Our Team

Our Clinical Team

Lisa Broadhurst MA, CCC, RTC-C

As a licensed Registered Counselling Therapist, I have a passion for providing the utmost quality of services to individuals and couples living with mental health and relationship issues. I received my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in Fredericton after completing my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2013.

Guided by attachment theory and a collaborative, person-centered perspective, I implement treatment interventions from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am also working towards certification as a Sexology/Sex Therapist. I have found that when using these interventions, individuals have the ability to overcome and understand their unhealthy or dysfunctional thought processes. I am an ally for members of the LGBTQ+ am qualified to write WPath letters.

My clinical vision is to ensure my office atmosphere is a safe place for clients and their families to experience their vulnerabilities while sharing their stories.

Shauna van Niekerk MSW, RSW

I am an Emotion Focused Family Therapist and I specialize in attachment based approaches. As a therapist I strive to provide a free and protected space where individuals can explore the most challenging aspects of their lives. I also work to tailor sessions to fit the unique needs of my clients and their families by using a variety of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am also a SandPlay Practitioner Intern and hold a certificate as an EMDR and Sandtray Specialist.

During the therapeutic process I support children, teens and adults in understanding the deepest parts of themselves. I have assisted individuals across the life span with a wide array of concerns including anxiety, addiction, depression, OCD, trauma and PTSD, as well as complex grief and loss. I also have a passion for helping parents address and support their children's behavioural and emotional needs. I offer parent groups and workshops to provide information and strategies to parents on navigating the challenging behaviours and complex mental health needs of their children and teens.

Alex Earle-Lambert MSW, RSW

I am a clinical social worker with extensive experience working in mental health and addictions. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan, with a special focus on children and adolescents.

I hold a Master of Arts from McMaster University and a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University. I specialize in the treatment of individuals with concurrent disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, I also have specific training for working with adolescents who experience emotion dysreguation, interpersonal struggles and identity disturbance. I provide parent coaching and have a special interest in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

I strive to hold space for clients in a way that enables them to explore their struggles and vulnerabilities. Relationships are fundamental; the value of treatment is rooted in understanding our core attachment needs.

Dr. Stephanie Casey MD, FRCPCC

As a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University with a bachelor of science and honours in biology, I attended Dalhousie medical school, and worked as a family physician for 19 years. I returned to Dalhousie to do a residency in psychiatry and fellowship year in adolescent eating disorders. I worked as a staff psychiatrist at the IWK health centre for 10 years before moving to the south shore in 2012 to work as a rural child and adolescent psychiatrist. I specialize in the diagnostic clarification and medication management of youth aged 6-18.

Cindy Hall MEd, RCT, CCC

As a graduate of Acadia University’s Master of Education Counselling program, I have worked as a registered counselling therapist since 2012. During that time I have focused my skills and training on working with adults struggling with concurrent disorders including addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship and personal challenges, PTSD and trauma.

I strive to establish a safe therapeutic environment that invites clients to share difficult life circumstances and emotions, while allowing them to address the challenges and emotional vulnerabilities that brought them into therapy. I work from a strength based perspective using evidence based treatment models such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I am an ally for members of the LGTBQ+ community. My hope is to create a safe, comfortable environment where individuals can experience both emotional growth and wellness.

Jeannie MacLean MSW, RSW

I earned my undergraduate degree with a major in psychology from University of Prince Edward Island followed by my Masters degree in clinical social work from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. I have been working as a therapist on the South Shore of Nova Scotia for over 15 years where I have gained knowledge through formal training as well as through the privilege of working with many clients over the years.

I have specialized training in a variety of different evidence based therapeutic approaches including: dialectical behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Personal needs for counselling vary, some people would simply appreciate a comfortable place to discuss and explore their concerns while others would like specific skills and techniques targeted to resolve their struggle/situation.

I offer customized therapeutic services and it is my priority to work on the goals that you establish.

I will tailor sessions to meet your needs and comfort level.

Natalie Lussin, OT

In 2015 I earned a masters of science in occupational therapy from Queens University, having previously earned an undergraduate degree in kinesiology. I am registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia and am a members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists as well as the Nova Scotia society of Occupational Therapists.

As an OT, I work to promote function in everyday life. I have experience working with people across the lifespan.

