IBPOC Mental Health Support Database

About this Database
It is difficult to find adequate and culturally competent mental health support that truly meets the needs of IBPOC people in our current existing system. In response, this database was made to highlight a range of local services, programs and IBPOC mental health workers for IBPOC residents of Kjipuktuk/HRM.

We have been working since August 2019 to crowdsource and compile as much information into this document as possible as part of the CARE Project, in an attempt to create an easily accessible public contact list for who is available to reach out to when we/our loved ones are having a hard time and need healing support. 


We will host this database here on Khyber’s website, and also plan to create printed posters to have available in local spaces once we have ample information. It will be updated regularly as we collect more information, so please do add to it and share to help spread the word!
If you have any questions, email info@khyber.ca

– Bria Miller, Co-Director of Khyber Centre for the Arts


Ways to Support

1. Sharing the database with your network via social media, email or word of mouth

2. Add names of IBPOC mental health or wellness workers/programs you know of to the crowdsourcing document linked HERE, and highlight your addition (so we know it’s a new addition)

3. If you are a mental health worker, healer, or run a wellness program, please fill out a consent form to be featured in the database on our website and eventually in print. Consent form is linked HERE.

4. Share this link from the Khyber’s newsletter (September 04/19) with your networks via email or social media.


Local IBPOC Mental Health Support Database

Name & PronounsContact InfoWebsiteDescription of PracticeJob TitleGenderRacial BackgroundSexualityAdditional Info
Shabnam Sobhani she/her 1526 Dresdon Row Avalon Sexual Assault Centre 902-422-4240 avaloncentre.ca

**PLEASE NOTE THAT SHABNAM IS ON PARENTAL LEAVE FOR 2021**

I am a social worker with a BSW and MSW from Dalhousie University. I adopt a trauma-informed, feminist, and anti-oppressive perspective in all my work. The therapeutic modalities I use include feminist narrative therapy, internal family systems, acceptance and commitment therapy, strengths-based therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and trauma-specific therapy. I take a person-centred approach, starting where people are at, and recognizing that they are in control of their healing journey, I am here to support.

Social Worker, Yoga Teacher POC, Iranian ethnicity

**PLEASE NOTE THAT SHABNAM IS ON PARENTAL LEAVE FOR 2021**

I am a cis woman, second-generation immigrant, born in Canada, ethnicity is Iranian. I am a brown woman and I take time to continue to reflect on my privileges of education, class, and income to be aware of the biases and power I hold in the work I do with clients. I work publicly with Avalon and so am connected to our mandate and service parameters: I work with cis women, trans individuals, and non-binary individuals, 16 years and older who have experienced sexualized violence (recent or historical).

Courtney Brown she/her/hers

Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW)

1018 Main Street, Dartmouth, NS, B2W 4X9

nsabsw.ca

Outreach Social Worker providing advocacy and support to members of the African Nova Scotian Community. ABSW also provides culturally sensitive training and develops various projects to address the barriers faced by people of African Ancestry.

Social Worker Black, Person of Colour
I am a descendant of Africville.
Ruby Peterson, M.Ed, BSW, CCC

Whole Soul Wisdom

201E-802 Prince St. Truro, NS

Whole Soul Wisdom

I am an registered Indigenous clinical therapist with over 25 years experience working with individuals, families, (children and youth ages 6+) adults and elders. My education and training has specifically been focused to prepare me to work with intergenerational Trauma: grief & loss, abuses, shame, self identity and belonging issues. I offer a safe space for your story to be seen and heard, and learn/relearn healthy ways to cope. My models of practice include a combination of sacred indigenous teachings and practices and western counselling approaches, which include body-centred, expressive, play, story-telling and nature connection.

Registered Psychotherapist Cis-woman Heterosexual

It is my intention to offer a safe, non-judgemental place where you can rest and be supported through your healing process. Please interview me first to see if I am a good fit. I offer free 20 minute consultation (interview) times.

As a First Nation woman raised with our Namgis teachings in Alert Bay, BC, where the St. Michaels Residential School was, I grew up with warriors who taught us to speak up, and reclaim our teachings as part of our healing – these teachings are woven into how I do this work. My husband and I embarked on this adventure of moving to Nova Scotia with our 2 youngest children the summer of 2019. We have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren – our Gwalayu (reason for living), and a big family back home that we miss. We moved for the opportunity to live more closely connected to mother earth. We are growing our garden and so far have chickens!

Dr. Fyre Jean Graveline she/her

fyrejeangraveline@gmail.com

Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia

Circle Works Counselling and Consulting Services

Grounded in my own lived Experience of personal, intergenerational, structural, and collective trauma, I engage with people from strength oriented, resiliency, arts-based perspectives, reweaving our connections with our Selves, our Relations and our Earth Mother as essential to our health and wellness. I am comfortable relating with individuals of all ages, and stages of life, and with couples, families and groups.

Grandmother/Elder, Counsellor, Therapist, Social Worker, Art Therapist, Expressive Arts Therapist Two Spirited Indigenous

While I love to connect in person, and have a lovely space and land where I generally prefer to see people, at this time I am connecting with people only on-line through the zoom platform. I am also willing to offer groups for those who want to meet with others.

