We are pleased to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Julia Slaunwhite, a valued member of the Crossroads team. Having initially joined us as a practicum student in 2024, Julia has reached an impressive milestone by completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.

With her recent qualification, Julia has now become a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate. This accomplishment not only marks a significant progression in her career but also underscores our commitment to providing high-quality mental health services to our community. Julia’s passion for helping others is evident in her collaborative, warm approach to counseling, ensuring that clients feel supported as they navigate their personal journeys.

Throughout her time at Crossroads, Julia has proven to be an effective counsellor, bringing empathy, understanding, and a wealth of knowledge to her approach. Her training and experience allow her to connect with individuals on a meaningful level, tailoring her therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of those she serves.

As Julia embarks on this exciting new chapter, we invite you to book a session with her. Whether you are struggling with life’s challenges or seeking personal growth, Julia is here to support you on your path to wellness.

To schedule a session with Julia, please contact us at Crossroads. Join us in celebrating Julia’s achievements and welcoming her into this new role.

Crossroads has started, this year, offering child therapy and children’s ADHD and psychoeducational assessments. The introduction of services to this new client group has brought with it a special demand – beverages for kids! (Apparently kids are not impressed by our selection of coffee, who knew?)

The Crossroads team is thrilled to welcome Joanna Lockhart! Joanna is a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. With nearly 20 years of experience as a paramedic in Nova Scotia, Joanna brings a compassionate and unique perspective to her therapeutic work. Her time on the front lines has given her a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by first responders and healthcare professionals, allowing her to connect with clients on a meaningful level.

We’re happy to share that Joanna is now accepting new clients and will begin her practice with us on February 3.

To learn more about Joanna and her approach, please view her profile page.

We invite you to contact us today to book a counselling appointment with Joanna Lockhart. 

Welcome Joanna Lockhart!

As both a psychologist and a parent, I get a unique perspective on how young athletes develop—and the critical role parents play in that journey. I also coach one of my child’s sports teams, which allows me to see firsthand the impact of parental involvement on their athletic growth. I see how many parents desire to maximize their child’s athletic confidence.

I absolutely love watching players join a team, gain confidence, and develop not just their athletic skills, but also their interpersonal abilities, teamwork, and mindset. As a coach, it’s far more important to me that players grow as people than simply focus on their performance in the sport. The lessons they learn—perseverance, grit, teamwork, and resilience—are often far more valuable than any medal or trophy they could win. These lessons shape young athletes for life.

But what role do parents play in their child’s athletic confidence? I came across an insightful article in Psychology Today that offers a lot of food for thought for any parent of a young athlete.

The Science of Building Athletic Confidence in Youth Athletes

The author, a performance psychologist who works with athletes from youth leagues to the NBA, highlights a fascinating pattern: the most confident athletes often aren’t those who received the most praise or won the most games early on. Instead, their confidence is built on specific environmental factors that parents can actively nurture.

The article references Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes that athletic confidence rooted in internal motivation endures far longer than confidence based on external validation (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Wait a minute… isn’t our job as parents to motivate our kids, to celebrate their victories, and to cheer them on when they win games, banners, and awards? Well, not exactly!

The article provides evidence-based principles to help guide our behaviour as parents, but it also includes a crucial warning: “While these principles are well-supported by research, implementing them often requires parents to act counter to common instincts.” This is a powerful reminder that we may need to shift our mindset to better support our kids’ long-term development.

I won’t spoil all of the key messages of the article—you’ll need to read it to fully appreciate the insights it offers. However, I’d like to share five key principles to your maximize your child’s athletic confidence and self-belief:

1. Monitor the Challenge Level of Practices and Games

Ensure that your child’s experiences—whether in practice or games—are appropriately challenging. Too little challenge can breed boredom, while too much can lead to frustration. The right balance helps foster growth and confidence.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions About Their Sports Experience

Rather than asking, “Did you win?” or “Did you score?” try asking questions like, “What did you learn today?” or “What was the most challenging part of practice?” This encourages your child to reflect on the process, not just the outcome.

3. Provide Specific, Process-Focused Feedback

Instead of just praising the results (“Great job!”), focus on the effort and the process (“I noticed how hard you worked on your footwork during practice!”). This helps reinforce growth and effort over mere success.

4. Model a Growth Mindset in Your Own Life

Children learn much by watching. By embracing challenges and setbacks in your own life, you model the value of persistence, learning, and resilience. Show them that growth is a continuous process, both in sport and in life.

5. Celebrate Effort and Learning, Not Just Outcomes

It’s tempting to celebrate victories, but it’s equally important to celebrate the effort and progress along the way. Recognize moments where your child put in hard work, learned something new, or persevered through a challenge.

Are you ready to take on this challenge as a parent? By shifting our focus from external achievements to internal growth, we can help our children build lasting confidence that will serve them well, both on and off the field.

