Therapy
Depression & Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health challenges, yet they can feel incredibly isolating. Anxiety often brings excessive worry, restlessness, and a sense of being on edge, while depression can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy. Though they are different conditions, they frequently overlap, making daily life feel overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t have to face it alone. With the right support, whether through therapy, self-care, or other resources, healing is possible. At the Anxiety And Trauma Clinic Of Nova Scotia, we’re here to provide a compassionate space to help you navigate these challenges and find the tools that work best for you.
You deserve support, and we’re here to help. 💙
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma can stem from a single distressing event or prolonged exposure to difficult experiences, leaving a lasting impact on mental and emotional well-being. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop when the mind and body struggle to process these experiences, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, emotional numbness, and difficulty trusting others.
Healing from trauma is possible. With the right support, including therapy and learning coping strategies, individuals can regain a sense of safety and control. We provide a compassionate space where you can process your experiences and work toward healing at your own pace. We offer proven strategies and therapies.
You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here to help.
Relationships/ Family Therapy
Relationships are at the heart of our well-being, yet they can also be a source of stress, conflict, and emotional pain. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, family tensions, or major life transitions, therapy can provide a safe space to heal and grow together.
At our clinic, our relationship and family therapy sessions focus on fostering understanding, improving communication, and strengthening connections. Whether you're a couple, a family, or an individual looking to improve relationships, we’re here to support you on the path to healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Stronger relationships start with open conversations—we’re here to help.
Neurodivergence
At the Anxiety And Trauma Clinic of Nova Scotia, we celebrate neurodiversity and recognize that every mind works in its own unique way. Whether you’re navigating life as an individual with ADHD, autism, or another neurodivergent experience, therapy can offer support tailored to your needs.
Our approach is affirming, strengths-based, and focused on helping you thrive in a world that isn’t always designed for neurodivergent minds. Whether you're seeking coping strategies, support with executive functioning, or a space to process your experiences, we’re here to help—without judgment, without pressure, just understanding and care.
Gender/ Sexuality
At our clinic we believe that everyone deserves a safe and affirming space to explore and understand their gender and sexuality. Whether you're questioning, navigating a transition, or seeking to better understand your identity, our therapy is a judgment-free zone where you can be your authentic self.
We are committed to providing support that respects your unique journey, offering tools for self-acceptance, coping with societal pressures, and creating healthy boundaries. Whatever your experience may be, we are here to listen, validate, and help you embrace who you truly are.
Your identity is valid, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Types of therapies we use
Some (but not all) of the evidence-based therapies we use
Each of these therapies offers unique tools and techniques, and our team will work with you to find the best approach to meet your individual needs.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Effective for trauma and PTSD, EMDR helps individuals process distressing memories and emotions
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
A goal-oriented, practical therapy that focuses on finding solutions and strengths, often used for short-term support.
Exposure Therapy (ERP)
Helps individuals confront and gradually reduce their fear or anxiety around specific triggers, commonly used for phobias and anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A form of therapy designed to help individuals challenge and reframe unhelpful thought patterns related to trauma or PTSD.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
This approach emphasizes cultivating self-compassion and emotional regulation, especially for those with shame, guilt, or low self-esteem.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Focuses on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills, often used to support individuals with borderline personality disorder and emotional dysregulation.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Encourages accepting difficult emotions and thoughts while focusing on living a meaningful and values-driven life.
Client-Centered Psychotherapy
A humanistic approach that creates a safe, empathetic environment where clients can explore their feelings and work toward personal growth.
Presenting Concerns
We work with individuals with a number of presenting concerns including..
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Abuse and neglect
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Caregiver struggles
- Childhood psychological disorders
- Chronic pain
- Communication and boundary issues
- Couples problems
- Depression
- General Anxiety Disorder
- Grief and loss
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Learning Disorders
- Life transitions
- Miscarriage
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Parenting problems
- Postpartum depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Separation and divorce
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Sleep disorders
- Social Anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
- Stress
- Trauma
Learn More
Did you know?
Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
- There are higher rates of Mental Health Issues: The proportion of Canadians reporting "poor" or "fair" mental health has tripled since before the pandemic, rising from 8.9% in 2019 to 26% in 2021.
- Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
Source-
Ottawa CMHA, December 2024