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Agriculture Informed Therapist Network

Disclaimer:

Farm Safety Nova Scotia is proud to offer Ag-Informed Therapy training, in partnership with National Farmer Mental Health Alliance Inc., to qualified mental health counsellors. This training is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by those working in agriculture, with the goal of improving access to informed mental health support across the farm community.

We are pleased to provide a list of counsellors who have completed this training. While participation in the program reflects a commitment to understanding agricultural realities, Farm Safety Nova Scotia does not assess or verify the clinical practices of individual counsellors, nor does inclusion on this list constitute an endorsement or recommendation.

We encourage individuals to use their own judgment when selecting a counsellor and to ensure the provider they choose is the right fit for their needs. Farm Safety Nova Scotia is not responsible for the care or services provided by any individual counsellor and assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from their services.

Please note: Farm Safety Nova Scotia is not able to cover the cost of therapy sessions. However, many Ag-Informed Therapists can bill directly through your existing insurance provider.

 

If you don’t currently have coverage, we encourage you to explore the NSFA Group Benefits Program through HUB International. HUB has partnered with NSFA and other agricultural organizations for more than 20 years, offering comprehensive benefits at preferred rates through NSFA’s volume purchasing power.

Adrian K. Cameron

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Nova Scotia

Adrian is a Registered Counselling Therapist born in Monterrey, Mexico, and immigrated to Canada in 2003 after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Adrian found his home in British Columbia where he supported people with intellectual disabilities and those struggling with mental health issues, as well as volunteering counselling services for non-profit organizations before making Nova Scotia to complete his studies in Counselling Psychology. Adrian has been focusing his training on trauma and has experience working with first responders, 2SLGBTQ+, multicultural and minority populations. He uses different methodology approaches to help clients process their trauma, and is committed to working with clients with the goal of empowering them to live their best lives.

e: adriank.cameron@gmail.com
p: 782-823-8112
w: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1130469

Dawn Maskine, Therapist

Areas Served: Nova Scotia, Canada

Welcome, my name is Dawn, and I have been working with individuals and groups in the fields of health and wellness for over 20 years. Using narrative, trauma informed, and somatic approaches, I follow the philosophy that people are not their problems, behaviours, or past. If we can externalize and deconstruct the latter, by tapping into values and strengths, then there is potential to rewrite your narrative moving forward. My hope is that you feel safe and supported.

e: dawnmaskine@gmail.com
p: 9028308459
w: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1250037

Michaela-Katie Gilhooley, Psychotherapist

Agriculture Informed Therapy™
Areas Served: Nova Scotia (Lunenburg Country), Ontario (virtually)

Michaela is trained as both a psychotherapist in Ontario and a Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia. She holds a bachelors of Art in Child and Youth Care Counseling from the University of Victoria. Michaela earned her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University while working full time at a government funded mental health clinic in Northern Ontario.

e: michaela@mindfulpath.ca
p: 2504809727
w: https://mindfulpath.ca/

Janet Tomlinson

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Nova Scotia, CANADA

Though I never grew up on a farm, farming was in my family. Therefore, from a young age, farming and farmers were learned to be appreciated and supported. Fast forward, I marry into a family who had been dairy farmers and learned so much from speaking with them over the years. Farming was still so evident in my father in laws blood. I now have a hobby farm and though a lot of my practice is in equine therapy, many people who come just enjoy having an office outside and being around animals and the atmosphere is one that is more than likely known to farmers.

e: jlt.therapy@gmail.com
p: 9028903853
w: https://www.facebook.com/healingthroughhorsesns/

Mercedes Ruiz

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Nova Scotia

I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist with over 15 years of experience, offering therapy in both English and Spanish. After completing the Ag-Informed Therapist Training, I specialize in supporting farmers and agricultural workers facing grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress related to farm life. Using techniques like Gestalt therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, and hypnosis, my approach focuses on emotional well-being, offering a compassionate and holistic alternative to traditional therapy. I offer both in-person sessions in Dartmouth and virtual therapy options.

e: info@ourhealingconnection.com
p: 902-435-7669
w: https://www.ourhealingconnection.com/
w: https://theperinatalwellnesscentre.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1/treatment/12

Christina Murphy, Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate

Agriculture Informed Therapy™
Areas Served: Virtual: Nova Scotia, In Person: Kentville NS

Christina is a compassionate and experienced therapist dedicated to helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes. With a background in supporting individuals affected by intimate partner violence and substance use, Christina brings a trauma-informed and nonjudgmental approach to healing. Having lived and worked in rural communities, she understands the unique challenges these environments can present—such as limited access to resources, heightened stigma, and the importance of close-knit community dynamics. This lived experience informs their ability to meet clients where they are, with empathy and cultural sensitivity. Christina supports clients in aligning with their values, building psychological flexibility, and fostering long-term resilience through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment focused lens. Whether addressing relationship trauma, addiction, or navigating life transitions, Christina is committed to walking alongside each person on their journey toward greater clarity, connection, and self-compassion.

e: christina@mindfultherapies.ca
p: 9025763576
w: https://mindfultherapies.org/kentville-office/

Larissa Verhoeven Giffin

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Social Worker
Areas Served: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Growing up on a dairy farm I always knew I wanted to help people so I put my work ethic into becoming a therapist.

If you are looking for support dealing with transitions, mental health concerns, substance use, or family relationships and you want to explore how to communicate, handle stress, and connect with others, I’d be happy to help.

My role is to provide tangible support like teaching skills, sharing tools, setting goals, and giving encouragement to help you make the changes you want to.

