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Thrive Therapy

Book an Appointment at Halifax - Bayers Road Centre

Virtual Services are available for clients residing in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, and can be booked directly via our Halifax location.

We offer Free 15-minute Consultations, virtually or by phone, for new clients!

  • Please select “Book an Appointment at Halifax” below then choose the “Free Consultation (Virtual)” session under the corresponding service (e.g., OT, SLP, or Counselling).

  • Following the Free Consultation, appointments can be booked at any of our locations, either in-person or virtually.

For help with booking, please contact us by email (info@thriveot.ca) or phone (902-943-2621) : )

Welcome to our online booking site

Sessions
Session

Occupational Therapy (Children & Youth)

Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with children and families to improve the underlying skills which enable participation in every day occupations. "Occupations" for a child include self-care skills, such as toileting, dressing and feeding; playing and socializing with friends; leisure activities; and learning activities such as writing, reading, and cutting. Occupational Therapists pro... Read More

Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with children and families to improve the underlying skills which enable participation in every day occupations. "Occupations" for a child include self-care skills, such as toileting, dressing and feeding; playing and socializing with friends; leisure activities; and learning activities such as writing, reading, and cutting.

Occupational Therapists provide support and recommendations for challenges of everyday life which are encountered at home, in the community, and/or within the school setting. The unique areas an Occupational Therapist can provide support are sensory processing differences, emotional regulation, difficulties planning and sequencing tasks, writing / pre-writing challenges, and motor skill development. In addition, OTs help with developing shared engagement, joint attention, as well as access to learning activities and environments.

Speech Therapy (Children & Youth)

Speech therapists, also called speech-language pathologists, work with people of all ages who may have difficulties with speech, language, communication, or swallowing. They assess the individual's abilities and develop personalized treatment plans to address areas of difficulty. Speech therapy for children is a specialized form of intervention aimed at addressing speech and language disorde... Read More

Speech therapists, also called speech-language pathologists, work with people of all ages who may have difficulties with speech, language, communication, or swallowing. They assess the individual's abilities and develop personalized treatment plans to address areas of difficulty.

Speech therapy for children is a specialized form of intervention aimed at addressing speech and language disorders that may impact a child's communication skills, social interactions, academic performance, and overall quality of life.

The therapy sessions may involve exercises, activities, games, and other interactive techniques to improve communication skills. Speech therapists may also provide guidance and support to family members and caregivers to help reinforce progress outside of therapy sessions.

Counselling (Children & Youth)

Children and youth counselling offers a safe, supportive space where young people can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained mental health professional. Sessions are guided by the child or teen’s age, personality, and needs, and move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful. For younger children, counselling often includes play-based therapy. Play is a child’s ... Read More

Children and youth counselling offers a safe, supportive space where young people can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained mental health professional. Sessions are guided by the child or teen’s age, personality, and needs, and move at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful.

For younger children, counselling often includes play-based therapy. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating, and therapists may use toys, games, art, stories, and imaginative play to help children express emotions, work through challenges, and build coping skills. Through play, children can explore worries, big feelings, changes at home or school, social difficulties, grief, or past experiences in a way that feels safe and engaging.

For older children and youth, counselling may involve more conversation while still incorporating creative or activity-based approaches when helpful. Counsellors support young people with concerns such as anxiety, low mood, stress, self-esteem, relationships, identity, and life transitions, while helping them develop emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

Children and youth counselling provides a caring, confidential environment where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow emotionally and socially.

Counselling Therapy (Adult)

Counselling is a supportive, collaborative process where a trained mental health professional helps individuals explore their experiences, understand their thoughts and feelings, and work toward meaningful change. It provides a safe, confidential space for people to talk openly about challenges, emotions, and goals. Counsellors (also called Psychotherapists) can help with a wide range of con... Read More

Counselling is a supportive, collaborative process where a trained mental health professional helps individuals explore their experiences, understand their thoughts and feelings, and work toward meaningful change. It provides a safe, confidential space for people to talk openly about challenges, emotions, and goals.

Counsellors (also called Psychotherapists) can help with a wide range of concerns, such as stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, trauma, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The approach is typically talk-based, though counsellors may use a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques depending on the person’s needs.

