providing assessment and crisis intervention for employees struggling at work and in their personal lives; at a University Counselling Centre providing individual and group counselling to the university student population; and at a community counselling centre providing individual counselling to the LGBTQ2S population. Amy has experience working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, gender identity, self worth, relationship issues, stress management, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

Amy is passionate about perinatal mental health and has a special interest in working with women, mothers to be and new mothers. As a mother herself, Amy understands that the journey to pregnancy, as well as the pregnancy and postpartum periods, all can have a significant physical, mental and emotional impact on a woman. From fertility challenges, pregnancy and infant loss to managing changing roles and relationships and postpartum anxiety and mood changes, there are many challenges women face during this period of time.

Education:
Bachelor of Physical Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Bachelor of Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Master of Education (Counselling Psychology), Memorial University of Newfoundland

Registration:

Registered Psychotherapist with The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) #002754

Professional Membership:
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) #11244228
Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Canada #22-6740

Certificates and Training:
Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Bringing Baby Home Educator Training, The Gottman Institute
Perinatal Mental Health, Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings
Pregnancy and Infant Loss, PESI













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Samantha Rose Registered Social Worker
Samantha Rose
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
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Charlotte Dove Certified Counsellor
Certified Counsellor
B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed.(Counselling Psychology), C.C.C.

INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES AND FAMILY COUNSELLING
AGES: Teens (13-17), Young Adults (18-24) and Adults, Seniors

Charlotte has extensive experience in working with diverse client populations including teens, adults, couples, and seniors. She believes that accessibility and mental health are paramount and believes in meeting the client where they are. Charlotte has special interest in the areas of stress, grief and bereavement, anxiety, depression, navigating career transitions, LGBTQSIA+ issues, assisting clients with disabilities, separation and divorce, and time management.

She draws from a variety of methodologies in assisting clients in meeting their goals. These include narrative therapy, CBT, mindfulness, strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, among others. Charlotte has a passion for relationship-building, daring to hope, and the power of connection and belonging.

Education

B.A Double Major – Sociology and Anthropology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, N.B.

B.Ed (Dean’s List), University of Maine Fort Kent

M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL

Certifications

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association - Member #4764

Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Canada – Member #21-6656

Professional Membership

Certified Counsellor - Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

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Sarah Hunt Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
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
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Arwa Brown Certified Counsellor
Certified Counsellor
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)
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Meghan Churchill Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
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

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Mark Cole Certified Counsellor
Certified Counsellor
B.Ed, M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology), C.C.C.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
AGES: Young Adults (18-24), Adults

Mark has been working in the school system for 20 years; the past 10 of which have been with youth with complex mental health and behavior challenges. He also has experience working with young adult and adult populations in private practice.

Mark is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is a proven effective treatment for trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, and anger. He takes a holistic approach to working with clients and helps guide them in identifying strengths, new skills, and effective self care practices.

Mark has the ability to develop strong, trusting relationships with clients by creating a safe, supportive non-judgemental setting.

Education
B.Ed. (Primary/Elementary), Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL
M.Ed. (Counselling Psychology), Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL

Certification
Certified Counsellor – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, #10001191
Certified Member of The Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists (ANN) # 21-6578

Professional Membership
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Member of EMDR Canada
Member of EMDR International Association

Training
EMDR Level One and Two completed 2018

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Carrie Matthews Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
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)
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Helen MacKinnon Certified Counsellor
Certified Counsellor
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

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Video Session - Individual
Telephone Session - Individual
In Person Session - Couples
Video Session - Couples
Telephone Session - Couples
In Person Session - Family
Video Session - Family
Telephone Session - Family

Dana Diamond Registered Psychologist
In Person Session - Individual
Telephone Session - Individual