Accepting New Clients
Online

Stephanie Gavel

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Registered Counselling Therapist- Candidate. 

BA. MACP

Life is a journey. Are you at a crossroad, feeling lost, or have fallen into a rut? I will support you as you navigate each mile. My approach is client-centred and compassionate, I view counselling as a collaborative process that honours each aspect of your identity—mind, body, and spirit. Building on a trusting relationship, together we will explore your concerns and create a plan to support you in reaching your goals. By tailoring a healing plan that focuses on both your needs and strengths, I aim to create a safe space where growth and healing can flourish.

My path into counselling started with a career in education and child and youth care spanning over 20 years. These experiences give a unique blend of education, experience, and empathy to my practice, while fueling my understanding of, and passion for, supporting people in their processing of trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

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

If you are looking for someone who will hold both compassion and respect for your individual journey, book a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit. You are not alone. I am here to navigate your journey with you.

Areas of focus/specialties:

  • 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 approaches and modalities:

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

Training & experience:

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (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)
  • 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!