Areas of particular interest for children and families include:

- fine motor and handwriting,

- gross motor and coordination difficulties

⁃ Picky eating / using utensils

⁃ Sensory processing

⁃ Emotional regulation and interoception

⁃ Executive functioning strategies

Areas of interest for teens and adults include:

- chronic pain management

⁃ brain injury / concussion rehabilitation

⁃ Ergonomic assessments

I strive to bring the occupational therapy core values of focusing on the person, environment and occupation into my work by providing a holistic outlook on the everyday. Because after all, finding enjoyment in the everyday is what it’s all about.

Kalip Fraser, MSW, RSW

I have 10 years experience working with mental health and addictions. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Memorial University and I hold a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I primarily work with teens and adults.

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I am also trained in Family Based Treatment (FBT) and CBT-T and work with children, adolescents, and adults with eating disorders. I also enjoy working with folks who experience concurrent disorders and individuals who want to address problematic substance use.

My goal in therapy is to help folks live a life that feels vital and meaningful. I hope to allow people to feel safe and accepted in our work together.

Laura Stephens RCT-C

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT). I strive to create a safe relational space in session, from which you can explore and process the stories, emotions, and experiences impacting your life. A space in which I can offer you, and you can offer yourself, curiosity, compassion, and understanding. I always want you to feel in control of the work we do together, as I see this work as deeply collaborative and understand that you are the expert in your own life.

Working with those aged 16 through adulthood, I use an integrative approach that is informed by narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and anti-oppressive principals. I have a particular interest in working with relational concerns, body image issues, gender, sexuality, trauma, and with neurodivergent folks.

Samantha West BSW, RCT-C

I am a graduate of Yorkville University’s Master of Counselling Psychology program, having previously earned an undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) from Memorial University in NFLD. I am a licensed Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (TCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT).

I am an ally for members of the LGBTQ+ community and work from a person-centred and trauma-informed approach. My focus is youth and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, personal and relational challenges, self-esteem, trauma and emotion regulation.

I am guided by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) modalities. I am currently pursing intensive DBT training and I look forward to offering comprehensive DBT to my clients in the future.

I strive to create a safe place for all people to navigate and explore emotions, personal experiences and stories, and believe that clients are the experts in their own lives. I prioritize my clients feeling in control of our work together, and emphasize collaboration in breaking down their barriers to their personal wellness.

Heather Forsey MSW, RSW

I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and it is a privilege to be invited to share in a child, youth, or family’s journey toward wellness. I also believe that a successful therapeutic experience begins with a strong therapeutic relationship, both with the identified client, but also with parents/caregivers. Engaging with parents and caregivers is an essential piece of my practice as a means of supporting the positive changes and discoveries children and you make in their sessions.

I am a lifelong learner, always seeking to expand my knowledge and enhance my capacity to work with young children and their families by training in various early intervention programs. I have taken training in Circle of Security, Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, and Theraplay. I have also completed training in sensorimotor psychotherapy techniques, ethics and consent, non-suicidal self-injury, suicide intervention, and group therapy. I am a registered Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist (ICST) and I am currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.

Andrea MacDonald MSW, RSW

I am a clinical social worker, having completed my Masters of Social Work at Dalhousie University in 2017. Since then, I have practice as a Clinical Therapist in Canada’s public Mental Health and Addictions systems, both in Nova Scotia and British Columbia.

My experience providing therapeutic and clinical services to diverse populations served as a catalyst for my confidence in becoming a private therapist, which I am deeply passionate and grateful to do, offering support to individuals from all walks of life. My commitment lies in helping people delve into the core of the concerns they bring to therapy, with the aim of fostering healing, understanding, and positive change. Trust and confidence are crucial elements in the counselling process, therefore, I am committed to creating a space of genuine compassion, warmth, humility and respect.

I incorporate various evidence-based approaches to the therapeutic experience that aim to increase inner peace and mindfulness, teach effective skills to change old patterns and thrive, and guide people towards a deeper connection to their true selves, these include: Compassionate Inquiry by Dr. Gabor Mate, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Gottman Method, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.

Christina Palao, Registered Dietitian

I have worked in a clinical setting as a Registered Dietitian for over 15 years, providing both inpatient and outpatient care across the entire life span.

I graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Science, majoring in Nutrition. I am also an International Board Certfied Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and have been providing breastfeeding support to families since 2015.

Areas of nutrition that I am passionate about are gut health/IBS, diabetes management and heart health, eating disorder support and general overall healthy eating to live a vibrant and energetic life. I enjoy providing group education classes and look forward to offer these opportunities as well.

Compassionate Connections Therapeutic & Consulting Services