Brian Schrock, MSW, RSW – Clinical Specialist

Executive Director

Education: Master of Social Work (1993), Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Professional Memberships: Registered with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, Clinical Specialist.
Professional Interests: Depression, anxiety, conflict resolution and communication, family relationships, couples therapy, abuse/trauma.
Theoretical Orientation: Brian is influenced by Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family systems. He works from a client-centered approach incorporating these techniques when the needs of a client determine this.
Location: Brian works out of the Truro office and via video.
Personal Interests: Brian enjoys watching a good movie and traveling with his family.

Janice Michels, MA, MAdEd, RCT

Therapist

Education: Master of Biblical Counselling (1993), Providence Seminary, Otterburne, MB
Master of Adult Education (2005) St. Francis Xavier, Antigonish, NS
Professional Memberships: Registered with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Professional Interests: Depression, anxiety, addictions, grief, parenting, and communication.
Theoretical Orientation: Her primary therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Janice will also use tools or methods from other models, such as Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy, according to the therapeutic needs of the individual client.
Location: Janice works out of the Dartmouth office and via video.
Personal Interests: Janice enjoys reading Classic British literature, watching German soccer, and listening to a variety of music. She also enjoys watching mysteries.

Cynthia Hunt, MSW, RSW – Clinical Specialist

Therapist

Education: MSW, Dalhousie University, BSW, Bachelor of Arts (psychology), Mount Saint Vincent University.
Professional Membership: Registered Social Worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
Professional Interests: Anxiety, Depression, grief, relationships and communication.
Theoretical Orientation: Cynthia practices from a strength based, client centered approach. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are her primary therapeutic approaches, while also drawing on other methods and tools depending on the specific needs of each client.
Location: Cynthia works primarily out of the Sackville location
Personal Interests: Cynthia loves to spend time hiking in nature and camping with family and friends. She also enjoys music, film and learning new things.

(*Cynthia is not accepting client referrals at this time)

Vivien Marira, MA, RCT-C

Therapist

Education: Master of Arts in Counselling (2011), Briercrest Seminary
Professional Memberships: Registered with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT)
Professional Interests: Women impacted by abuse/trauma, parenting, children/adolescents, attachment issues, anxiety, Depression and Grief/loss.
Theoretical Orientation: Vivien’s primary therapeutic approaches are Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Systems Theory and Narrative Therapy. She believes that every client has the tools and abilities inside of them to solve their problems alongside a supportive and caring person.
Location: Vivien works out of the Truro and Lower Sackville offices, and via video.
Personal Interests: Vivien enjoys trips to the beach with her husband and two kids, foraging for wild mushrooms, listening to podcasts and gardening.

Rachel Quirt, MA, RCT

Therapist

Education: Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling & Psychology, Yorkville University, NB; Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE), Masters College & Seminary, ON; Behavioural Science Technology (BST), St. Lawrence College, ON.
Professional Membership: Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT)
Professional Interests: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Communication, Trauma, and Group Therapy.
Theoretical Orientation: Rachel works from a client centered approach, providing clients with a safe space for exploration.  She draws from theories such as Person-centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Rachel also utilizes other interventions and techniques depending on the client’s needs.  When working with couples, she tends to draw from the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT).
Location: Rachel works primarily out of the Truro location and via Video.
Personal Interests: Rachel “Rae” loves to be creative, whether it’s drawing/painting, graphics, writing, speaking, or organizing spiritual retreats/events.  She is a lifelong learner and enjoys reading all kinds of material to sharpen her understanding and skills in everything she does.  Rachel also enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in long conversations over coffee, dining out, attending movies and live theatre, or travelling.

Lisa Smith, MA RCT-C

Therapist

Education: Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, NB
Professional Memberships: Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT)
Professional Interests: Anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, couples, family relationships and grief.
Theoretical Orientation: Lisa values a client centered and strength based approach to therapy. She strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients. Lisa’s primary therapeutic approaches draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Location: Lisa works primarily out of the Middleton location and via video.
Personal Interests: Lisa enjoys painting, gardening, playing the drums, ATV trail rides, and tending to her flock of chickens.

Karen Pratt

Program Assistant