Occupational Therapy (Adult)

Thrive Therapy offers a wide range of services directed towards the adult population. Our services can help clients reach their functional goals, prevent injuries, and develop, maintain, recover, and/or adapt their level of independence. In order to achieve the most effective outcomes, all of our services are client-centered, goal-oriented, and evidence-based. We offer services within the h... Read More

Thrive Therapy offers a wide range of services directed towards the adult population. Our services can help clients reach their functional goals, prevent injuries, and develop, maintain, recover, and/or adapt their level of independence. In order to achieve the most effective outcomes, all of our services are client-centered, goal-oriented, and evidence-based.

We offer services within the home, community, clinic, or workplace.

Speech Therapy (Adult)

Speech Therapy can address a variety of communication and swallowing disorders for adults. Here are some common areas where speech therapy may be beneficial: Communication Disorders: - Aphasia: Often resulting from stroke or brain injury, this affects the ability to speak or understand language. - Dysarthria: A motor speech disorder resulting in unclear speech, often due to neurological co... Read More

Speech Therapy can address a variety of communication and swallowing disorders for adults. Here are some common areas where speech therapy may be beneficial:
Communication Disorders:
- Aphasia: Often resulting from stroke or brain injury, this affects the ability to speak or understand language.
- Dysarthria: A motor speech disorder resulting in unclear speech, often due to neurological conditions.
- Voice Disorders: Issues with pitch, volume, or quality of the voice, which can be caused by strain or mical conditions.
- Fluency Disorders: Conditions like stuttering that affect the flow of speech.

Cognitive-Communication Disorders:
- Issues related to attention, memory, problem-solving, and organization, often stemming from brain injuries, strokes, or dementia.

Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia):
- Difficulty swallowing can be a significant concern, often requiring specialized strategies to ensure safe eating and drinking.

Social Communication Disorders:
- Challenges in understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, or staying on topic, which may be present in conditions like autism or following a brain injury.

Hayley Atkinson MScOT, OT Reg. (NS)

Hayley is an experienced occupational therapist working with adults 18+ stay within their homes, maintain their independence, and promote overall healthy living. She comes from a harm-reduction, low-barrier, and trauma-informed perspective to promote autonomy in her clients.

Hayley assists clients with in-home assessments for home modifications, equipment, including wheelchairs and other mobility aids. She is passionate about using a client-centered and holistic approach to care.

Hayley is an experienced occupational therapist working with adults 18+ stay within their homes, ... Read More

Barbara Aufgang RCT

Barbara is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and a Career Counsellor (Certified Career Development Practitioner). She believes that everyone has the ability to understand and solve their own problems, but sometimes we get so overwhelmed we forget to draw on our own strengths. While life can sometimes bring us down, we all have it in us not only to survive but to flourish as a result of these obstacles. Barbara is client centered therapist who enjoys collaborating with teens and adults to using a variety of methods tailored to their needs and therapy goals.

Specialties:

• Career Exploration and Assessment • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Transitions - Grief and Divorce • Anxiety • Depression

Support: • Abuse survivors • Addiction • Anxiety • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) • Career Guidance • Depression • Divorce • Emotional regulation • Grief • Relationship Issues • Stress • School Issues • Self Esteem • Trauma • Workplace burnout

Therapies: • Solution Focused Therapy • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy • Acceptance and Commitment therapy • Existential therapy • Exposure Response Prevention

Associations & Certifications: • Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) • Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) • Certified to administer the Strong Interest Inventory career assessment through the Myer’s Brigg Institute

Barbara is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapi... Read More

Hillary Carr MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Hillary is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a special interest in helping children with emotional regulation and sensory processing difficulties, developmental trauma, and developmental delays to increase their confidence and independence in play, learning, and self-care activities (including toileting, feeding, and dressing).

Hillary believes that therapy must be targeted towards the child’s developmental level and building on their strengths to achieve their maximum potential. Hillary follows a sensory motor framework as well as uses play and emotional connections to support the development of motor, behavioural, cognitive, and social skills.

Hillary is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a special interest in helping children with em... Read More

Julie Dessureault
(She/Her/Hers) MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Julie is an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist who enjoys working with children and their families to support skill development so they can participate in everyday activities. She has experience supporting children with a wide range of needs, including ASD, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and coordination challenges.

Julie helps children build skills in areas such as fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation, self-care (including feeding, dressing, and toileting), executive functioning, and social interaction. Her approach is rooted in collaboration—meeting each child and family where they are and working together to find practical, personalized strategies.

