info@amyrubin.ca 902-526-0335 annapolis royal, ns
info@amyrubin.ca 902-526-0335 annapolis royal, ns
Hi! I’m Amy (they/she), and I am a registered counselling therapist (RCT-C) working out of Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia.
I began this work as a counsellor and then clinical director at a private, residential drug and alcohol centre, where individuals came to shift their relationships with substance use, mental health, and past trauma. In my private practice, I work with a wide range of people living in all parts of Nova Scotia and beyond.
I am registered as a counselling therapist through the NSCCT (RCT-C) and certified through CCPA (CCC). I am also co-chair of the CCPA Social Justice Chapter. Additionally, I am a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT).
I’m from Ontario originally and spent a lot of years in BC. I’ve lived in Bear River, NS with my spouse and teenager for over 12 years. I also work in the arts.
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I enjoy working with other queer/genderqueer folks.
I am committed to lifelong learning to improve my understanding of the experiences of BIPOC individuals. Ongoing redistribution of resources to BIPOC run organizations is part of my practice.
There are many ways to feel better. You can choose the one that feels good to you. Going with what feels right, comfortable, or even easiest is a great place to start!
Counselling works best if you like your practitioner. If I’m not the right fit for you, I can help you find someone who is.
”Mental health” is a strange term. Many of the issues it seeks to describe are also physical, emotional, and spiritual in nature. The good news is that means there are many potential starting points for feeling better.
Past trauma impacts your nervous system. This can happen with breath, meditation, and/or movement; you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to or don’t feel ready.
There are practices you can learn to take charge of your wellness so you do not become dependent on appointments.
You are the expert in your wellness.
If you feel like you have tried everything to get better, there is still hope you can find something to reduce your suffering.
Your identity matters. Issues such as gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, ability, sexuality, religion, size, age, culture, geography, and life experiences may be playing into your wellness, suffering, and/or experiences seeking help. If you think it is, it can be addressed in your treatment.
The same way troubles can snowball, when things start improving, they will help many areas of your life improve.
Formal diagnoses and assessments can be empowering for some people and unhelpful for others. Same with medications. Do what feels right for you.