Leah Blackwood

You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of someone who will truly listen and understand. Reaching out for support can be a vulnerable step, and my goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and able to show up exactly as you are.

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I work with individuals across the lifespan who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, neurodivergence, and chronic pain to name a few. I believe therapy should feel collaborative and supportive, where we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you while working toward meaningful change.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a Child and Youth Care Worker and later as a Case Manager supporting individuals living with complex mental health challenges. Through this work, I saw firsthand how powerful it can be to have a safe and supportive person to talk to. I also witnessed the importance of developing emotional regulation skills early in life and the impact of meeting people where they are with compassion and understanding. These experiences continue to shape the way I approach therapy today.

I have a special interest in supporting individuals living with chronic pain. Having been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition in childhood, I understand how challenging it can be to adapt to changes in your body, identity, and daily life. Living with chronic pain can often feel isolating, and I strive to create a space where clients feel understood and supported as they navigate the emotional and psychological impacts that can come with it.

My approach to counselling is integrative and flexible. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), AutPlay Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, somatic approaches, and mindfulness-based practices. While these approaches help guide our work, I believe that you are the expert in your own life. Together, we will explore what works best for you and build tools that support your growth, well-being, and sense of self. I am also happy to take our appointments outside, if you are the type of person who likes to walk and talk. Requesting an outdoor appointment implies consent that this is with a reduced expectation of privacy, as we would be meeting in a public space.

I have a special passion for working with children and adolescents. When working with young clients, I often incorporate play therapy with a focus on mindfulness and exploring patterns of thoughts and feelings. Play is a powerful way that humans connect with one another, and for children it is their primary language. Through play, children can express emotions, process experiences, build confidence, and develop important social and cognitive skills in ways that feel natural and safe.

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or for your child, my goal is to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and care as we work toward greater understanding, resilience, and well-being.

When I’m not working, you can often find me hiking, camping, reading a good book, or enjoying one of my many hobbies often with one of my favourite furry friends by my side.