Natalie Hodgson she/her

902-209-6795 (cell)

nataliehodgsonservices@gmail.com

Afrocentric

Counsellor, Forensic Cultural Assessor, Educator, School Counsellor Indigenous & Black
Alsusuti Aboriginal Crisis & Counselling

1-844-694-1382

alsusuti@outlook.com

Facebook Page

Therapists are located in various parts of the province.

aaccs.ca

At Alsusuti our Aboriginal therapists provide counselling to status Aboriginals in most areas of Nova Scotia. We believe that our contemporary counselling services combined with cultural ceremonies, when needed, offer a unique opportunity to reconnect Aboriginals to their cultural roots and identities while supporting their counselling needs. Although our “in home services” are currently suspended in order to limit the risk of virus transmission to our clients, Telehealth services (telephone and/or video chat) remain available to all clients. Status Aboriginals are usually covered by NIHB or IRS depending on individual circumstances.

Service that employs Therapists, Counsellors, and Social Workers Indigenous, Mi'kmaq

Our Aboriginal therapists have first hand knowledge of Indigenous life. They have lived or continue to live on Reserve, they may be 60’s Scoop Survivors, or 2nd /3rd generation Residential School survivors. These experiences allow them to better understand and relate to their clients. Who better to share your story with than someone who may have been there too?

As Aboriginals, we may deal with things differently. We may embrace cultural practices, we may process things or grieve differently than others. Alsusuti is more than a counselling practice, we provide culturally appropriate services for those who seek to deal with grief, trauma, emotional distress or difficult life circumstances. We are here and we understand.

Mr. Robert S Wright he/him

200 – 5435 Portland Place Halifax NS B3K 1A2

thepeoplescounsellingclinic.ca

Robert is a therapist and the executive director of the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic. In addition to providing direct counselling and assessment services, he also directs a teaching clinic and has graduate level interns who provide free counselling under his supervision. Robert has a Master’s degree in social work, and is a specialist in the assessment and treatment of trauma. Racial trauma, sexual trauma, and the developmental disruption that comes from chaotic childhoods are among the many things that he is expert in.

Counsellor, Therapist, Social Worker, Sociologist, Consultant Cis man African Nova Scotian/Black Gay

7

Lisa Dennis she/her

(902) 702-5117

397 Bedford Hwy, Suite 310, Halifax NS, B3M 2L3

Lisa's Page on Psychology Today

Cutting edge interventions to rehabilitate the brain from depression, anxiety, learning difficulties, PTSD/childhood trauma, dyslexia, attention problems, sensory issues, Autism, MS, etc.

An OT since 1999 working with a diverse clientele: geriatric population with physical disabilities; working up north in mental health and addictions, school pediatric interventions with aboriginal youth-at-risk; active military members, and inmates. Specializing in rehabilitating ADHD, PTSD, concussion, dyslexia, Sensory issues, Autism, mental illness, etc
Deal with the root cause. You CAN Reboot, Rewire, Rehabilitate Your Brain.
Occupational therapist, Rehabilitation specialist Black

Offers video and phone sessions

Sliding scale rates: $70-$200

Covered under Blue Cross medical insurance

Raytia Turney, M.A., M.Ed, C.C.C. she/her

raytiaturney@msn.com

19024036335

M.Ed in Counselling- Africentric Focus. Associate Assessor – Impact of Race and Culture Assessments.

Counsellor African Nova Scotian/Black
Harpreet Aulakh she/her

Suite #305-6155 North Street

Halifax, NS, B3K 5R3

Phone: 902-490-0090

Fax: 902-490-0099

aulakhpsychology.ca

Over the past 21 years, Harpreet has worked extensively in both public and private settings providing assessment and therapy services for adolescents, adults and couples. Harpreet works closely with people dealing with difficult issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma (PTSD), brain injuries, relationship issues, and adjustment to life transitions, and she is trained in Emotion Focused Therapy for couples counselling. Harpreet has also worked in forensic settings, so she has extensive experience working with individuals with disruptive behaviors, such as anger management, ADHD, ODD, and conduct issues, and she has worked with veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD. Harpreet has specialized training and experience working with individuals who struggle with problem sexual and violent behaviors. She conducts assessments for children, adolescents, and adults, with particular focus on diagnostic mental health assessments, parental capacity assessments, risk assessments and cognitive/academic assessments. In her down-to-earth style, Harpreet approaches clients holistically. She looks for their unique talents and strengths when working with her clients. She acknowledges that making change for all people is difficult, and she is compassionate in her dealings with her clients. She works closely with individuals from differing cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. She practices from a theoretically integrative approach, drawing primarily from Cognitive-Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behavior, and Emotion Focused therapy. She is a keen believer that on-going learning is important, so she continues to stay current to be most effective in helping her clients.

Registered psychologist POC, Indo-Canadian ethnicity - born in India

Located at: #305-6155 North St. Halifax, NS, B3K 5R3


CIRCA 1995