Amy Wiens, psychologist, is the founder and Principal of Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trinity Western University. With her educational background and passion for helping individuals, couples, and families live more congruent, authentic, and meaningful lives, Amy is dedicated to supporting clients in navigating their personal challenges.

A insight addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Social Anxiety and the benefits of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can provide. from Mark Ramsay, Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate at Crossroads.

Social Anxiety (SA), previously known as Social Phobia, is more than just shyness or introversion—it’s a
deeply debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by an intense
and persistent fear of being judged, scrutinized, or humiliated in social situations. For some, this fear
centres on specific activities like public speaking, while for others, it spans a broader range of
interpersonal interactions. These fears often lead to avoidance behaviours, making it difficult to form
meaningful relationships or pursue personal goals, and can result in feelings of isolation, loneliness, and
even depression.

Despite being one of the most common psychological difficulties affecting up to 12% of people during
their lifetime, social anxiety can be addressed through several therapeutic approaches. Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often the first-line treatment, with well-established models like those
developed by Clark and Wells or Heimberg. These methods have been highly effective for many
individuals, providing tools to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns while gradually building
confidence in social situations. However, exploring alternative approaches such as Emotion-Focused
Therapy (EFT) can complement these efforts and provide additional options for addressing social
anxiety.

EFT approaches social anxiety through a lens of emotional awareness and transformation. It recognizes
that individuals with SA often feel trapped—they crave connection but avoid it out of fear, leading to a
cycle of misery and stuckness. EFT therapists work to help clients understand and process the underlying
emotions driving their anxiety, such as shame, fear, and longing for acceptance. By addressing these
core emotions, EFT helps clients develop new emotional experiences and patterns, reducing their need
for avoidance and fostering a greater sense of self-compassion and social confidence.

What makes EFT particularly promising for social anxiety is its flexibility and relational focus. It allows
therapists to meet clients where they are, helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional
worlds. Techniques such as compassionate self-soothing and process-guiding can be especially effective
for individuals who may feel overwhelmed by unstructured social settings, including therapy itself. EFT
offers a unique perspective by addressing the root emotional experiences of social anxiety, helping
clients reduce their fears while empowering them to build meaningful relationships and live fuller, more
connected lives.

Mark Ramsay, M.Sc., is a is a Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C) with Crossroads. Mark’s therapeutic focus includes providing counselling/psychotherapy to different client populations and age groups including children, adolescents, and adults. To book a session with Mark, please contact us. 

A Couples Counselling post addressing how to communicate effectively in your relationship, from Liza Leblanc, Social Worker Candidate at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services. The health of our intimate relationships are core to our wellbeing. They impact every area of our lives. Working to ensure effective communication is foundational for a satisfying relationship.

6 Tips for Effective Communication with your partner:

1. Listen Actively: Focus on what your partner is saying without interrupting. Validate their feelings!

2. Share Vulnerably: Open up about your own emotions and experiences. Honesty builds trust.

3. Use “I” Statements: Express your feelings using statements like “I feel” instead of “You make me feel.” This reduces defensiveness.

4. Stay Present: Focus on the conversation at hand. Put away distractions to fully engage with each other. That includes your phone! 🙂

5. Practice Empathy: Try to understand your partner’s perspective. Acknowledge their emotions, even if you don’t agree.

6. Check in Regularly: Make it a habit to touch base emotionally. Ask each other how you’re feeling and what you need.

If you and your partner are seeking support, contact us to book an initial session.

#CouplesCommunication #EFT #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalConnection #Halifax #NovaScotia #Couplestherapy #Therapy #effectivecommunication

Liza Leblanc, MSW, is a Social Worker Candidate with experience managing change through a trauma-informed framework for her clients. Her experience includes providing counselling to children, adolescents, and adults with a particular focus on working with couples and families. She can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lizaleblanc_swc/.

To book an appointment with Liza, contact us.

A Couples Therapy post addressing how couples counselling can help you work through relationship-based money troubles. From Liza Leblanc, Social Worker Candidate at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services.

Do you ever find yourself in the midst of relationship troubles that started with money issues? Navigating finances can be a challenge for many couples, often leading to misunderstandings and conflict. You’re not alone if you find yourselves struggling in this area.

Engaging in relationship support offers more than just conflict resolution; it provides a safe environment to explore differing perspectives. Here’s how couples counselling can help:

Facilitated Conversations: A neutral setting can make discussing finances less daunting. With professional guidance, you can share your feelings and concerns in a more constructive way.

Identifying Triggers: Money issues can uncover deep-rooted beliefs and past experiences. Relationship support can help you recognize these triggers, making it easier to face challenges together.

Encouraging Collaboration: Engaging in therapeutic work as a couple promotes a sense of teamwork, transforming financial discussions into a cooperative effort to create a plan that works for both partners.

