Valerie Acorn BA, CHYS, MACP

Provisional Counselling Therapist

Valerie was born and raised in Cape Breton and is now living in Prince Edward Island with my family. Valerie has a Master’s of Arts in counselling psychology, a 4-year Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Psychology Major and a Biology Minor from Cape Breton University, and a 4-year Child and Youth Studies Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Her career began as a Resource Specialist in a children’s center in Halifax, where she discovered her passion for working with children and families, with a focus on Autism, ADHD, and Behaviour Modification. For the past 23 years, Valerie worked in Prince Edward Island schools, delivering programs on Anxiety, Resilience, Anger, Emotional Regulation, OCD, Perfectionism, Mindfulness, Negative Thinking, Goal Setting, Social Skills, and Executive Functioning. Valerie will now be working closely with the schools as a counsellor clinician with the Student Well-Being Team. ‍ Her natural, warm disposition, along with her experiences and education, has shaped her therapeutic approach. She commits to creating a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore feelings, challenge limiting beliefs, and make meaningful changes in your life. Continuing education is a key focus, encompassing training in sand tray therapy, play therapy, and supporting families through postpartum adjustments. Additionally, ongoing training in Internal Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Somatic exercises and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy will be integrated into the session depending on client needs. When I am not studying, I am at the hockey rink, taking a virtual exercise class, or simply enjoying life as a mom of teenagers. ‍ Areas of Focus: Stress, Anxiety, Depression Burnout & Compassion Fatigue People-Pleasing, Setting Boundaries & Assertiveness High Functioning Anxiety & Perfectionism Self-Esteem & Self-Compassion Emotional Regulation, Executive Functioning Life Transitions, Behaviour Change & Personal Growth Neurodivergence (ADHD & ASD in children, teens and adults)

Valerie Acorn BA, CHYS, MACP Provisional Counselling Therapist Valerie was born and raised in C... Read More

Chris Hillier, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Chris holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (honours) from Yorkville University. Chris also holds a PhD in Education (honours), a Master of Education (honours), and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (honours). Chris’s clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems and mindfulness-based interventions. His approach emphasizes collaboration, emotional awareness, and practical strategies that help clients build resilience and create meaningful change in their lives. Chris enjoys working with adults experiencing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and negative beliefs about the self. He aims to create a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic space where clients feel safe exploring their experiences, developing insight, and strengthening their capacity for growth. In addition to his psychotherapy practice, Chris also works as a school counsellor where he supports students’ social-emotional wellbeing and academic development. Outside of work, Chris enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and exploring different cultures.

Chris Hillier, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Chris holds a Master of Arts in Coun... Read More

Jessica is a Clinical Specialist (Registered Social Worker) licensed throughout the Maritimes with the NSCSW, PEISWRB, and NBASW. She is an autistic clinician and has been in clinical practice over 15 years.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cape Breton University, A Bachelor of Social Work (Honours with Distinction) and a Master of Social Work both from the University of Windsor Ontario.

Jessica’s clinical practice is informed by attachment theory and an IFS informed lens. She primarily uses EMDR (standard protocol, DeTUR protocol and IFS integrated EMDR), DBR (Deep Brain Reorienting), Somatic Experiencing, Emotion Focused Therapy for couples and The Gottman Approach in her clinical practice

Jessica enjoys working with adults 18+ for a variety of concerns, including Complex trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression and negative beliefs about the self and self image for individual therapy. Jessica offers couples therapy and has experience working within indigenous communities and the 2SLGBTQI population.

When not in the office, she is most often found hiking mountains with her Standard Poodle, Sampson James, rock climbing, camping or reading while consuming altogether too much coffee.

Jessica is a Clinical Specialist (Registered Social Worker) licensed throughout the Maritimes wit... Read More

I’m currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I’ve been passionate about psychology and helping others for as long as I can remember. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mount Allison University, I knew I wanted to continue down a path that allowed me to support others in meaningful and impactful ways.

I approach my work with cultural humility and a trauma-informed lens, recognizing how systemic and social factors can influence mental health and wellbeing. I am also deeply committed to inclusivity and strive to create a space where all clients feel safe, respected, and truly heard. I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to the healing process, and I aim to provide a warm, judgment-free environment where clients can feel comfortable being themselves.

My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I also work from a client-centered lens, tailoring each session to the unique needs, goals, and strengths of the individual. Some of my key areas of focus include anxiety, ADHD, depression, burnout, and relationship challenges—particularly among youth and young adults.

Outside of counselling, you can often find me at the rink, either playing or coaching ringette. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, visiting local cafes, and practicing yoga.

I’m currently completing my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I’ve been... Read More