Julie is an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist who enjoys working with children and their famili... Read More

Bengisu Gonul MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Bengisu is a registered occupational therapist in Nova Scotia who supports children, youth, families, and adults using a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach. She is passionate about helping clients understand and build skills for emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning, and meaningful participation in daily routines at home, school, work, and in the community. Bengisu values collaboration, creativity, and strengths-based practice, and works closely with her clients to create practical, individualized strategies that support long-term success.

Bengisu is a registered occupational therapist in Nova Scotia who supports children, youth, famil... Read More

Tracy Green MScSLP, SLP Reg (NS)

Tracy has worked primarily in private practice that has provided opportunities to engage with clients in clinic, home, day care and school settings. A former elementary school resource teacher, she has spent her career working with young children and providing support in various areas of their development. She has a positive approach to working with children and families, assisting them with communication goals and tools to attain them, which can be incorporated into their busy home lives. She is grateful to be part of this profession where she also finds personal satisfaction in each client session.

Outside of the clinic, Tracy has often been found cheering for her children at various youth sport events, visiting Nova Scotia’s South Shore beaches, travelling, and enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.

Tracy is based at both the Halifax and Bedford clinics.

Tracy, an experienced Speech Therapist, is returning to practice in February 2025 after a few years off during COVID. As part of her return, she must work under a Speech Therapist Supervisor and will hold a conditional (restricted) license during this period.

Because extended health providers do not cover services provided under a conditional license, all billing for clients with extended health benefits will be processed throughTracy’s Supervisor, who is responsible for reviewing her notes, treatment plans, and client sessions.

Tracy has worked primarily in private practice that has provided opportunities to engage with cli... Read More

Emily MacEwen MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Emily is an experienced occupational therapist with a strong background in working with adults who are recovering from illness, injury, or the effects of natural aging. She has a particular passion for supporting individuals post-stroke, helping them regain independence and function. Emily specializes in identifying appropriate supports, optimizing environments, and empowering adults to succeed in their daily lives. Her approach is evidence-based, and she is focused on helping her clients engage in the activities that matter most to them.

With expertise in home assessments, wheelchair prescriptions, and home safety evaluations, Emily works closely with clients to create solutions that promote independence and well-being.

Emily is an experienced occupational therapist with a strong background in working with adults wh... Read More

Megan Noye MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Megan is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about using a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lens to provide family/person-centered care. Megan attended Dalhousie University where she completed her Bachelor of Medical Sciences (2021) and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2023). Megan has experience supporting children in the school setting with goals related to toileting, dressing, feeding, regulation, interoception supports, fine motor skills, and play. She enjoys using a play-based and strength-based approach to collaborate with families to encourage participation, engagement, and independence in meaningful activities.

Megan is an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about using a neurodiversity-affirming and t... Read More

Elizabeth Pace MScSLP, SLP Reg (NS)

Elizabeth Pace is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about helping children and teens communicate with confidence. She takes a strengths-based approach, focusing on each child’s unique abilities to foster growth and create meaningful progress. By celebrating the potential in every child, Elizabeth collaborates with families to set goals that are functional, empowering, and tailored to their everyday lives.

Elizabeth Pace is a speech-language pathologist who is passionate about helping children and teen... Read More

Laura Perry MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Laura is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals of all ages build independence, improve function, and live more meaningful lives. With a strong foundation in client-centered care, she develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. Laura has experience in various settings and offers in-home assessments for equipment, home adaptations, wheelchair seating, and office ergonomics. She focuses on an evidence-based approach to therapy and is dedicated to making progress both practical and meaningful to her clients.

Laura enjoys working with children to support developmental milestones, sensory processing, fine motor skills. She aims to bring creativity and compassion to every session, helping kids build confidence and functional skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Laura is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals of all a... Read More

Richard Pingert
(He/Him/His) BScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Richard is an experienced Occupational Therapist who has practiced for many years in Nova Scotia’s community and hospital settings. His expertise centres on supporting youth, adults, and seniors in achieving their goals for both mental and physical health.

Richard brings a genuine passion for connection, ensuring he meets clients exactly where they are. He grounds his practice in practicality, balancing that approach with an easy-going demeanour designed to empower you to create meaningful change.

Richard is an experienced Occupational Therapist who has practiced for many years in Nova Scotia’... Read More

Ms. Vanessa Poulton
(She/Her/Hers) MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Vanessa Poulton is an experienced occupational therapist who is passionate about supporting youth and adults struggling with their mental health. She has extensive experience supporting clients experiencing anxiety and depression, trauma histories, and life transitions.

