Welcome to Thrive Counselling and Consulting
Mental Health Therapy Services for children, teens, adults, couples, families in Sydney Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-577-5853 Fax: 902-270-5556
About Thrive
Meet the Team
Deanne Matheson, MSW, RSW
Hello! My name is Deanne Matheson. I am a Registered Social Worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) and I have been a social worker for over 20 years. I am originally from Cape Breton but I have lived in Ontario and the US for most of my adult life. I have been back in Cape Breton for a few years and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love in a place that has always been in my heart. I am passionate about experiences and initiatives that contribute to a healthy community. Building Thrive has been fueled by that passion. I spend my time with my kids and my pets, and being active and out in nature as much as I can.
Educational Background and Professional Training
I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages as well as couples, families and groups in a variety of settings. I have training in a variety of therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy, and DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Between those two degrees I completed the Social Service Worker diploma at Algonquin College. I have a Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration, from University of Maryland, Baltimore. As you can see, I love to learn! I am a trauma informed therapist and I am knowledgeable about the effects of trauma, as well as the most effective ways of healing from trauma. My clinical work is informed by attachment theory, which works from the perspective that our early experiences in many ways shape our current life experiences. I believe there are many pathways to healing and I meet people where they are, working together to explore, understand and heal.
Deanne is not currently accepting new clients
Rebecca Walker, RCT
Welcome! My name is Rebecca Walker and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I’ve spent a number of years working within the non-profit sector of Cape Breton, and have a great appreciation for the beauty, hospitality, and community connection that is found in our backyard. I am grateful for life’s simple but precious moments, and love spending most of my time in nature-even during our Cape Breton winters. I believe in healing, and that the small steps really matter.
Educational Background and Professional Training
I have a Bachelor of Science from Cape Breton University and a Masters in Counselling from Yorkville University. My preference is to work from a compassionate and supportive framework. I recognize that everyone must heal in their own way and at their own pace. I prefer to practice using experiential styles of therapy, which focus on the innate healing resources that we all possess. Some of the therapies that I use, include Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing (SE). Oftentimes, this will involve working with emotion and the nervous system, to support healing. I believe that we are born with, and possess internal resources to move toward wellness, but that these are sometimes misplaced by chronic stress (e.g. “survival mode”).
I practice as a trauma-informed therapist, and my approach is attachment based and informed by interpersonal neurobiology. This approach emphasizes the need that all individuals have for connection while considering the impact of our past experiences with our ability to continuously adapt.
Rebecca is accepting clients to her waitlist. Please reach out to Lauren at intake and she will arrange services, info@thrivecapebreton.com
Chelsea McQueen, RCT-C
Hello! My name is Chelsea McQueen, and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I strive on setting and meeting goals, building trusting and healthy relationships, and I construct this based on my ability to practice unconditional positive regard. I continue to use this mentality as a therapist and believe that everyone can benefit from discussing many life stressors that can shape roadblocks in our everyday lives. I enjoy spending lots of time with family, exercising, and playing basketball. I love sports and art! I also look forward to early mornings with my two golden retrievers, Duke and Tucker, and my extra-large hot coffee!
Educational Background
I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and two undergrad degrees, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, where I played five years on Women’s Basketball Team. I spent several years working within the education system; specifically with school aged children. I travelled to Northern Quebec where I taught English as a second language and broadened my cultural competence. Although I appreciate my time as an educator, my true passion is in counselling psychology. After two years of teaching in the North, I travelled back to Cape Breton to substitute as an elementary school teacher. I realized my passion for psychology was outweighing my passion for education, so I made the decision to complete my master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. My counselling philosophy is based off the connections and attachments we make in the first five years of our lives, and how this can influence how we think, feel, and act. I have training in EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) and I use other modalities such as CBT and somatic based practices in my clinical work.
Chelsea can be reached directly at chelsea@thrivecapebreton.com
Chelsea is accepting new clients to her waitlist only
Julienne Cordy, RCT-C
Hello! I’m glad you’re here. My name is Julienne, but you can call me Julie! I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) (RCT-C) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Funny story, I started out as a Marine Biologist and then followed my family’s footsteps into the financial industry; but my heart brought me back to my first great interest of psychology and helping people.
As I watched mental health crises start to rise in our communities, in combination with my own healing journey and experience with therapy, there was no question about pursuing a career in the counselling field. My other passions include the performing arts (e.g. acting, theatre, film, music), and when I’m not in the office you would likely find me goofing off on the set of a film somewhere, or home with my cat either writing, painting, singing, or playing music. Oh, and drinking A LOT of tea. I am an all-round Art enthusiast and deeply believe in the power of creativity and human connection.
Background & Education
I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Co-op Marine Biology and obtained my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree from Yorkville University. I spent the last 10 years getting to know people on Cape Breton Island through my business and have over 300 hours of volunteer experience with the Crisis Textline, where I guided texters of all ages in crisis to a cool calm.
My priority here, is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be seen, heard, and understood, as well as offer emotional support and tools to help you work through your challenges and achieve your goals. I use an integrative approach that includes emotion-focused and solution-focused therapies with a heavy emphasis on person-centered philosophies and psychodynamic/experiential treatments. My practice is always through a trauma-informed, attachment-based, and culturally sensitive lens. I have experience working with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Sensory Processing Disorders, CPTSD, PTSD, ADHD, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), in addition to adolescents over 12 years and adults. I offer Individual and couples therapy.
Julie can be reached directly at julie@thrivecapebreton.com
Julie is accepting new clients to her waitlist only
Starla Brown , RCT-C
Hello! My name is Starla Brown, and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. For as long as I can remember I always had an interest in psychology, and with this interest became the goal to become a therapist.
