Counselling Therapy for Youth, Adults & Couples
Psycho-education, Advocacy and Support
Services
Individual counselling for children and youth (ages 9+) and adults for both individual and couples.
Free 15 minute phone consultation
- 30 Minute Session – $80 (No HST)
- 50 Minute Session – $150 (No HST)
- 50 Minute Couples Session – $180 (No HST)
Sessions will be offered over a secure telehealth platform, by phone, or in person by request.
I would describe our approach as warm, empathetic, and client centred. We strongly believe that you are the expert of your own life.
Taylor Brydges & Lauren Mackintosh
Trauma
Suicidal Ideation
Self-Esteem
Anger Management
Depression & Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Perinatal Therapy
Taylor Brydges, MA, RCT
One of my areas of expertise is working with individuals who have survived any kind of personal trauma. A key first step in my approach is to actively listen and build a strong rapport. Through active listening, we can collaboratively identify your strengths and your priorities.
Lauren Mackintosh, MA, RCT-C
Lauren maintains a client-centred approach and uses aspects of several different therapies, including CBT, psychodynamic and narrative therapy. Lauren believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, as you know yourself and your needs best.
We Have Experience With…
Today, I will make a difference
Trauma
- PTSD
- Abuse
- Loss
Suicidal Ideation
- Self Harm
- Crisis Support
Self-Esteem
- Body Image
- Relationship Issues
Anger Management
- Stress Management
- Healthy Coping Skills
- Psycho-Education
Depression & Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Coping Skills
Couples Therapy
Perinatal Therapy
Taylor Brydges
Taylor completed a bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology prior to completing her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She is currently a Registered Counselling Therapist, as well as a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Once a sense of safety has been established, Taylor will work together with you to begin concrete actions to assist in the healing process.
She very much enjoys and has ample experience with working alongside adolescents. Taylor prides herself on being able to empathize and quickly connect with young people; she was once a teen who benefited from additional support. Her work with adolescents has addressed key topics such as: anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, and anger management.
She describes her approach as warm, empathetic, and client centred and strongly believe that you are the expert of your own life. Taylor works from a feminist trauma-informed lens and incorporates aspects of Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Polyvagal Theory into her practice.
Please feel free to book a 15 -minute consultation where we can discuss how she can best support you in your healing journey.
Interpersonal relationships play a significant role in our lives, thus often impacting our mental health. Whether it’s a partner, parent, friend, or boss, when we have issues in these relationships, it can cause distress. Lauren works with adults, adolescents (15+) and couples needing additional support. Some common themes in sessions may be communication challenges, attachment issues, people-pleasing behaviours, and moving on from narcissistic abuse.
Lauren also offers individual and couples’ perinatal therapy. In Canada, almost 1 in 4 people who gave birth reported experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Perinatal counselling can provide support throughout pregnancy and after. Some themes in sessions may be birth/delivery anxiety, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, or just providing a space with a safe, non-judgmental place to talk.
Lauren maintains a client-centred approach and uses aspects of several different therapies, including CBT, psychodynamic and narrative therapy. Lauren believes in a collaborative approach to treatment, as you know yourself and your needs best.
Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She has been practicing as a Registered Counselling Therapist- Candidate since June 2023 and has experience working in a private school setting and private practice.
Lauren Mackintosh
Resources
Having trouble and not sure what to do? The resources below are a few of our personal recommendations. You are never alone.
HRM Mobile Crisis Team
1-888-429-8167
Available 24/7
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 or text ‘Connect’ to 686868
Canadian Mental Health Association - NS Chapter
1-877-466-6606
Avalon Sexual Assault Centre
902-422-4240
Byrony House
Shelter – 902-429-9002
Crisis Line – 902-422-7650
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310
Call
902-701-4834
Hours
Mon – Fri: 10am – 7pm
Or by request
Location
Sessions are available virtually or by request at:
25 Wentworth Street, Suite 102
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 2S7
Individual Therapy Sessions
Free 15 minute phone consultation
30 Minute Session – $80 (No HST)
50 Minute Session – $150 (No HST)
50 Minute Couples Session – $180 (No HST)
Brydges Therapy Interview with Go Solo
What’s your business, and who are your customers?
I’m a registered counselling therapist (also known as a psychotherapist or clinical therapist) working at my own private practice. I offer counselling services to people of all ages, although the majority of my clients are adolescence and young adults.
My background and the majority of my training are rooted in trauma-informed care. The majority of my clientele are survivors of trauma and abuse. I work with a lot of young people, and many challenges that I support them with are suicidal ideation, anger management, self-esteem issues, and overall stressors, such as the pandemic.
Tell us about yourself
As someone who is naturally warm and empathetic, I always felt that it would be very rewarding to work in a field that would allow me to help others. I did years of volunteer work at charities such as Ronald McDonald House and Best Buddies prior to my career in therapy. During my high school years, one of my peers passed away suddenly. I remember feeling very alone at this time. I found it challenging to articulate how I was feeling, and I felt afraid to ask for help. This experience inspired me to become a support and an advocate for others struggling. I believe I can relate to other young people for this reason. In 2017, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in counselling therapy.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel very proud and grateful to have experienced the amount of growth that I have since opening my business. Taylor Brydges Counselling Therapy has been around less than one year, and it continues to experience growth. I was initially afraid to take the risk of going solo, although it has paid off.
What’s one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The lack of consistency! Each week differs from the last, and you never know what to expect. The lack of consistency can make it challenging to find balance, and not to mention; there is always something that you could be doing!
What are the top tips you’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Network: Networking has been so helpful to me as a new business owner. In this industry, it is important to connect with other therapists, social workers, and other healthcare providers. This will help with the referral process.
- Set Boundaries: I have found it helpful to set up limits for myself (i.e., start/end time, how many clients I will see per day, designated breaks, etc.). This helps me establish a routine and keeps me feeling re-charged so that I can best support my clients.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for support: It is important to ask for support when needed (i.e., outsourcing marketing or administrative tasks)
it can help you maintain a better balance. It is also important to work alongside an experienced supervisor or mentor to ensure that clients are receiving the best care possible.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My goal is to continue to expand my private practice and work alongside other therapists and clinicians. I hope that this will increase access to services, eliminate wait times, and allow me to offer a diverse range of services to clients.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://brydgestherapy.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3orceDl
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PP3in6
