Marsh-Knickle & Associates

*Lauren is currently accepting new clients.

Lauren Marsh-Knickle, M.sc., registered psychologist (902)209-3908

Lauren has been a Registered Psychologist since 2000. She worked as a Psychometrist and later as a Psychologist (Candidate Register) for Hayes Psychological Services from 1990 until 1999 under the supervision of Dr. Charles Hayes. She also received informal supervision from Dr. Charles Mate-Kole. She completed an M.Sc. in applied Psychology at Saint Mary’s University in 1994, with a thesis focusing on the neuropsychological effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Lauren then joined The Environmental Health Centre as a staff Psychologist, taught part-time at Saint Mary’s University and started Marsh-Knickle Psychological Services. She also served as the Executive Director of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia and as the Chair of the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. After engaging in consultation with a published Sport Psychologist, she expanded her practice to include mental skills training with athletes. She spent several seasons as a mental skills coordinator and trainer with the Dalhousie University Athletic Department and as a provider with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic. She is also affiliated with the sports medicine side of Medicine in Motion.

Lauren’s philosophy for the development of Marsh-Knickle and Associates was to surround herself with like minded professionals. Independent Practitioners who are passionate about their work, with an ongoing desire to stay current in evidence-based approaches and interested in sharing their knowledge and skills.

In order to fully understand the person who sits in front of me, if appropriate, our first session typically involves listening to a detailed history. This helps us to get a better understanding of all of the variables that are contributing to why they are thinking, feeling and acting the way they are. Once we agree on a conceptualization, we then discuss the various types of approaches that have been shown to be helpful and decide on a treatment plan. If I feel another colleague or service facility would be better suited for the client’s needs I make referral recommendations. As the therapeutic relationship is an essential part of the session’s effectiveness, I recommend that clients evaluate whether they feel like I am the best fit for them. As a collaborative process, we continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our sessions on a regular basis. Once goals are met, we often schedule a follow up session at a later date for relapse prevention purposes. Clients always have one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake to pace sessions according to their needs.

Areas of interest include (but are not limited to) depression, anxiety, trauma, family of origin issues, burnout and solution focused counselling. Mental skills training for individuals and teams is also available. Various Workshop topics are also offered.

Approaches are evidence based, best fit practices chosen in collaboration between client and therapist.

*Kelly is currently accepting new clients.

KELLY BRUSHETT, M.SC., RMFT (902)488-5975

Ms. Brushett received her BSc with Honours in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in 1999. She then obtained a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in 2002; a highly concentrated degree. This program is approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and is conducted by clinical members and approved supervisors of AAMFT. Furthermore, this clinician has obtained professional licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist from the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health and AAMFT Clinical Membership. Kelly is listed as a Registered Clinical Member of the Registry of Marriage and Family Therapy Canada.

For years in New Hampshire, she had worked as an outpatient Marriage and Family Therapist (Youth and Family Therapist) for a community mental health agency. Utilizing a high regard for appropriate ethics and standards, therapy was provided to couples, families, children, and adolescents experiencing a wide range of presenting problems. Additionally in NH, the position of Co-facilitator was held to facilitate “Child Impact”, a court-mandated seminar in NH. This seminar addresses the impact of separation and divorce on children and adolescents, a most pressing issue in society today.

Kelly provides brief solution-focused therapy to couples, families, and individuals. This therapist believes in, “empowering family and individual well-being through genuine supportive care”. Her specialization is with Couples Issues (for married and unmarried partners) that may involve conflict resolution, divorce, co-operative parenting, premarital concerns, sexual difficulties, or other relational problems. Other specialties answer to Family Problems involving the impact of separation and divorce on children and adolescents. Additional family problems addressed involve general adolescent problems, behavioral difficulties with children, school-related concerns, family violence, drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or other emotional and/or mental health disorders. This therapist addresses Family Stress Management to support coping with stressful events such as grief and loss, death, illness, or divorce. Available services also address Adjustment Problems for coping with normal life situations or transitions such as remarriage and stepfamily concerns, single parenthood, singlehood, gender or sexual orientation, or career dilemmas.

From 2005 – May 2008, Kelly worked as a Family Mental Health Worker for the Colchester Regional Hospital. This position allowed her to work with children, teenagers, and families who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems.

