Meet Our Therapists
Our approach is warm, empathetic, and client-centred. We aim to provide an inclusive and safe space for all clients.
Support for youth and adults across Nova Scotia.
Our therapists support clients with a wide range of experiences and concerns, with in-person care in Dartmouth and virtual therapy available across Nova Scotia.
- Trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, anger management, self-harm and self-esteem
- Relationship concerns and couples therapy
- BPD, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD and OCD
- Perinatal and postpartum mental health
- 2SLGBTQI+ clients, neurodivergence and identity exploration
- Grief, life transitions and support for veterans
Warm, affirming, client-centred care.
We pride ourselves on providing gender and neuro affirming care. We specialize in supporting clients with trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, relationship concerns, ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression, self-worth, and more.
A few of our therapists are EMDR trained and DBT informed. We focus on holistic wellness, incorporating mental, emotional, and physical aspects.
Our mission is to support clients in feeling safe, supported, and understood. We want to convey warmth and relatability to youth and adults.
Get to know our practitioners.
Each practitioner brings a different combination of training, experience, and areas of focus. Read the extended bios below to learn more about who may feel like the right fit.
Taylor Brydges
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Taylor works with adolescents and adults. Her areas of expertise include trauma and PTSD, sexual abuse, anger management, self-harm, and self-esteem.
Her approach is warm, empathetic, and client-centred through a feminist trauma-informed lens. She incorporates Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, Polyvagal Theory, and EMDR.
Lauren Mackintosh
Lauren works with adults, adolescents age 15+, and couples. Common themes in sessions include communication challenges, attachment issues, people-pleasing behaviours, and moving on from narcissistic abuse.
She also offers perinatal therapy and postpartum support, including birth and delivery anxiety, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, ADHD, PMDD, and PTSD.
Lauren uses a client-centred and collaborative approach, drawing from Polyvagal theory, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy.
She holds 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 practiced as a Registered Counselling Therapist–Candidate since June 2023.
Christina Smith
Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counselling. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Christina began her counselling career in the United States, where she spent over a decade supporting adults through a wide range of mental health challenges before returning home.
Christina offers therapy to adults across Nova Scotia, both in person and online. Her approach is client-centred, compassionate, and practical, drawing from CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
She has experience supporting anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, compulsive behaviours, substance use concerns, and perinatal mental health concerns.
Dr. Gina Brown, ND
Gina Brown is a licensed naturopathic doctor focused on evidence-based care, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, chronic disease prevention, and sports medicine.
She holds degrees in Human Nutrition and Human Kinetics from St. Francis Xavier University and a Doctor of Naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Gina works with children, youth, and adults and offers in-person acupuncture and Vitamin B12 shots. Areas of focus include ADHD, generalized anxiety, burnout and stress, depression, sleep support, maternal mental health, teen mental health, and PMS/PMDD.
Stephanie Gavel
Life is a journey. Are you at a crossroads, feeling lost, or have fallen into a rut? I will support you as you navigate each mile. My approach is client-centred and compassionate. I view counselling as a collaborative process that honours each aspect of your identity—mind, body, and spirit.
Stephanie is an RCT-C, earning her BA in Child & Youth Studies from MSVU and her Master of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Building on a 20-year background in education and child and youth care, Stephanie aims to create a safe space where growth and healing can flourish.
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Stephanie has earned specialized training in helping clients process, heal from, and cope with trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Trauma-informed therapy means that the focus is on “What happened to you?” rather than “What is wrong with you?” and prioritizes safety, trust and empowerment. Building on a trusting relationship, Stephanie pulls from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and Strength-Based Therapy (SBT) to tailor a healing plan that focuses on both your needs and strengths. Stephanie works with children 7+, adults, and couples. Stephanie’s areas of interest include trauma, chronic illness, relationship concerns, and grief.
Choose the next step that works for you.
Book a session directly through Jane, or start with a free 15-minute consultation if you have questions about fit or availability.