Saint Mary's

Psychologist

Manager of The Counselling Centre

902-496-8172
cindy.boland@smu.ca

Cindy completed her Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at the University of Western Ontario and her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University. She has worked in universities, addiction treatment settings, community practices and most recently at the Avalon Sexual Assault Centre supporting survivors of sexual violence. Areas of particular interest include , shame/, ,  and boundaries. Cindy’s approach to therapy is highly collaborative, as she believes empowering clients is key to growth. Her orientation is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Lorianne completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Dalhousie as well as a Masters of Education (Counselling) from Acadia University. She has a background as a teacher, coach, tutor, and counsellor, working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her approach to counselling is largely collaborative, working alongside clients to encourage autonomy and positive self-growth. Her main areas of interest include, but are not limited to, , , , interpersonal relationships, and  use.

Registered Counselling Therapist

902-491-6674
may.tian@smu.ca

May completed her Master of Arts in Family Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University and her Master of Education in Counselling at Acadia University.

May has worked at universities and community practices using trauma informed approach therapy. May integrates evidence-based, experiential psychotherapy methods in her practice (such as Internal Family System, Mindfulness, Accelerated Experimental-Dynamic Psychotherapy , Emotion Focused Therapy and others) to address not only presented but also hidden issues from a comprehensive and compassionate perspective. Her focus is on trauma, attachment related issues, stress, anxiety, self-esteem and relationships. May can offer counselling services in both English and Mandarin.

Registered Counselling Therapist 

902-420-8797
agnieszka.gallina@smu.ca

Agnieszka received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Dalhousie University where she focused her studies on learning theory and the interplay of environment and behaviour. Following her passion in how unhelpful habits and behaviours lead to dysfunction in relationships and connection within, she continued her studies in applied behavioural analysis, completing her advanced diploma in behavioural intervention and went on to complete her Masters in Counselling Psychology. She has worked with young adults with challenging behaviours and instructed for Dalhousie’s College of Continuing education where she helped students reach academic success through an understanding of how emotional reactions and behavioural patterns can lower one’s ability to succeed in reaching goals in life. Agnieszka has spent the last 5 years working with men and women with addiction and substance abuse disorders with co-occurring mental health issues. Her work in this field has led her to develop a strong person-centred approach when working with clients with an emphasizes on the importance of strengthening one’s self-identity, self-worth and self-compassion.

Registered Social Worker

902-491-3351
julia.breneol@smu.ca 

Julia is a Master’s level Registered Social Worker who has been providing direct social work practice since 2014. She received her social work training from St. Thomas University and the University of Toronto. She specializes in working with people who are experiencing a range of mental health issues and life challenges including anxiety, depression, addictions, brain injuries, self-confidence struggles and life adjustment issues.

Julia values lifelong learning and has worked in government settings, non-profits and private practice. Julia has training in Addiction Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Gender/Identity Training. She believes that having been trained in various modalities helps her tailor her counselling approach to each client’s needs.

She is passionate about counselling and truly believes it is an honour to engage with people throughout difficult times. As a natural optimist, her hope is to genuinely connect with each client and help bring out their natural strengths and confidence. She aims to empower clients by using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach in counselling sessions. She is supportive, non-judgemental and encouraging.

Julia aims to partner with you, work with you where you are at, highlight your improvements and work towards positive change.

Registered Counselling Therapist

902-491-6690 
derek.voegeli@smu.ca

Derek graduated from Briercrest Seminary, in 2014, with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is a current an active member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Trans Health), which provides training and knowledge enabling him to work more extensively with clients who are transgender or whose lived experience includes gender-diversity. Derek enjoys working with clients with a broad range of issues including gender dysphoria, transition support, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues and infidelity, aspects of life stages, cultural identity, and more. He utilizes narrative and client-centred  approaches in his work, as well as incorporating family systems ideas.

Practicum Student

Kate is a Masters of Counselling Psychology student at Yorkville University and is currently doing her practicum at Saint Mary’s University. She is passionate about helping students navigate life and school challenges, and her priority is providing a safe and encouraging environment where individuals are comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Kate’s approach to counselling is collaborative and she believes that there is no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach. She considers the uniqueness of human experience and draws from different modalities to meet the needs of the individual. Some of Kate’s interests include mindfulness, self-compassion, anxiety, and life transitions.

Mental Health Educator

902-491-6686
emma.dubois@smu.ca

Secretary

902-420-5615
counselling@smu.ca