Services
ATEN offers a variety of services, resources and support for all people affected by trauma.
Counselling & Peer Support
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Community Engagement
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Education
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What is Counselling Therapy?
Counselling therapy is a service provided by Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT’s) who have completed a graduate degree in accordance with accreditation standards and ethical guidelines of the Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). In Nova Scotia, Counselling Therapists are registered and licenced with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists.
Counselling therapy is a relational process in which client and therapist work collaboratively toward client-centered goals. Counselling therapists are devoted to the prevention, repair, and improvement of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges. Counselling therapists help build awareness and skills toward wellness at individual, systemic, cultural, and institutional levels. Counsellors can work collaboratively with other care providers toward a client’s goals at request. However, counsellors cannot undergo the process of formal diagnosis.
Counsellors use a variety of effective and evidence-based treatments, strategies and interventions which can be a combination of theories (integrative), various techniques (eclectic) or more focused around a singular approach (see counsellor profiles for more about specific therapeutic approaches used here). Some therapeutic approaches used at ATEN include: person-centered, trauma-informed, internal family systems (IFS), narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, various somatic therapies, queer-affirmative therapy, and existential therapy. Counselling therapists are both required and committed to ongoing learning, research and professional development in the field of wellness and psychology and complete regular relevant trainings.
Counselling therapy is a relational process in which client and therapist work collaboratively toward client-centered goals. Counselling therapists are devoted to the prevention, repair, and improvement of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges. Counselling therapists help build awareness and skills toward wellness at individual, systemic, cultural, and institutional levels. Counsellors can work collaboratively with other care providers toward a client’s goals at request. However, counsellors cannot undergo the process of formal diagnosis.
Counsellors use a variety of effective and evidence-based treatments, strategies and interventions which can be a combination of theories (integrative), various techniques (eclectic) or more focused around a singular approach (see counsellor profiles for more about specific therapeutic approaches used here). Some therapeutic approaches used at ATEN include: person-centered, trauma-informed, internal family systems (IFS), narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, various somatic therapies, queer-affirmative therapy, and existential therapy. Counselling therapists are both required and committed to ongoing learning, research and professional development in the field of wellness and psychology and complete regular relevant trainings.
What is Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC)?
A Registered Professional Counsellor/Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling who have completed the necessary educational requirements in accordance with accreditation standards and ethical guidelines of the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, are authorized to provide counselling services in Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Professional Counsellors Association is a competency-based professional association whose members voluntarily participate in the regulation and oversight of clinical practice for the protection of the public. These standards include a Code of Ethics, Professional Standards of Practice, and a formal, adjudicated Complaints & Discipline process. All CPCA members in active practice must complete 12 hours of professional development and 6 hours of clinical supervision per calendar year to remain in good standing as practicing clinicians. CPCA members are deemed competent after a rigorous application process which includes a theory based qualifying exam, proof of supervised clinical practice, and letters of recommendation from registered/licensed mental health professionals who have personal knowledge of the applicant's clinical skills. In addition to the entry-level registration, the Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), CPCA members may apply for advanced recognition as Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC), which represents a significant body of education and experience over and above the RPC registration. An MPCC-level member has completed a minimum of 1250 hours of direct client contact, 250 hours of clinical supervision, and has been in active practice for a least 5 of the past 8 years.
Similar to Counselling Therapists, a Registered Professional Counsellor/Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling works collaboratively with the client toward client-centered goals. RPC’s & MPCC’s help build awareness and skills toward wellness at individual, systemic, cultural, and institutional levels. RPC’s & MPCC’s can work collaboratively with other care providers toward a client’s goals at request. However, RPC’s & MPCC’s cannot undergo the process of formal diagnosis.
The Canadian Professional Counsellors Association is a competency-based professional association whose members voluntarily participate in the regulation and oversight of clinical practice for the protection of the public. These standards include a Code of Ethics, Professional Standards of Practice, and a formal, adjudicated Complaints & Discipline process. All CPCA members in active practice must complete 12 hours of professional development and 6 hours of clinical supervision per calendar year to remain in good standing as practicing clinicians. CPCA members are deemed competent after a rigorous application process which includes a theory based qualifying exam, proof of supervised clinical practice, and letters of recommendation from registered/licensed mental health professionals who have personal knowledge of the applicant's clinical skills. In addition to the entry-level registration, the Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), CPCA members may apply for advanced recognition as Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC), which represents a significant body of education and experience over and above the RPC registration. An MPCC-level member has completed a minimum of 1250 hours of direct client contact, 250 hours of clinical supervision, and has been in active practice for a least 5 of the past 8 years.
Similar to Counselling Therapists, a Registered Professional Counsellor/Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling works collaboratively with the client toward client-centered goals. RPC’s & MPCC’s help build awareness and skills toward wellness at individual, systemic, cultural, and institutional levels. RPC’s & MPCC’s can work collaboratively with other care providers toward a client’s goals at request. However, RPC’s & MPCC’s cannot undergo the process of formal diagnosis.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support in mental health refers to individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges providing support, guidance, and understanding to others who are going through similar struggles. This form of support is based on the principle of mutual aid. Appointments can occur in person, online via Zoom, or by phone.
Peer support is recognized through the Canadian Mental Health Association. It is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through a similar experience and is trained to support others. Peer support is an integrated and integral component of mental health systems, accessible to all individuals, family members, and supporters affected by barriers to mental wellness..