Enhancing Connection: By fostering understanding and compassion, these conversations can strengthen your relationship, allowing you to work together more effectively.

If financial disagreements are causing strain in your relationship, consider seeking support as a couple. It can provide the guidance needed to navigate these conversations with confidence.

Remember, asking for help in relationship-based money troubles is a proactive step towards a healthier partnership.

#Couplestherapy#Financialcommunication#HealthyRelationships#EmotionalConnection#CrossroadsCounselling#EFT#finances#novascotia#hammondsplains#couplescounselling

Liza Leblanc, MSW, is a Social Worker Candidate with experience managing change through a trauma-informed framework for her clients. Her experience includes providing counselling to children, adolescents, and adults with a particular focus on working with couples and families. She can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lizaleblanc_swc/.

To book an appointment with Liza, contact us.

A Couples Counselling post addressing how to rebuild trust after betrayal, from Liza Leblanc, Social Worker Candidate at Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services.

Betrayal can shake the very foundation of our relationships, leaving us feeling vulnerable and unsure. If you are navigating this difficult path, remember: healing takes time, but it is possible. Here are some steps to start rebuilding trust:

1️⃣ **Acknowledge the Pain**: It’s essential to validate your feelings. Betrayal hurts, and recognizing that pain is the first step in moving forward.

2️⃣ **Open Communication**: Share your feelings openly with the person who hurt you. Honest dialogue can create a bridge to understanding and healing.

3️⃣ **Set Boundaries**: Establish clear boundaries that protect your emotional well-being. This not only helps you feel safe but also encourages respect in the relationship.

4️⃣ **Seek Clarity**: Understand what led to the betrayal. Insight can foster empathy and help both parties navigate their emotions.

5️⃣ **Practice Patience**: Rebuilding trust is not an overnight process. Give yourself and the other person grace as you work through the intricate layers of healing.

Remember, trust is built through consistent actions and a commitment to healing. You can rebuild trust after betrayal. If you’re seeking support in rebuilding trust, please reach out via phone or email!

#crossroadscounselling#socialworker#novascotia#halifax#hammondsplains#counselling#therapy#couplestherapy#couplescounselling

Liza Leblanc, MSW, is a Social Worker Candidate with experience managing change through a trauma-informed framework for her clients. Her experience includes providing counselling to children, adolescents, and adults with a particular focus on working with couples and families. She can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lizaleblanc_swc/.

To book an appointment with Liza, contact us.

At Crossroads Counselling & Psychological Services, our mission is to provide exceptional and personalized mental health support to individuals, couples, and families in the Halifax region. Since 2017, we have cultivated a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their mental health and embark on a path toward healing and wellness. Our services, including couples counselling, grief counselling, anxiety / depression counselling and child therapy, are designed to address the unique needs of the diverse communities we serve.

Building a Practice for the Halifax Community

From the beginning, Crossroads Counselling has been committed to making mental health services accessible and reducing the stigma surrounding therapy. Our vision was to establish a thriving practice in Hammonds Plains that offers top-tier care across various specialties, including services for individuals from children through adults and support for families and couples. Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and its impact extends beyond individuals to their relationships, families, and the broader community.

The Journey from Humble Beginnings

When Amy Wiens, founder and psychologist, first opened Crossroads, the practice began modestly with just one office in a small local business centre. Amy’s dedication to delivering compassionate care, whether through couples counselling or individual counselling, quickly gained recognition. Word spread among clients, doctors, and community leaders, and our practice expanded in both team size and client base.

By 2020, we recognized the growing demand for services for people facing issues such as anxiety and depression, prompting the search for a larger, more purpose-built facility. Our goal was to create a calming and secure space where clients would feel supported on their journey toward mental well-being.

Expansion to Meet the Growing Needs

In 2023, we found the perfect building at 128 Appaloosa Run that matched our vision. Renovations began early in 2024, with an emphasis on confidentiality, soundproofing, and comfort — critical elements for creating a tranquil environment for mental health. This thoughtfully designed space allows us to better serve clients from the immediate Hammonds Plains / Bedford community and throughout the Halifax area.

Simultaneously, we expanded our team to include more specialized psychologists, therapists, and social workers, ensuring that we can meet the growing demand for mental health services. We are proud to have assembled a team with diverse expertise, offering support in areas like ADHD, autism, family systems, assessments and more.

Supporting Halifax Through Comprehensive Mental Health Services

At Crossroads, we support clients across the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) with a wide range of mental health needs. Our services cater to individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. Whether through couples counselling to strengthen relationships, grief counselling to help navigate loss, or child therapy to support young clients, our approaches are always tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care remains strong, and as we continue to grow and settle into our new facility, our vision of providing the best in mental health counselling in Halifax is becoming a reality.

If you are interested in booking an appointment for therapy services, please contact us.