In my personal time you can find me with my family, going to an exercise class, or just simply enjoying what life has to offer.
Educational Background
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies undergrad degree from Cape Breton University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT/EFT), and plan to acquire more training.
As a therapist, I follow a humanistic approach where I ensure a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space for you and your healing journey. My objective as a therapist is to meet you where you are, and to work with you empathetically and respectively.
I genuinely enjoy being a supportive person to another and it is a great honour to be a part of this healing journey with you.
Starla is currently accepting new clients. Please email info@thrivecapebreton.com if you are a new client wanting to book with Starla.
Starla can be reached directly at starla@thrivecapebreton.com
Jess Gallagher, RCT-C
As a Registered Counseling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings, challenge limiting beliefs, and make meaningful changes in your life. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and have studied education and psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Université Sainte-Anne. I have worked with a wide range of populations—from preschool to geriatric clients with mental health, neurodevelopmental, and trauma experiences; in diverse public service settings, including education, healthcare, and private practice across multiple provinces throughout northern and southern Canada. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that understanding and processing emotions, alongside challenging unhelpful thoughts, are key to overcoming life’s challenges. I use an integrative approach to therapy, which allows me to consider a variety of therapy types to ensure you receive an individualized experience tailored to your needs. I’m here to support your journey toward healing and personal growth.
Jess is accepting new clients -please reach out to intake at info@thrivecapebreton.com if you are interested in booking an appointment with Jess
Ethan Usher, RCT-C
Hello! My name is Ethan Usher, and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I came to this profession out of a desire to help people overcome their pain and make meaningful, positive changes in their lives. I try to accomplish this by offering an environment of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.
Whenever I'm not working or studying, I enjoy getting out in nature, playing guitar, and spending time with my family. Although I am very much an introvert, I love engaging in deep conversations with others. I also love getting absorbed into a good story whether it be a book, film, or even a game.
Educational Background
I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Cape Breton University. This allowed me to learn the scientific method and how to conduct research, while also studying philosophy, art, and literature. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is based on humanistic and existential psychology as well as a blend of Eastern and Western philosophy. I use an integrative approach that includes tools and ideas from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). I also like to incorporate my experience with mindfulness practices and meditation into therapy.
I am always eager to look for new ways to learn and improve. With each client, I aim to create a therapy that is tailored to the individual. As such, I'm always open to feedback and working collaboratively to make therapy as enjoyable and beneficial as possible.
Ethan is accepting new clients -please reach out to intake at info@thrivecapebreton.com if you are interested in booking an appointment with Ethan
Robyn Shibinette, RCT-C BScN, MACP
Hi! My name is Robyn Shibinette. I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I take pride in being able to provide a space where individuals feel comfortable to heal and get to know themselves on a deeper level. As a nurse, my passion has always been connecting and walking with patients through some of their toughest times. This passion for connection and willingness to support individuals and their families through grief, loss, sickness and struggle, is what lead me to a career in counselling. I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love, here in Cape Breton, alongside my loved ones and sweet pups, Louie and Duke.
Educational Background and Professional Interests
Prior to pursing the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an Advanced Major in research on nursing student burnout from Cape Breton University. Since graduating, I have worked as a Registered Nurse for 4 years mainly in acute care units throughout the healthcare field. More recently, my nursing focus has led me to inpatient Mental Health and crisis work. This foundational experience allows me to blend an understanding of the medical model, with my passion and curiousity for experiential therapy work.
My hope is that clients can find comfort and acceptance while receiving therapy. During sessions, I invite my clients on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, as they begin to uncover parts of themselves which we can understand and meet with less judgement. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and flexible in nature so you feel you will get what you need most out of therapy. With that, I tend to lean toward an elective, trauma-informed approach with an interest in Emotion-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory and, Internal Family Systems techniques. I am also committed to acquiring post-graduation education in these areas. Nonetheless, the foundation of all these modalities is building a relationship where individuals feel listened to, supported and understood. Throughout sessions, you can expect to be met with professionalism, humility and humor.
Let’s meet you where you are, and we will go from there.
Robyn is not currently accepting new clients
Student Clinic at Thrive Counselling and Consulting
Jim McGeragle - Counselling Psychology Practicum Student, Athabasca University
**** Jim is able to provide VIRTUAL SERVICES ONLY****
My aim is to bring compassionate understanding, hope, and positive change to the lives of my clients. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard and to have a space where they can be their most honest, aut
Jim McGeragle - Counselling Psychology Practicum Student, Athabasca University
**** Jim is able to provide VIRTUAL SERVICES ONLY****
My aim is to bring compassionate understanding, hope, and positive change to the lives of my clients. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard and to have a space where they can be their most honest, authentic selves. In therapy, I work with clients to help them reconnect with themselves, clear blockages, and find creative ways to establish new patterns.
I am from a small mill-town on Vancouver Island, BC and live in St. John’s, NL. I started a Geophysics undergraduate degree at UVIC, then switched to Philosophy. I worked in construction to pay for my education. Upon moving to The Yukon in 2012, I found that a helping role was a much better fit for me. I have been working in mental health and addiction support positions ever since. I have two new children: one two years, and the other two months (as of August 2024). I derive an inordinate amount of joy from playing ultimate frisbee and love getting outside with my family
I am trained in Brainspotting Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, counselling hypnotherapy, and in working with complex trauma. Someone once described me as “somber with a hint of glee”. A description I try to live up to by respectfully holding space and leaning into the heavy stuff, while still maintaining a nimble sense of humour. I tend to have a pretty relaxed style and calming presence. I lean towards person-centered and experiential approaches in-session.
Therapy Passions: life transitions, early life (career, school, etc), resolving complex and developmental trauma, and helping new parents do the deep work to promote responsive and flexible parenting.