Kelly Brushett, M.Sc., RMFT is committed to a treatment approach whereby individual growth and development is best understood and promoted within the context of family and community relationships.

If possible, please print and complete this form and bring it along to your first visit with Kelly.

*Kevin is not currently accepting new clients.

KEVIN RICE, M.A.,
REGISTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISt (902)830-4641 

Mr. Rice holds a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan (1999) and an Honours Science degree in Biology and Psychology from Acadia University (1996). He has provided psychological assessment, therapy, and consultation services in numerous clinical settings since 2000.

Mr. Rice specializes in helping adults experiencing issues related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and exposure to many types of trauma. With two decades of experience providing services to members of the RCMP and military (active and retired), Mr. Rice has considerable expertise adapting empirically-derived PTSD treatments to the ‘real world’ needs and concerns of front-line personnel and first responders. From his research background with adult survivors of childhood abuse, Mr. Rice also has a longstanding special interest in helping people who grew up in difficult family environments.

In a collaborative fashion, Mr. Rice works with people to create an individualized treatment plan with an emphasis on developing healthy coping and awareness skills. Particular attention is devoted to building on existing strengths and personal resources and incorporating specific goals for change.

Mr. Rice aims to offer a balance of support and gentle, respectful challenge; an approach that facilitates the development of increased self-awareness – a critical skill that enables us to respond to life experiences in an adaptive / healthy manner (rather than taking actions driven by strong / automatic emotional reactions).

In addition to his clinical work, Mr. Rice is a past President of the Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia (APNS) and former Chair of the Association’s Post-Trauma Services Committee. His curriculum vitae is available for download in PDF format.

*Dr. Voges is not currently accepting new clients.

MARCIA VOGES, PH.D.,
REGISTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Voges received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary in 2005. She has provided psychological services as a registered psychologist in both inpatient and outpatient settings since 2007.

Dr. Voges works with adults seeking to cope more effectively with a variety of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, assertiveness, and grief. Dr. Voges specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (e.g. panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, and OCD). Dr. Voges’ clinical training has included models of therapy such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT). Her approach to therapy is a collaborative process which is informed by evidence based practice guidelines and the nature of the presenting difficulties.

Dr. Voges works Monday evenings.

*Joanna is currently accepting new clients.

JOANNA BUISSERET-MCKINNON, M.A., REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST (902)433-5701

Joanna Buisseret-McKinnon received her Masters of Arts in School Psychology in 2002 from Mount Saint Vincent University. Having previously completed her BSc Honours in Psychology, with First Class Honours, Joanna worked as a counsellor for 4 years with adolescents harmfully involved with substance use. After graduating with her Masters, Joanna worked as a School Psychologist with the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. In that setting, Joanna was responsible for conducting Psychoeducational assessments, individual therapy, and facilitating group workshops for students and teachers. For the years following, Joanna worked providing psychological services to at-risk youth in residential, community settings who presented with a variety of emotional and behavioural concerns.

In her clinical practice, Joanna’s areas of interest include anxiety, depression, school-related problems and family issues. Other areas of practice include attentional concerns, aggression, social skills, stress management, grief and loss, and issues related to self-esteem. When assisting children, adolescents, young adults and families to cope with a range of challenges, Joanna’s approach to the therapeutic process emphasizes a cognitive-behavioural orientation, although other theoretical approaches are incorporated to support individual client needs. Joanna uses a range of strategies that include empirically based techniques, which encompass a problem-solving/solution focused approach, and that build on individual strengths.

Additionally, Joanna has expanded her practice to assist athletes with mental skills training to improve their focus and emotional regulation skills. Athletes learn tools which can be combined with their physical skills to help them in their sports performance, as well as in other areas of life.

Joanna offers flexible hours at Marsh-Knickle and Associates, including after-school and evening appointments.

*Giselle is currently accepting new clients.

GISELLE ELLEFSEN, M.SC., REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Giselle Ellefsen is registered psychologist who provides services to individuals with developmental, learning, behavioral and social/emotional challenges. She works collaboratively with children, adolescents, young adults and their families to assist them in clarifying issues, identifying goals and creating possible solutions towards change.

Giselle received her Masters of Science in Applied Psychology from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Dalhousie University. She has developed a wealth of experience and knowledge from her work at the Calgary Board of Education where she worked on a multidisciplinary team with students in traditional learning environments as well as a specialized treatment centre for at-risk and behavioral disorders.

