Does it ever feel like you—or your child—are running a race with invisible weights tied to your ankles?

You’re capable, you’re bright, and you’re putting in the effort. Yet, the grades don’t reflect it, class work feels like a mountain you can’t climb, and the feedback is always some variation of “You just need to apply yourself more.”

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, we know that sometimes “applying yourself” isn’t the problem. The problem is often a lack of understanding of how your brain works. That’s where ADHD and Psychoeducational Assessments come in.

What is a Psychoeducational Assessment, Anyway?

Think of a psychoeducational assessment as a “deep dive” into how your brain processes information. It’s not just a test to see what you know; it’s an evaluation of how you learn.

By looking at cognitive strengths, memory, processing speed, and academic achievement, we can identify:

• Learning Disabilities (like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia).
• Giftedness (and why it sometimes comes with frustration).
• Processing gaps that make timed tasks or complex instructions a nightmare.

The ADHD Piece of the Puzzle

While psychoeducational testing looks at learning, an ADHD Assessment looks at executive function. This is the “air traffic control” system of your brain. When it works differently, you might struggle with:

• Starting or finishing tasks (even ones you enjoy).
• Regulating your attention (either too little or intense hyperfocus).
• Managing time and staying organized.
• Controlling impulses or feeling physically restless.

At Crossroads, we don’t just “check boxes” for a diagnosis. We look at the whole person—their history, their environment, and their unique brain wiring.

Why Assessment Matters (At Any Age)

For Children, Teens & Post-Secondary Students

An early assessment can change a child’s entire educational trajectory. Instead of being labeled “difficult” or “unmotivated,” they receive the accommodations they need —like extra time on tests, assistive technology, or specialized instruction. Most importantly, it protects their self-esteem. Later assessments for students can help identify needed accommodations which can be a lifeline for significant tests like the MCAT, GMAT and LSAT.

Getting an Appointment Quickly

We know that when you finally decide to seek answers, the last thing you want to hear is, “We can see you in eight months.” At Crossroads, we’ve grown our team to ensure we match you with the right associate—like Brittany MacGregor, Hannah Hunter or Sophia Fajnerova —as quickly as possible. We prioritize minimal wait times because we know that your path to success shouldn’t be put on hold.

Are you ready to stop guessing and start growing?

Learn more and sign up for an ADHD Assessment or a Psychoeducational Assessment today.

ADHD and Psychoeducational Assessments

Kelsey Chiasson’s return

We are happy to announce that Kelsey Chiasson, M.A., has returned to Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services from her leave.

For those who have worked with Kelsey before, you know she brings a unique and deeply compassionate perspective to our team. With her background as a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) before transitioning into counselling, Kelsey has a profound understanding of the connection between the mind and body. She doesn’t just look at the symptoms; she works with her clients to address the root causes of distress.

A Trauma-Informed, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Kelsey is a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). Her practice is built on a foundation of authenticity, respect, and the belief that every person is the expert of their own life. She is particularly passionate about providing a safe, supportive space for:

• Adults (18+) and Couples
• Neurodivergent individuals (offering a neurodiversity-affirming environment)
• Those navigating the deeper impacts of trauma, anxiety, and depression
• Individuals managing chronic pain, burnout, and grief

Meeting You Where You Are

Kelsey’s approach is collaborative and tailored to the unique stories of the individuals and couples she supports. Depending on your specific needs, she draws from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic models, including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Somatic Therapy (drawing on her mind-body expertise)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Narrative Therapy

Kelsey is currently accepting new clients and is eager to reconnect with those she has supported in the past. She offers sessions in both English and French, ensuring accessible care for our diverse community in Hammonds Plains and across Nova Scotia.

Ready to book?

You can view Kelsey’s full profile here or schedule an appointment by contacting us or through our online booking portal.

Welcome back, Kelsey—we’ve missed your warmth and expertise!

Kelsey Chiasson’s return

While “Autism Awareness” has been a standard phrase for years, at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, we believe it’s time to move the conversation forward. Awareness is simply the recognition that autism exists; acceptance is the active work of creating a community where neurodivergent individuals are valued, supported, and included exactly as they are.

In Hammonds Plains and beyond, true inclusion grows through understanding and intentional action. Here are three ways to move beyond simple awareness and foster a truly neurodiverse environment.

1. Commit to Constant, Neuroaffirming Learning

Understanding autism starts with recognizing that it is a diverse, lifelong way of experiencing the world. It isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” diagnosis; it shows up differently in every individual.

To be a better ally, explore the nuances of:

• Sensory Processing: Understanding how environments (lights, sounds, textures) can be overwhelming or calming.
• Communication Styles: Recognizing that there are many valid ways to communicate and connect beyond traditional verbal speech.
• Neuroaffirming Spaces: Learning how to adjust your workplace, classroom, or home to be supportive rather than demanding conformity to “typical” standards.

2. Centre Autistic Voices

The real experts on neurodiversity are the people living it every day. To move toward true acceptance, we must listen to and elevate the lived experiences of autistic individuals.

