Catherine Phinney, Psychotherapist, MA, MACP, RCT, CCC

I am a registered counselling psychotherapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

 

I entered this profession after a career working as an executive for the federal government, both in Canada and internationally. I left that career when I realized that what really motivated me was bringing out the best in people by helping them to draw on their own strengths, and to focus on helping individuals recover from the cumulative effects of stress and trauma.

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Experience and education

 

In addition to receiving a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, I have a Master of Arts in International Conflict Analysis and over fifteen years of experience mentoring, coaching, building and leading teams, and resolving conflicts in the workplace and internationally. My practice combines these skills with my knowledge and training in psychology and conflict resolution. 

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I completed my clinical training at The Peoples' Counselling Clinic under the mentorship of Robert S. Wright. I then concluded my candidacy period with the guidance and support of Dr. Jeffrey Hosick.

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​Specialized training and certifications

 

I have received additional, specialized training and/or certification in:

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• Trauma-Informed Stabilization Therapy (TIST);

• Treating complex trauma, disrupted attachment, and unresolved childhood memories;

• Treating dissociation and self-injury;

• Understanding and treating Chronic Shame;

• Somatic psychotherapy;

• Treating panic disorder;

• Cognitive Processing Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD);

• Exposure Therapy;

• Bereavement from suicide;

• Working with the body's nervous system to heal trauma;

• Parental capacity assessments; and

• Providing therapy virtually.

 

I continually undertake professional training in treating and understanding mental health issues and trauma in order to apply the latest scientific research and approaches in my practice.