Everyone needs help sometimes, even strong capable people like you. Looking forward to connecting with you soon

e: Larissaverhoevengiffin@gmail.com
p: 782-409-8699
w: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/larissa-verhoeven-giffin-antigonish-ns/1262768

Raquel Griffin, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Agriculture Informed Therapy™
Areas Served: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario

I am a Registered Social Worker and Certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor based out of Kjipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia). I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, and grief. I am most passionate about helping folks repair their relationship with body/food/eating. I often look to support people and areas that are underserved or underrepresented, so I have a lot of experience working with queer/2SLGBTQ+ people, neurodiversity, and now farmers.

e: raquel@birchstand.ca
p: 9022100754
w: https://BirchStand.ca
w: https://www.instagram.com/birchstandmentalhealth/
w: https://www.facebook.com/people/Birch-Stand-Mental-Health-Services/100081745806281/

Amberlee Boulton, Social Worker (Registered Clinical Specialist- Provisional)

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Master of Social Work, Registered Social Worker
Areas Served: In person: Antigonish, Guysborough, Cape Breton, NS, Virual:Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta

Amberlee is a registered clinical social worker (RCSW) that earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2020, specializing in Leadership in Human Services. Since 2023, she has practiced as a clinical therapist, working with children, youth, and adults supporting clients navigating transitions, processing grief, and healing from trauma. In 2016, she became a market gardener, supporting a 10-acre farm, growing seasonal crops. Her farm is part of a 6-farm cooperative that supports over 150 CSA food boxes for her region. Having supported farmers in grief work, family planning, and understanding burn out, Amberlee respects the unique mental health stresses and resiliency farmers experience. She is proud to be part of NFMHA’s Nova Scotia’s inaugural Ag-informed class and will support and prioritize your care.

e: info@amberleeboulton.com
p: 9028720196
w: https://amberleeboulton.com
w: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/amberlee-boulton-counselling-services-antigonish-ns/1441194
w: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568607811685

Brenda Johnson

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Registered in Nova Scotia but can practice in an Inter-Provincial in other provinces

I’ve been fortunate enough to live in a rural community along side a variety of farmers and growers. I see the dedication, strength and skills needed in choosing a lifestyle in Agriculture, which can be stressful in putting the pieces together. The best support I can offer is being a person to listen with compassion, respect and value the everyday efforts people make, and help without judgement in problem solving when extra tools can come in handy. In reaching out for therapy, you need to have the security of an authentic and compassionate person who can move you from feelings of vulnerability or shame and instead find your story and the motivation to make changes. Everyone benefits when one person can find a positive change, and working together in therapy can help you as well as those in your family. I offer diverse experience including anxiety, addictions, violence and conflict, relationship conflicts, loss and many other issues.

My services include all ages including children, genders and diverse needs, and creating a unique approach which is best for you. Appointments can be for individuals, in groups or in families. My services include face to face as well as online and phone.

e: soundconnectionstherapy@gmail.com
p: 902-692-1662
w: https://soundconnectionmt.com
w: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063642877562
w: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-johnson-she-her-61063026/

Brian MacAulay

Agriculture Informed Therapy™
Areas Served: Canada

Brian is passionate about working with the NFMHA. Brian’s areas of focus include: trauma and PTSD, sexual abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, divorce and separation, managing injuries/physical disabilities, bullying and life stage transitions. Brian is trained in Agriculture-Informed Therapy.

e: brian@brightsidehealth.ca
p: 9024441015
w: https://brightsidehealth.ca/brian-macaulay/
w: https://m.facebook.com/61551798225236/

Regan Chapman

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Situated in Halifax Nova Scotia but servering virtually across most of Canada

Regan brings a deep understanding of farm life, having grown up on a multigenerational family farm in rural Nova Scotia, combined with a strength-based, solution-focused approach developed through years of experience as an educator. Holding a Master’s in Education with a focus on Counselling, Regan excels at listening to clients’ stories, identifying their inherent strengths, and weaving in practical skills such as self-compassion and cognitive restructuring. This process fosters resilience and personal growth. Regan works with clients of all ages, supporting those dealing with anxiety, panic disorders, grief, and emotional dysregulation stemming from attachment trauma.

e: regan@chapmancounselling.ca
p: (902)229-6675
w: https://www.chapmancounselling.ca/

Tracey White, RCT

Agriculture Informed Therapy™, Registered Counselling Therapist
Areas Served: Nova Scotia

Navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Recently I completed training with the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance and the NS Federation of Agriculture and am please to be certified in Ag-Informed Therapy. I am doubly proud because my Dad and my Grandfather were farmers! With over 25 years of experience as an educator, I have worked extensively in supporting children and their families—a passion I continue in my counseling practice. I also specialize in helping my adult clients with major life transitions, including illness, divorce, and the loss of a loved one where they may feel a lack of control over their situation. I use a relational, client-centered approach to counseling, integrating strategies from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a strengths-based focus. Whether virtually or in person, I’m here to support you on your journey.

e: tracey@smbcounselling.ca
p: 9022663311
w: https://www.smbcounselling.ca

RaeAnne Bekkers, Counsellor

Agriculture Informed Therapy™
Areas Served: Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Farmers are going through a lot of difficult circumstances in our world – the weather, government regulations, financial strains and global markets. This puts a great deal of pressure on each farming business and farming family. During these turbulent times, it is important to take care of yourself. As a counselor, I want to be a safe space for you to share the difficulties you are facing. Together, we can work towards an idea, a solution or a way forward. You are not alone.

e: wildrosecounselingservices@gmail.com
p: 9026798634
w: https://www.wildrosecounseling.ca/

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.
Supporting the MENTAL HEALTH of Nova Scotia Farmers