• Diverse Perspectives: Follow autistic creators, advocates, and educators. Their insights provide a window into a world that clinical textbooks often miss.
• Challenge Assumptions: Be open to unlearning old stereotypes. If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.
• Listen First: Instead of assuming what an autistic friend, student, or colleague needs, create a safe space for them to lead the conversation.

3. Take Action in Your Local Community

Acceptance is a verb. It requires us to look at our local spaces—from the schools in Hammonds Plains to the businesses in the HRM—and ask how we can make them more accessible.

• Support Local Inclusion: Attend sensory-friendly events and patronize businesses that prioritize neurodiverseneeds.
• Advocate for Accessibility: Whether it’s in a workplace or a community group, speak up for inclusive policies that accommodate different ways of thinking and being.
• Foster True Belonging: Real acceptance means making room for people to be their authentic selves without the pressure to “mask” or hide their traits.

Acceptance is a Journey

At Crossroads, we are proud to support the neurodiverse community through our specialized student assessments and therapy. We believe that understanding how a brain works isn’t just about identifying challenges—it’s about discovering the unique strengths that allow a person to truly thrive.

Looking for a neuroaffirming assessment or support for your student? Contact our Hammonds Plains office to learn how we can help you find a roadmap to success.

This insight comes from Crossroads’ Associate Kirsten Spasyouti. Kirsten’s areas of focus include Adults | Child Therapy | Adolescents | Young Adults | Autism | ADHD | Neurodiversity.

Autism Acceptance

Finding help for students.

When a student—whether a young child or a young adult—encounters persistent hurdles in the classroom, the weight of “not being enough” can quickly take hold. It is a heavy burden for any learner to carry. However, a struggle is rarely a matter of effort or willpower; more often, it’s a sign that the current educational map simply doesn’t fit the unique terrain of their brain.

Seeking a psychoeducational assessment or ADHD assessment is a courageous first step toward replacing confusion with clarity and frustration with a plan.

Uncovering the “Why”

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, our psychoeducational assessments and ADHD assessments are designed to look beneath the surface. We work to uncover the root causes behind challenges with reading, mathematics, focus, or memory.

By exploring cognitive functioning and academic skills, we move away from limiting labels and toward a personalized roadmap for success. We believe that understanding how a brain learns isn’t just about identifying a disorder—it’s about discovering the specific strengths that allow a person to truly thrive.

A Calmer Path to Clarity

Located right here in Hammonds Plains, the Crossroads office offers a peaceful, stress-free alternative to the busy downtown Halifax commute. We know that the assessment process can feel daunting, which is why we’ve created a welcoming environment with free parking and a focus that remains entirely on the student’s needs.

Whether you are navigating elementary school hurdles or university-level ADHD challenges, we are here to help you find the way forward.

Seeking help for students? Contact us to learn more.

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, we’re growing — and we’re looking for a psychologist who is passionate about couples counselling to join our team as an Associate Psychologist.

We currently have an active waiting list of couples seeking services, creating an immediate opportunity to step into a focused and rewarding caseload. If you already have experience in couples therapy — or are eager to expand your clinical focus in this area — we provide the demand, support, and environment to help you thrive.

Why Crossroads Stands Out

• A new, inviting facility: Our wellness centre in Hammonds Plains offers ample free parking, private and well-appointed offices, and easy access from Bedford, Sackville, Dartmouth, and throughout Halifax / HRM. 
• Collaborative and values-driven team: Founded by Amy Wiens, M.A., Crossroads has grown into a community of dedicated, evidence-based practitioners. Our team includes Registered Psychologists and RCT-Cs with expertise across individual, child, adolescent, family, and couples therapy.
• Flexible, supportive structure: Enjoy flexible scheduling, strong administrative support, and effective marketing, allowing you to focus on meaningful client work rather than admin burdens.

What We Offer Our Associate Psychologists

• Industry-leading revenue share
• Supportive environment tailored to your professional goals
• Lightweight onboarding process designed to feel collaborative, relaxed, and respectful of your time
• Team environment – Work alongside a team of dedicated clinicians in a supportive and engaging setting

What We’re Looking For – Couples Focused Psychologist

• A registered psychologist with a strong interest in couples therapy (married, premarital, and/or relationship counselling)
• Experience or passion for approaches that foster trust, connection, and healing, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman, or other relational frameworks
• A desire to build your practice in a well-resourced environment within a team that values growth, integrity, and collaboration

Join a Place That’s More Than Just a Clinic

At Crossroads, you’re not just a therapist — you’re part of a mission-driven team. We are committed to client well-being and positively impacting our community. If this sounds like a place where you could thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by completing the form. We will follow up to explore how you could become part of our community.

Couples Focused Psychologist

Celebrating a Milestone: Joanna Lockhart Completes Her RCT Candidacy

We’re pleased to share an important professional milestone for one of our valued team members at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services.

Congratulations to Joanna Lockhart, M.A., on successfully completing the Candidacy period for her Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) designation with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. This achievement marks the successful transition from RCT-C (Candidate) to full Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) status—an accomplishment that reflects her consistent dedication, clinical competence, and commitment to providing ethical, client-centred care.

