Background

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT). Like other licensed mental health professionals in Nova Scotia (such as counselling psychologists and clinical social workers), my profession is regulated provincially by a legislated, professional body. The Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) regulates the practise of Counselling Therapists through established and comprehensive standards of practice, ethical decision making, on-going professional development and licensing. There are three provinces which currently regulate the work of counselling professionals: Québec (Ordre des psychologues du Québec/Ordre des conseillers et conseillères d’orientation du Québec); Ontario (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario); and Nova Scotia (NSCCT). Nationally, I am certified with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and hold the designation of Canadian Certified Counsellor.

I completed a Master of Education (Counselling) at Acadia University which requires the completion of 48-credit hours, and a 500-hour counselling practicum. As a candidate for registry as a Counselling Therapist, I worked with a supervisor who mentored my work for 2000 post-graduate hours.

I came to this profession after exploring a number of other creative arenas. I have worked as a federal civil servant, as a graphic designer and illustrator, a tree planter, a potter’s apprentice, and a high school teacher. I have worked as a Canadian volunteer in both the West Indies and Sri Lanka. I am also a parent, and consider myself to be still climbing the learning curve daily in this ever challenging, ever tender profession.

I share this about myself as we are not all one thing, ever.  We are complex beings. Each is unique, and that in and of itself, gives each of us inherent value.