Vanessa has training in evidence-based psychotherapies, including: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness to support children, teens, adults and families. Her areas of interest include: anxiety management, coping with depression, grief and loss, managing life transitions and stress, bereavement support, pregnancy/postpartum mood support, parenting challenges and women’s health.

Vanessa Poulton is an experienced occupational therapist who is passionate about supporting youth... Read More

Erika Rockett MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Erika is a dedicated occupational therapist specializing in supporting adults living with mental health and addiction challenges. She primarily works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD and executive functioning challenges, emotional regulation and sensory processing, and stress management, helping them navigate daily life with greater confidence and independence.

Grounded in client-centered care, Erika integrates evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and Behavioral Activation into her practice. She believes in empowering individuals to create meaningful, fulfilling lives by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and practical strategies for daily living.

Passionate about breaking down barriers to well-being, Erika collaborates closely with her clients to set personalized goals, develop life skills, and build sustainable routines that promote mental wellness. Whether supporting someone in returning to work or school, enhancing social connections, or developing coping strategies, she approaches each client with empathy, respect, and a belief in their ability to thrive.

Erika is a dedicated occupational therapist specializing in supporting adults living with mental ... Read More

Hana Rovin OTD, OT Reg (NS)

Paige Ryan MScSLP, SLP Reg (NS)

Paige Ryan is a speech-language pathologist born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is passionate about providing family/person-centred care while working to build capacity in her clients and helping them meet their life participation goals.

Paige has provided service in a variety of settings, including the public school setting, the community, hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, private clinics, virtual-based telepractice, and families’ homes. Paige has served a variety of populations, including adults with acquired neurological language disorders (brain injury, stroke, dementia, etc), school aged children, and pre-school children.

Paige Ryan is a speech-language pathologist born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is passi... Read More

Erica Sweett RCT-C, CCC

Erica is a Registered Counselling Therapist candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists . She has a masters in creative art therapy from Concordia University with a focus in child centered play therapy.

She has many years of experience working with children as a teacher, facilitator, and therapist offering psychoeducation, consultation and therapy in various community, school and clinical settings for children, youth and parents.

Erica is passionate about working with children , incorporating play and creativity into all aspects of her therapeutic process.

Erica recently moved back to Nova Scotia from Montreal to be closer to family and is enjoying being back by the ocean again.

Erica is a Registered Counselling Therapist candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling... Read More

Jenny Tiller MScOT, OT Reg (NS)

Jenny is a skilled Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting children, youth, and adults in achieving their occupational goals through client-centered care and evidence-based practices. With children and youth, she focuses on supporting youth and adolescent mental health, sensory & emotional regulation, handwriting skills, and motor skill development to promote independence and enhance participation in self-care, learning, and play.

Jenny supports adults and seniors managing physical and mental health challenges, offering interventions such as home safety assessments, workplace modifications, chronic pain management, concussion rehabilitation and providing support for adults with difficulties with executive functioning and sensory processing differences.

Jenny is a certified Functional Capacity Evaluator, specializing in the administration of comprehensive Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) to assess an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks.

Jenny is a skilled Occupational Therapist who is passionate about supporting children, youth, and... Read More

Deb Vantriet MScSLP, SLP Reg (NS)

Deb has over 20 years of experience across the health professions, working with both adults and children in private and public practice. Her career has spanned brain injury rehabilitation and service coordination, rehabilitation coordination, and, since graduating in 2020, Speech-Language Pathology where she primarily works with school-aged children.

Passionate about helping clients achieve meaningful, functional goals, Deb is known for building strong rapport across all age groups. She does not position herself as the sole expert, instead valuing collaboration and actively including families, educators, and other stakeholders throughout the process. As the parent of a teenager, Deb also understands firsthand the realities of balancing multiple schedules and daily demands.

The outdoors is where Deb finds joy and renewal. She enjoys camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, swimming, and snowshoeing, and she is inspired to bring her work outside—integrating nature into therapy to support well-being and growth for all involved.

Deb has over 20 years of experience across the health professions, working with both adults and c... Read More

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Halifax - Bayers Road Centre
Located at: 7071 Bayers Rd, 329, Halifax
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Need Help? 902-943-2621 info@thriveot.ca