Giselle provides high quality psychoeducational assessments by identifying obstacles to learning and by determining the best instructional strategies to improve school success. She offers consultation to schools and acts as a liaison for parents and teachers regarding their child’s learning needs.

Giselle encourages wellness and resiliency by strengthening communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, emotional regulation and optimism. She also helps identify and address behavior problems, teaches parenting skills and offers counseling for a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, and grief and loss.

Giselle emphasizes a cognitive behavioral approach to treatment and is committed to offering support, encouragement and hope to you in times of difficulty. She offers morning and afternoon appointments at Marsh-Knickle and Associates.

*Megan is not currently accepting new clients.

MEGAN FISHER, MASP, REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Megan received her Masters of Arts in School Psychology from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2012. She is a Registered Psychologist who specializes in the assessment of school-aged children and adolescents who are experiencing learning, mental health, and behavioural challenges. Megan provides comprehensive psycho-educational assessments by identifying obstacles to learning and by determining the most appropriate instructional strategies to improve school success. She is currently working as a School Psychologist for the Halifax Regional School Board and her experience within the school setting allows her to plan supportive and practical school-based interventions. Megan believes in whole child assessment and achieves this by working collaboratively with other professionals, parents, and educators.

Megan offers after-school and evening appointments.

*Maggie is not currently accepting new clients.

MAGGIE stewart, MSW, CLINICAL THERAPIST

Maggie believes that all of us, as human beings, can get caught up in unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving that limit our full potential. Sometimes we just need someone who can help us get unstuck and moving again in a direction that feels more meaningful and fulfilling.

Maggie works with adolescents and adults, providing support for difficulties with anxiety, depression, stress management, relationships and communication, goal setting, and personal growth and wellness. She also has experience helping individuals with emotion regulation, self-injury, psychosis and issues related to sexuality (e.g. gender identity, healthy sexual development, problematic sexual behaviour in children and youth).

Maggie is a Registered Social Worker who has more than 15 years’ experience working in public and non-profit organizations. She has been employed in mental health settings by the Department of Health in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia since 2005, and currently works part-time for the Nova Scotia Health Authority. She has completed training and receives ongoing supervision in cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, and also borrows from solution-focused and narrative approaches in her work.

Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick in 1998, her Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University in 2008 and her Master of Social Work from Memorial University in 2014. She has been registered in good standing with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers since 2008, and was a member of their Social Justice Committee from 2014 to 2017.

*Jacqueline is currently accepting new clients.

JACQUELINE KUEFLER, MSC (MFT),
RMFT, REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGIST

Ms. Kuefler received her BSc with Psychology from University of Alberta 2006. She then obtained a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the Loma Linda University Canadian Campus in 2009 with honors. She is currently registered with both the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and Canadian Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT). Currently, Jacqueline is listed as a Registered Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist both in the states as well as in Canada. Furthermore, she is also a Registered Clinical Psychologist since 2014.

Jacqueline specializes in Structural Family Therapy and is qualified to use other systemic approaches to therapy including but not limited to Emotion-Focused Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Systemic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Therapy. She has extensive pre and post graduate supervision and experience to work with families, siblings, dyads, triads, couples, groups and even individual clients.

Her main role in working with family systems/couples or individual clients is to create insight by bringing the unconscious to conscious awareness during sessions by making specific dynamics explicit that cause stuckness. Stuckness is when the client or family members experience negative effects that result in boundary violations, unhealthy roles, triangulation, coalitions, increased stress and more. Both couples, families and individual clients learn to apply Gottman principles that come from various theorists in therapy are applied as clients learn turning toward, tracking, we-ness, communication, conflict resolution, sharing dreams and love maps.

Jacqueline has obtained advanced EMDR training and utilizes a sematic approach to therapy that enhances the brain’s ability to process the trauma experience(s). She has completed the clinical traumatology training offered by Dr. Anna Baranowsky in TraumaLine1, allowing her to provide services following a disaster and to also provide trauma sessions for clients diagnosed with PTSD that include individual or family counseling. She intends to complete courses offered by COCA in order to specialize in trauma care following a disaster. Furthermore, she is a qualified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and Trainer to support and assess individuals and professionals who experience vicarious trauma that potentially leads to burn out.

