Andrea is a Registered Psychologist with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She works with adults from various backgrounds and has clinical experience in a range of settings, including correctional, military, and university health services. Areas of interest include: PTSD, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, depression and anxiety disorders, stress and emotions management, substance use, and relationship issues. Andrea’s treatment approach is integrative and draws from training in various evidence-based modalities, including: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT), and Mindfulness-based therapies. She strives to create a comfortable, compassionate, and empowering environment in which to foster self-discovery and growth.

Toula Creighton attended Acadia University located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Honours. She then went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education). Toula has experience working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from varying socioeconomic backgrounds and visible minorities.

Toula has experience conducting psychotherapy for adult individuals whom have difficulties with depression, anxiety, chronic worry, assertiveness, social skills, adjusting to change, interpersonal issues, self-esteem issues, and separation/ divorce/ relationship difficulties. Toula believes that integrating a holistic approach of evidence-based treatments within her practice is most beneficial, as every individual has different needs. She has experience integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as Mindfulness, Embodiment and attachment based practices. She believes an integral aspect of every therapeutic relationship is one of compassion and empathy, which cultivates a trusting relationship between the therapist and the client. Such a relationship allows for collaboration toward improving the client’s quality of life, and meeting individualized goals.

Suzy works with adults and couples, and has experience providing therapy for a variety of client concerns such as depression, anxiety, adjustment to change, stress, grief, and relationship difficulties. Suzy is also interested in the emotional impacts of dieting and diet culture and helping clients to develop more peaceful relationships with food and their bodies.

Her training was grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, and she continues to study and incorporate other theoretical frameworks that have been shown to be effective in treatment, such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Suzy strives to empower clients so that they may find their own path and direction, and she tailors her treatment approach based on presenting concerns and client preference.

Dr. Maria Angelopoulos completed her undergraduate studies at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University.  She has also been actively involved in professional service, including as a member of the Association of Psychologist of Nova Scotia Executive, initially as a Student Affiliate Member and later as the Archivist.  She has taught undergraduate courses at SMU.  Dr. Angelopoulos is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate at Dalhousie University where she supervises Ph.D. students.  Dr. Angelopoulos has served as an accreditation site visitor for the Canadian Psychological Association since 2013.

Dr. Angelopoulos’s primary areas of clinical practice are adult mental health and health psychology.  She has been employed in a variety of settings including in-patient psychiatry services, hospital-based services (Community Outpatient Mental Health Clinic, Department of National Defense Stadacona where she served as Director of the Outpatient Day Treatment Program, and renal transplant services), as well as private practice.  She has worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement/grief, trauma, sleep difficulties, chronic illness, lifestyle transitions and adjustment challenges, disordered eating, chronic pain, as well as men and women from abusive relationships.  

My approach to clinical practice is collaborative and client centered.  My clinical training has shaped my psychotherapy focus to include the importance of relationships, especially my relationship with each client. My initial primary focus is to develop a strong collaborative relationship with each client which is the foundation of meaningful change and the development of a trusting psychotherapeutic relationship. As such, I take a genuine, warm, empathic, and open approach to understanding my client’s personal experiences.  The role of emotion and the wealth of information it provides guides my clinical work. The vital information that emotions can provide helps to promote change by making it easier for my clients to explore, understand, and alter their emotions to meet their desired goals. 

My psychotherapeutic approach involves integrating scientific-based evidence with my own clinical expertise and align these with each client’s values and preferences. I have training and experience using multiple therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, interpersonal and emotion regulation skills.

Dr. Elizabeth McFadden completed her undergraduate training in psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island and she holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Dr. E’s clinical practice includes providing assessment and individual therapy for adults facing a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, sleep difficulties, and finding work/life balance. She currently works full time in private practice and has previous experience in a variety of settings (interdisciplinary health teams, hospitals, university counselling services, and the public school system). She has extensive experience working with Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP.

Dr. E’s approach to treatment is client centered and shaped by the importance of relationships, particularly the partnership between the client and the therapist. Her strengths lie in her ability to genuinely connect with clients and to help them recognize their own strengths and abilities in reaching their goals. Dr. E recognizes that every individual, including herself, has beliefs and a way of understanding life that are shaped by a unique set of personal experiences and cultural variables (e.g., gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious/spiritual, socioeconomic, etc.) She is committed to continued self-study and to listening with an open mind to make her practice accessible to individuals from various backgrounds.

Dr. E’s process in therapy is to draw from a range of tools across treatment methods in order to suit the needs of the individual. She makes use of techniques that have been supported by research where available. She has extensive training in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and has expanded on this foundation with training in mindfulness and acceptance based therapies, interpersonal and emotional regulation skills, motivational interviewing and EMDR.

Karen Mercer obtained her Bachelor of Science (with Honors), at Mount Saint Vincent University in 2000.  She then went on to complete her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Acadia University in 2003.

Karen has held a variety of positions within the educational, public and private sectors, and brings an array of experience to the practice.  Karen particularly enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their grown-ups, relying primarily on a Cognitive Behavior Therapy approach.  Throughout her career, Karen has strived to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment to her clients, individualizing her approach to meet the needs and personality of each person with whom she works.   Karen has specific interest in treating anxiety disorders and childhood behavioral concerns, as well as building the skills and self-efficacy of parents/guardians who provide vital at-home support.

Lisa Renouf was born and raised in Newfoundland; she has been a resident of Nova since 1993. She has a Diploma in Executive Office with Computer Applications and has worked within the practice as Office Manager since August 2000. 

Lisa manages the administrative aspects of the practice which involves reception, facilitating referrals, co-ordinating appointments for clients with the best matched psychologist/counsellor, accounting and bookkeeping, computer operations, information and file maintenance. 

Lisa’s numerous skills and abilities contribute significantly to the practice’s successful operation and her warm, genuine manner puts many clients at ease.

Shawn has a diploma in Computerized Accounting. She provides administrative support that involves reception, facilitating referrals, coordinating appointments, accounting, typing, computer operations and office organization.

With over 25 years of office experience, Shawn brings a vast array of skills and knowledge. Her professionalism and compassionate nature is a genuine asset to our practice.

Rebeka obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University. She has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with Acadia University.

Rebeka is focused on supporting adult clients with difficulties related to depression, anxiety, loss, stress, self-esteem, and relationships. Drawing from a number of evidence-based treatment approaches (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), she strives to create a safe, comfortable, and validating environment. Rebeka aims to help each client make sense of their experiences, develop effective coping skills and accomplish their therapeutic goals.