Lodestar Counselling

What we talk about stays between us. I am transparent about the boundaries of confidentiality, including what happens if I am ever concerned about safety. We discuss this in more detail during our first session.

People typically come to counselling to effect change, to find relief from distress, address problems, and live with greater enjoyment. I help you clarify your goals and share strategies to get there. You always have choices about areas of focus, approaches we take and the pace of our work.

Counselling is dynamic and active. We consider things together, sharing what we notice, the questions we have, what is working, and what feels stuck. You do not have to know exactly what to say, and you do not have to be ‘good at feelings’. You just have to start.

Exploring personal issues takes courage. While we all have times of struggle, we are not all in the same boat. Respect means seeing you as an individual and understanding that your specific experiences, including the weight of trauma, inequity, and oppression shape how you have adapted to navigate the world.

Counselling sessions are offered by phone, video, or in person. Each session is 50 minutes, plus 10 minutes for note taking and resource sharing. You are welcome to participate in this part of the counselling hour if you wish; collaborative note taking can provide a great opportunity to consolidate what emerges in therapy.

Clients can expect ethical practice in accordance with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Click here for more information about the complaints process through the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and view the NSCCT Complaints Process Infographic here.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to assess your needs and determine fit. Contact me to get started.

Counselling fees are $190/session. Most insurance benefit programs provide coverage for Registered Counselling Therapist services. I provide e-receipts; please check with your insurance provider for details of their coverage/reimbursement.

Life rarely moves in a straight line. Whether you are a university student navigating a new chapter, an adult re-evaluating your path in mid-life, or facing a major life event like a break-up, retirement, the various stages of parenthood, or another new chapter, I help you find your footing. We work on:

• Clarifying your values and intentions when you feel off course.
• Moving through periods of uncertainty, grief, and loss.
• Navigating ADHD or other diagnoses and executive functioning challenges.
• Strengthening boundaries and building resilience.

When we are constantly under stress, we often lose touch with our own needs. If you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in difficult patterns, we can create space to pause, reflect, and heal. Our work here focuses on:

• Managing anxiety, depression and overwhelm.
• Processing the weight of trauma or grief.
• Addressing substance use and creating healthier coping strategies.
• Developing self-compassion, managing perfectionism, and recovering from burnout.

Building healthy, lasting connections takes practice. Whether you are working on communication, boundaries, or understanding your own emotional landscape, I provide a non-judgmental space to grow. This includes:

• Strengthening your communication skills and setting clear boundaries.
• Understanding and navigating patterns of anger, conflict and repair.
• Learning how to safely express needs and build deeper connections with others.