Stephanie Gavel

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Stephanie Gavel

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Intern

BA. MACP (Candidate)

Life is a journey. Are you at a crossroad, feeling lost, or in a ditch? I will support you as you navigate each mile. 

I view counseling as a collaborative process that honors each aspect of your identity—mind, body, and spirit. My client-centered approach builds on a trusting relationship to explore your concerns and support you in reaching your goals. By building on your strengths and tailoring treatment plans to your needs, I aim to create a safe space where growth and healing can flourish. 

My background in community service, education and child and youth care spanning over 20 years brings a unique blend of education, experience, and empathy to my practice. These experiences have fueled my understanding of, and passion for, supporting people in their processing of trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University, where I am refining my application of holistic therapeutic approaches. 

In my free time, I dedicate myself to creating a sustainable lifestyle and community-mindedness, supporting initiatives like 4H Nova Scotia and local animal welfare programs. These experiences have enriched my understanding of diverse perspectives and strengthened my commitment to supporting change through making meaningful connections.

You are not alone. I am here to navigate your journey with you. When you’re ready, book a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit to work together. 

Stephanie's Area's of Focus:

Specialities

  • Trauma
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences 
  • Anxiety (Adults, Teens & Children)
  • Depression (Adult, Teens & Children)
  • Medically Complex Clients
  • Pre- and Post-natal Support
  • Neurodivergence (Adults, teens, children)
  • Navigating and Preventing Burnout in High Stress Professions
  • Career/Life Transitions
  • Family Dynamics/Conflict
  • Effective Communication
  • Play-Based Modalities
  • Diverse Learning Styles
  • Culturally-Responsive Practice

Therapeutic Modalities

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person-Centred Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Strength-Based Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Attachment-Informed Therapy

Stephanie is currently completing her internship at our clinic and offers affordable therapy as part of her training. 

Stephanie's Training & Expertise

Stephanie brings over 20 years of expertise in holistic, client-centered support for children, youth, and families. 

Education

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (TBC 2025)
  • Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Child and Youth Studies with a minor in Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University (2022)
  • Honours diploma in Early Childhood Studies from Nova Scotia Community College (2004)

Certifications

  • Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) 
  • Using CBT to Treat Panic Disorder; Anxiety and Trauma Clinic of Nova Scotia
  • Strength-Based Family Relationships; Early Childhood Investigations 
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): LifeWorks
  • Child Development and Play Therapy; Allison Training
  • Asset-Based Approaches to Learning; edWeb.com
  • Effective Cross Cultural Communication; SkillsPass
  • Cultivating Cultural Identity in Children; Hatch Learning
  • Healing Play Strategies for Children; Early Childhood Investigations
  • Supporting Emotional Intelligence in Children; BrightWheel
  • Suicide Awareness Training; Zero Suicide Alliance
  • Health Sexual Development in Children; Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education
  • Trauma Basics for Youth Workers; The Center for Adolescent Studies Inc.
  • Mental Health First Aid; Mental Health Commision of Canada

Let's connect online and get started!