Throughout her Candidacy, Joanna has demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and compassion. She’s continually invested in her growth while thoughtfully supporting clients through life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, grief, boundary work, and personal self-understanding. Her collaborative and grounding approach has made her a valued therapist to clients and a respected colleague within our team.

Achieving full RCT status is an intensive, multi-step process. It requires advanced academic training, thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience, and meeting the established professional standards set by the NSCCT. Joanna has navigated each of these steps thoughtfully, and we’re very happy to celebrate this well-deserved success with her.

We’re grateful for the thoughtful, steady support she provides to individuals in our community, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.

You can learn more about Joanna’s work and therapeutic approach. 

Contact us to book an appointment with Joanna.

Please join us in congratulating Joanna on this well-earned professional achievement!

Joanna Lockhart Completes Her RCT Candidacy

Finding the right psychologist or psychotherapist in Halifax can feel overwhelming. You’re not just searching for credentials — you’re looking for someone you can trust, someone who listens, and someone who helps you move forward.

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, that’s what we’re all about. Our team of experienced psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors offers a warm, professional space where you can feel heard and supported while working toward real change.

Why Crossroads Counselling Feels Different

When people describe their experience with us, they often say the same thing: “I finally feel like someone gets it.”

That’s because we take the time to understand you — not just your symptoms, but your story. Our therapists are trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, but what matters most to us is helping you find practical tools and genuine insight that make a difference in your life.

Here’s what makes Crossroads a trusted choice for mental health care in Halifax:

• Experienced Team: Our clinicians include Registered Psychologists, Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and Registered Counselling Therapists (RCT-C).
• Personalized Fit: We match you with a therapist who best fits your goals and personality.
• Evidence-Based Care: We use proven methods like CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and trauma-informed therapy.
• Comfortable Environment: Our Halifax office is welcoming and confidential — a space where you can just breathe.

What We Help With

Our team works with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and burnout
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Trauma and PTSD
• Grief and loss
• Self-esteem and personal growth
• ADHD assessments

Whether you’re looking for personal counselling, couples therapy, or help navigating a specific challenge, we’re here to guide you with empathy and professionalism.

In-Person or Online — Support That Fits Your Life

While we’re proudly based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we also offer secure online therapy for anyone across the province. So whether you’re near our office in Hammonds Plains or anywhere around the HRM, you can still connect with one of our trusted therapists.

Take the Next Step

If you’re searching for the best psychologist or psychotherapist in Halifax, we’d love to help you take the next step in your mental health journey.

Contact us book your first appointment. You don’t have to figure everything out alone — we’re here to help.

We’re excited to share some wonderful news — starting in January 2026, Paige Carvery will be joining the Crossroads team as a Practicum Student!

Paige is in the final stages of completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and holds a B.A. (Honours) in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University. Her strong academic background and hands-on experience have shaped her into a thoughtful, compassionate emerging therapist who’s eager to support clients on their wellness journey.

Before joining Crossroads, Paige worked as a Research Assistant with the IWK Health Centre, Saint Mary’s University, and Dalhousie University. Through this work, she developed a deep understanding of evidence-based practice, which now informs her warm, client-centred approach to therapy.

Compassionate Support at a Low Cost

As part of her practicum placement, Paige will be offering counselling sessions at a reduced rate of $25/hour at Crossroads. This is a great opportunity for individuals, teens, and adults to access affordable, high-quality counselling in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Paige’s Approach

Paige’s style is collaborative, compassionate, and inclusive. She believes therapy should be a safe space where every person feels seen, heard, and valued. Her clinical interests include:

• Anxiety and stress
• Life transitions
• Grief and loss
• Relationship challenges
• Self-esteem and self-worth

Whether you’re navigating change, facing uncertainty, or simply looking to better understand yourself, Paige is here to help you move forward with care and confidence.

Book a Session

We’re pleased to welcome Paige to the Crossroads community and can’t wait for our clients to meet her.

If you’re looking for low-cost therapy in Halifax or want to learn more about working with Paige, please contact us to book a session.

We’re pleased to celebrate an exciting professional milestone for Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services Associate, Kelsey Chiasson!

Kelsey has officially earned her Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). This certification recognizes counsellors who have met rigorous national standards for education, training, and ethical practice in the field of counselling and psychotherapy across Canada.

In addition to her CCC designation, Kelsey also holds her Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C) credential through the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists, which is specific to practice within Nova Scotia.

Together, these designations represent a significant professional achievement — reflecting Kelsey’s commitment to excellence, ongoing education, and ethical, evidence-based mental health care.

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, we’re proud to celebrate our Associates as they continue advancing their professional development. Kelsey’s accomplishment not only enhances her ability to serve clients but also strengthens the quality of care we provide to individuals, couples, and families across Nova Scotia.

Please join us in congratulating Kelsey on becoming a Canadian Certified Counsellor — a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and compassion in supporting mental health and wellness.

Kelsey offers sessions in both English and French. Please Contact Us to book a session with Kelsey.