Key aspects of peer support in mental health include:
Peer support is recognized through the Canadian Mental Health Association. It is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through a similar experience and is trained to support others. Peer support is an integrated and integral component of mental health systems, accessible to all individuals, family members, and supporters affected by barriers to mental wellness..
Key aspects of peer support in mental health include:
- Shared Experience: Peers have firsthand experience with barriers to mental health, making them uniquely qualified to empathize with and support others facing similar issues.
- Non-clinical Approach: Peer support is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment but complements it. It offers a more informal and personal approach to helping individuals on their journey to recovery.
- Listening and Understanding: Peer supporters are often skilled at active listening, offering a non-judgmental and empathetic space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Recovery-Oriented: Peer support focuses on recovery, resilience, and hope. It emphasizes the potential for personal growth and the ability to manage mental health challenges effectively.
- Building Connections: Peer support can help reduce the isolation and stigma that individuals with barriers to mental health may face by providing a sense of community and belonging.
- Promoting Self-Advocacy: Peers encourage individuals to become advocates for their own mental health and well-being, helping them navigate the mental healthcare system and make informed choices.
Groups
Be Well Workshop Series
The Be Well Workshops is an initiative offered by the After Trauma Empowerment Network with the financial support from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (For the Good of Our Community Fund). This series of free workshops will provide participants the opportunity to learn, gain new skills and connect with others. Each workshop will focus on a specific topic and will have diverse leaders and speakers sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Light snacks and drinks provided.
There is limited seating for each workshop and individuals will have to register for each workshop by emailing Lea-Ann Julian at [email protected] or by phone at 902-758-3967. Workshops will be held at the ATEN Community Room (2836 Main St., Shubenacadie) every second Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm *dates may vary from month to month
Seniors/Elders Group Chat & Craft
A free monthly program for older adults to share skills and stories in a supportive, therapeutic space supported by the New Horizons For Seniors Grant Program. The focus is on sharing arts-based skills and music (i
e craft, art, singing, dancing/movement). A light meal and snacks will are provided. Here, we work collaboratively to create a space to learn more skills like drawing, painting, gentle movement, etc together with guest facilitators each month. Facilitators are often peer older adults who have a skill they would like to share with the group. As we work with our hands, there is an invitation to talk and share stories and discuss therapeutic themes that are of interest to the group ie setting boundaries, anxiety, depression, grief, compassion, stress, and ways to be in relationship with each other with the support of our group facilitators Emma and Juli.
*We run a closed group on the second Monday of every month from 1-3pm and an open group at the ATEN Community Room on the 4th Thursday of every month from 4-6pm
*Sign-up required
The Be Well Workshops is an initiative offered by the After Trauma Empowerment Network with the financial support from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (For the Good of Our Community Fund). This series of free workshops will provide participants the opportunity to learn, gain new skills and connect with others. Each workshop will focus on a specific topic and will have diverse leaders and speakers sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Light snacks and drinks provided.
There is limited seating for each workshop and individuals will have to register for each workshop by emailing Lea-Ann Julian at [email protected] or by phone at 902-758-3967. Workshops will be held at the ATEN Community Room (2836 Main St., Shubenacadie) every second Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm *dates may vary from month to month
Seniors/Elders Group Chat & Craft
A free monthly program for older adults to share skills and stories in a supportive, therapeutic space supported by the New Horizons For Seniors Grant Program. The focus is on sharing arts-based skills and music (i
e craft, art, singing, dancing/movement). A light meal and snacks will are provided. Here, we work collaboratively to create a space to learn more skills like drawing, painting, gentle movement, etc together with guest facilitators each month. Facilitators are often peer older adults who have a skill they would like to share with the group. As we work with our hands, there is an invitation to talk and share stories and discuss therapeutic themes that are of interest to the group ie setting boundaries, anxiety, depression, grief, compassion, stress, and ways to be in relationship with each other with the support of our group facilitators Emma and Juli.
*We run a closed group on the second Monday of every month from 1-3pm and an open group at the ATEN Community Room on the 4th Thursday of every month from 4-6pm
*Sign-up required
Limits to Confidentiality
All information disclosed within sessions is confidential and will not be revealed to anyone without your written permission, except:
1. Where there is suspicion that a child or children (that is, someone who is PRESENTLY under the age of 18) has been or is being physically or sexually abused or neglected,
2. Where there is imminent harm to self or to others,
3. Where the client is likely to harm himself/herself/themselves unless protective measures are taken,
4. If a client reveals that he or she has been sexually abused by a health care provider (for
example, a psychologist, a nurse, a physician), the counsellor is obligated to report the name of the perpetrator to his/her/their governing body.
5. Where the counsellor is subpoenaed by court,
6. Where the client gives written consent to share certain information with a specific person(s).
1. Where there is suspicion that a child or children (that is, someone who is PRESENTLY under the age of 18) has been or is being physically or sexually abused or neglected,
2. Where there is imminent harm to self or to others,
3. Where the client is likely to harm himself/herself/themselves unless protective measures are taken,
4. If a client reveals that he or she has been sexually abused by a health care provider (for
example, a psychologist, a nurse, a physician), the counsellor is obligated to report the name of the perpetrator to his/her/their governing body.
5. Where the counsellor is subpoenaed by court,
6. Where the client gives written consent to share certain information with a specific person(s).
We're Here to Help
902-758-3967
[email protected]
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