ABOUT DANA
I live in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Health Education (BSc.HE) from Dalhousie University. I have trauma training in the form of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). I'm a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), License #: 21-012. I'm also a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), #10004368. During the past 35 years, I have worked in healthcare in a variety of roles including nursing, health promotion with mental health being a critical aspect of this work.
My Approaches, Orientations, Services
I believe every person has something positive to offer the world. In an effort to help individuals 13 years of age and older. I practice from a strengths-based approach, which means I look for, and utilize all, of the assets you as as person have to offer yourself and others. I also use what is called a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach, which simply means physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of well-being will be considered in therapy, as we work together to help you help yourself.
My orientations are person-centered, as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Like many counselling therapists, I use an eclectic approach to helping clients.
My confidential services cover the issues of anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, career and life transitions, relationships, health and wellness, ageing, disability, and trauma.
New NSCCT Consent Standards
On or before December 1st, 2023, consent for ALL RCTs and RCT Candidates require clients be given the NSCCT Complaints Process info-graphic (included on my standard consent form), and links to the File a Complaint page on the NSCCT website; CCPA Code of Ethics and CCPA Standards of Practice.
NSCCT File Complaint Page:
https://nscct.ca/filing-complaint/
CCPA Code of Ethics:
https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CCPA-2020-Code-of-Ethics-E-Book-EN.pdf
CCPA Standards of Practice:
Fees, Payment, Private Insurance Plans, Cancellation Policy
Fees
Intro consultation over the telephone: 15 minutes. FREE
Regular Therapy Session: 50 minutes. $115 (plus HST)
NOTE: If finances are a barrier, we can try and work out a plan that allows you to come to therapy.
Payment
By cash, cheque, or e-transfer. A receipt will be provided to you. I do not bill directly to insurance companies. If you have coverage, you can submit your paid receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Tax Receipts
Counselling and psychotherapy fees are considered medical expenses for tax purposes.
Private Insurance Plans
Some insurers will fully or partially reimburse the services of Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT/RCT-C) while some will not. Medavie Blue Cross, Greenshield, Desjardins, Great West Life, Manulife, Sun Life Financial have recognized the NSCCT as a regulatory body and its licensed RCTs and RCT-Cs as service providers. This recognition is only valid in those cases where an employer, organization, or corporate client has included RCTs as service providers under their particular plan. Payment for claims of services will only be approved when RCTs and RCT-Cs (or "psychotherapist") are included as service providers under a particular plan. Please check with your plan administrator.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend an appointment, please provide at least 24-hour advanced notice. Since I am unable to use the time for another client, please note you will be billed for the entire cost of your scheduled appointment, if it is not timely cancelled, unless such cancellation is due to illness or an emergency.
For cancellations made with less than 24-hour notice (unless due to illness or emergency) or a scheduled appointment that is completely missed, you will be mailed a bill for the full session fee.
Common Therapy Issues
Emotions
Relationships
Emotions
Depression, fear, stress and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counselling and treatment, the goal is to recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Trauma
Relationships
Emotions
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. Together, we can work to get through stuck points, develop a new narrative about a traumatic experience, overcoming symptoms, and guiding you through the process of grief and healing.
Relationships
Relationships
Relationships
It's all about the relationship in life. It can be a relationship with a friend, people at work, in school, family causing distress and difficulties.