Jacqueline’s training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy allows her to work with trauma symptomology and or various symptoms of anxiety, phobias or food aversions.

Jacqueline aims to offer a supportive and directive approach to therapy that promotes safety, empowering opportunities and acceptance in a non-judgmental manner as needs are addressed. She is comfortable addressing biological/step family concerns, relationship problems within the family, sibling, parent or couple subsystem and individual client as well as issues that arise from depression, divorce, separation or trauma on the family. She also comfortable addressing client’s intimate concerns regarding sexual intimacy. She includes Christian counselling for clients who request a Christian approach to therapy.

Jacqueline ran the Family Care program in Red Deer, Alberta between 2007-2010 working with couples, families, dyads, groups and individual clients. Group work focused anxiety, grief and loss, anger management and couple work. In 2010-2012 she worked with clients in Edmonton,

Alberta who had PGO status and were transitioning to either foster care or adoptive parents. Most of the latter clients experienced some form of trauma. Finally, from 2012 -2018 she worked within the Alberta Health Services Mental Health and Addiction stream in Camrose Alberta providing therapy for young children, adolescents and presenting with chronic and at times, severe symptoms related to trauma, thought problems, personality disorders, adjustment issues and more.

*Regina is currently accepting new clients.

REGINA SHUSTER, M.SC., Registered PSYCHOLOGIST

Regina is a Registered Psychologist who completed her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Vienna in Austria (2013). She provides psychological services to adults (19 & over) using (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral and (ACT) Acceptance and Commitment therapy approaches. Ms. Shuster also has an emerging interest in hypnotherapy and is a current member of the International Society of Hypnosis. Prior to immigrating to Canada, she was a Vocational Psychologist with a leading HR market leader for organizations in Israel and worldwide.

Her area of interest includes:
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Self-Esteem, Career Issues, Anger & Adjustment to life issues.

“I believe in creating a supportive and empathic environment in order to build a good therapeutic relationship. I help clients identify their needs and define their goals in a collaborative manner and help them achieve these goals using internal resources and strengths”.

Ms. Shuster provides services in English, Hebrew and Russian.

*Dr. Silverman is currently accepting new clients.

Dr. Douglas B. Silverman, PSY.D.,
Registered Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Douglas B. Silverman is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Nova Scotia, having immigrated here from the United States.

His education includes Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA, and the American School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC, USA, culminating in a Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D.) in 2014.

During his training, Dr. Silverman was the lead fellow for his post-doctoral experience.  During this period, he oversaw the training of externs, interns and his fellow post-doctoral students. Dr. Silverman was also in charge of training licensed clinicians in new testing materials, making sure they were knowledgeable in psychological assessment and diagnostic measures.

His training included working in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, servicing the communities there through a variety of programs, both in private practice and out-patient public health clinics.

Prior to immigrating to Canada, Dr. Silverman worked diligently alongside his communities in Georgia and South Carolina, making sure that each one of his patients felt heard, respected, and assisted.  He began his practice in South Carolina, in an effort to continue to help the community at large.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Silverman enjoys educating the next generation of psychologists, specifically instructing new students in the areas of Research and Statistics, Psychopathology, and Clinical Mental Health Assessment.

Dr. Silverman’s modus operandi when it comes to psychological assessment is to make sure the patient feels empowered and has a robust understanding of their psychological data.  He believes it is critical to patient care that everyone understands the control they hold over their lives and how they can use the psychological recommendations provided to make improvements based on numerically driven data.

Dr. Silverman specializes in diagnostic assessments including but not limited to forensic evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations, bariatric evaluations, ADHD evaluations, and comprehensive psychological evaluations of all ages.  He has been called to testify as an expert witness on multiple cases, both criminal and in family court, acting in good faith on behalf of confidentiality where feasible by law and utilizing actuarial data.

Click here to view CV

*Karin is currently accepting new clients for virtual appointments. The DBT group also has ongoing enrollment.

*Rowan is currently accepting new clients.

*Joanne is currently accepting new clients for virtual appointments.

