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

Leah is currently earning her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Previously she completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from Redeemer University. Leah has always been interested in psychology and her previous experiences working in education and non-profit organizations helped her to realize her desire to become a therapist and help people grow and heal.

Leah works to bring a trauma-informed lens to her sessions with a cultural humility stance. She is committed to the inclusion of all and especially drawn to working with women, 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients. The therapeutic relationship is the basis of all we do together, and she aims to bring empathy, and active listening to create a warm and judgement-free space.

Leah’s approach is client-centric and integrative, tailoring each session to your needs and collaborating with you to find paths forward. She draws from Cognitive-Behavioural therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused therapy (EFT), Person-Centred therapy, mindfulness and experiential tools in sessions. Leah enjoys working with adults and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns, from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, addictions and more.

Leah is based in PEI, and when not in the office, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her little zoo of cats and a dog, traveling and reading a great book.

Leah is currently earning her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.... Read More

Jessica is a Registered Social Worker with a clinical specialty in Trauma. She is an autistic therapist and has been in clinical practice for over 16 years. Jessica is licensed throughout Atlantic Canada with the NSCSW, PEISWRB, NBASW and the NLCSW.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Cape Breton University, A Bachelor of Social Work (Honours with Distinction) and a Masters 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 Registered Social Worker with a clinical specialty in Trauma. She is an autistic the... 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

Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Stress Leave, Life Transitions, Self-esteem, Relationship Challenges, Adolescent Concerns.

Kalee Tuomainen is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology (NSRP). She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Mount Royal University and her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Kalee began her clinical work in private practice and has also dedicated several years to volunteering with Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA), where she developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and crisis support. These experiences have shaped her appreciation for the importance of tailored, client-centered approaches to therapy.

Kalee’s clinical work is grounded in a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach, with a focus on how early relational experiences shape present-day patterns, coping strategies, and relationship dynamics. She integrates evidence-based modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support individuals, teens, and couples experiencing burnout, trauma, anxiety, depression, stress leave, life transitions, and relational challenges.

Kalee is particularly drawn to maintaining a strong sense of humanity within clinical work. She values creating a space where clients feel less alone in their experiences and has found that moments of thoughtful normalization and attuned connection can support the development of greater self-acceptance and self-compassion. She strives to support clients in developing a more compassionate, secure, and flexible relationship with themselves and others.

Outside of her work, Kalee enjoys investing in friendships, travelling, spin classes, golfing, and curling.

Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Stress Leave, Life Transitions, Self-esteem, Relationship C... Read More