Karin klassen, MSc, registered Psychologist

Emotional Dysregulation can occur in a variety of settings and present in many ways. Life transitions such as job loss, mid-life, divorce, trauma and even the increased stress and distress of everyday challenges, can manifest in behaviors that are not helpful, and may be hurtful to ourselves, and those in our lives. Mood and personality disorders, addictive behaviors, anger management, compulsive and impulsive behavior, and even chronic pain can create extreme ups and downs that interfere with having a life worth living well. This is the area in which Karin likes to work.

Karin is a registered psychologist; she has an MSc in Mental Health Counselling and is currently in the end-stage of completing a PhD in Health Psychology. She has focussed her studies on the science of the brain and is especially fascinated by the pesky fight or flight response that can create so much of life’s drama.

The primary theoretical approach Karin likes to use is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and in addition to individual adult sessions, she runs an online DBT Skills group with ongoing start dates (please see brochure attached). Karin also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and narrative therapies such as Guided Autobiography (GAB).

Karin has worked both in private practice as well as in a variety of clinical settings which include Alberta Health Services, Caleo Health (pain clinic), Inner Solutions (clinic specializing in the treatment of BPD), and the Addictions Prevention and Treatment Program for the Canadian Armed Forces in Halifax.

DBT Group Brochure

Rowan Blackmon, MA, RTC-C, COunsellor

Rowan Blackmon (MA, RTC-C, Counsellor), believes a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, she believes it is a therapist’s job to assist their patients in learning the skills necessary to function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives.

Her therapeutic specialties are in depression and anxiety disorders, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorders. She is trained to work with a wide range of psychological issues, including substance abuse and personality disorders, across all demographics and ages. Her therapeutic style utilizes an eclectic array of Psychodynamic, Attachment theory-based, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic informed, Experiential Dynamic, biofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral, affect-focused and many other modalities and orientations, allowing her to shift her approach to what will fit the patient best. It is her firm belief that because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient to find the tools that will work for you.

In addition to therapy, Rowan also specializes in the administration of biopsychosocial assessment, which allows her to get a deeper understanding of what you are going through and how you can best be helped. Through her assessments and reports, she can help you in many areas, including but not limited to emotional and personality functioning, mental health diagnostic clarification, and more. Providing actuarial data to support your diagnosis, in addition to reports that not only clarify those numbers but also explain what the diagnosis means and what you can do about it in terms applicable to your daily life, Rowan hopes to help you better understand yourself and provide real-world solutions that will allow you to live a healthier, happier life. By utilizing her extensive background in therapeutic training, she can augment your current therapy by providing new and vital direction for you and your therapist in those times when therapy might come to a plateau.

Her education includes University of Maryland at College Park, MD, USA, and the American School of Professional Psychology in Washington DC, USA, culminating in a Masters of Clinical Psychology degree in 2014. Her training has included extensive continuing education (both before and since then), attending multi-day conferences across the United States, with speakers and teachers from around the world addressing a variety of topics, from the latest in psychotropic medications to new therapeutic approaches.

JOANNE GOBEIL, mc, rEGISTERED pSYCHOLOGIST

Joanne Gobeil has a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology through the University of Calgary (2007) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in Psychology through the University of Saskatchewan (1997). Joanne has completed her doctoral level courses in grief counselling and is working on her thesis. Joanne has provided psychological services since 2008.

Joanne is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and per the registration boards through virtual sessions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Joanne is also a Canadian Certified Counsellor in BC, SK, MB, NWT, YT, NU, and NFLD. Joanne has certificates in CBT-M, exposure therapy, Gottman couples therapy, EMDR, DBT, play therapy, and autism. Joanne has over 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples. Joanne covers a wide range of issues including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, AD/HD, PTSD, ASD, OCD, Learning Disabilities, etc. Joanne has extensive experience working with first responders. Regardless of all the training that Joanne has taken and years of experience, her clients are the experts on themselves. Joanne’s role is to use the training and experience that she has to provide her clients with the necessary tools to help them navigate through their journey and find self-fulfillment. Joanne takes pride in tailoring her approach to each of the clients that she is working with as there is no “one size fits all” in counselling.

Joanne offers virtual sessions Mon-Thurs from 9am-10pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9am-1pm.

LOUIS OLIVER MARSH KNICKLE,
THERAPY DOG IN-TRAINING

Louis Oliver Marsh Knickle is the office Schnauzer and therapy dog in-training. He is hypoallergenic and loves to say hello, but also respects that he’s not for everyone. If he’s around, feel free to shake his paw!