Tara Forgeron, Registered Psychologist
She/Her
Full-time Psychologist and Practice Owner
Tara received her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. She has worked in private practice in Nova Scotia for over 10 years. Tara provides psychological services to adults who are struggling with a variety of mental health concerns. She has a passion for inspiring clients to live a full life, and loves working with individuals who are motivated to take positive and healthy action to achieve their wellness goals. She draws primarily from Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches.
Tara addresses the importance of self-responsibility, accountability, and empowerment within the therapeutic process, wherein the client is responsible for actively engaging and applying techniques from therapy into their lives. Through the use of therapeutic tools, Tara works with her clients to identify blocks and difficulties, ultimately allowing for personal growth and well-being. Therapeutic tools that Tara often draws upon include mindfulness training, guided imagery, relaxation, goal setting and positive challenges, lifestyle recommendations, and awareness of the mind-body connection.
Tara is passionate about bringing a holistic approach to individual mental health and wellness, and strives to provide such a space for individuals in the community. Outside of her private practice work, Tara loves spending time with her husband and their children, and enjoys reading, running, traveling, cooking, and baking.
Shauna Sutherland, Registered Psychologist
She/Her
Full-time Psychologist
Kaitlin McCormick, Registered Psychologist
She/Her
Full-time Psychologist
Kaitlin received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Xavier University, and then went on to complete her Doctorate of Psychology in Counselling Psychology from Glasgow Caledonian University. Following the completion of her studies, Kaitlin made the decision to move back to Cape Breton and start her professional career in her hometown.
Kaitlin provides psychological assessment, treatment planning and counselling to adolescents and adults. Kaitlin’s practice is predominately directed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approaches, and she also has training in some disorder specific treatments such as prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD. Kaitlin has experience with treating a wide variety of psychological disorders and issues including, anxiety (generalized, social, panic and phobias), depression, PTSD, personality disorders, problematic substance and alcohol use, interpersonal/
Elyse Boudreau, Registered Psychologist
She/Her
Full-time Psychologist
Dr. Elyse Boudreau is a Registered Psychologist with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of New Brunswick. She provides assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotion regulation difficulties, and behavioural concerns. She believes parents play a very important role in their children’s mental health. She therefore offers sessions to parents, when appropriate, to learn effective parenting strategies, behavioral interventions, and/or attachment-focused methods to strengthen the parent-child relationship. Dr. Boudreau also offers diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for children and adolescents.
Dr. Boudreau uses evidence-based treatment approaches, meaning they have been shown to be effective in research studies. She incorporates cognitive-behavioral, attachment-focused, trauma-informed, and acceptance and commitment therapy methods depending on the client’s needs and goals. Dr. Boudreau creates a warm and accepting therapeutic environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings and making changes in their lives. She also adds fun and creativity into her sessions to encourage engagement. Dr. Boudreau is very happy to be home in Cape Breton, where she enjoys spending time with family and riding her horse.
Jessica Dilney, Clinical Specialist, MSW, RSW
She/Her
Full-time Therapist
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Intervention from Nova Scotia Community College and a Master of Social Work Degree with clinical specialization from the University of New England.
Jessica has experience working in Child & Adolescent Mental Health and Medical Social Work. She utilizes a multidimensional approach to therapy, exploring each individual’s biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Jessica primarily draws from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy approaches when working with her clients.
Jessica works with adolescents, adults and families with a main focus on anxiety, depression, health social work (acute health issues, adjustment, chronic health issues, health and wellness, return to work, palliative care, end of life care), grief & loss, and life transitions. She has a keen interest in psychosocial cancer care with a recent publication in the International Journal of Health Policy and Management, titled: “My Cancer Is Worth Only Fifteen Weeks?” A Critical Analysis of the Lived Experiences of Financial Toxicity and Cancer in Canada.
Overall, Jessica combines experience, education, and sense of humour with a down to earth and realistic approach to counselling.
Victoria Sanford, Clinical Specialist, MSW, RSW
She/Her
Full-time Therapist
Victoria received a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Masters of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University. She has experience working in both public and private sectors with adults facing various mental and physical health concerns. In her practice, Victoria takes a multidimensional approach to care, getting to know the whole person. She practices person-centered, strength-based, and self-compassion approaches to promote healing, and draws from evidence-based interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Narrative Therapy.
Victoria’s greatest area of focus includes providing support to adults experiencing anxiety and depression, psychosocial challenges related to life-limiting illness, chronic health conditions, (dis)Ability, as well as grief/loss. Additionally, she is trained in group work facilitation.
As a therapist, Victoria believes in the art of active listening, focusing on individuals as the experts in their own lives, and creating space for sharing/storytelling. Victoria often utilizes therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, guided imagery, relaxation, writing tools, and goal setting. It is her hope that clients will gain greater insight and deeper understandings within the self, new coping skills, and ultimately a stronger sense of wellness to hold onto when faced with difficulty.
Victoria considers herself to be an ally, advocate, and life-long learner, and is very passionate about personal growth. Outside of work, Victoria loves spending time with her family and believes wholeheartedly in finding meaning and joy in the small moments.
Yvonne Libbus, MD FRCPC
She/Her
Part-time Psychiatrist
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University
Yvonne received her medical degree from Dalhousie Medical School in Halifax and went on to receive certification as a family physician, working in Halifax and Dartmouth, and later returned to Dalhousie for further training and certification as a Psychiatrist.
She is a General Adult practicing psychiatrist working previously at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with Nova Scotia Health. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, has undertaken leadership roles such as Chief of Psychiatry and Clinical Director of the Mental Health Program of the Cape Breton District Health Authority, and is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University.
She is committed to improving the lives of those living with and affected by mental illness and is happy to be able to work with Tara Forgeron Psychology & Associates on a part-time basis.
Dr. Libbus is very aware of the challenges with access to psychiatric care. She is able to provide comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and management plans for those suffering with a variety of mental health presentations ranging from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, PTSD and substance use disorders for those 18 years of age and older.
Andrea Weyman-Hickman, Clinical Specialist, MSW, RSW
She/Her
Part-time Therapist
Andrea received her undergraduate degrees in Arts and Social Work from Dalhousie University. She went on to receive her Master of Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a leadership specialty and a focus on mental health service delivery. Andrea obtained post-graduate training in various therapeutic approaches, including Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Motivational Interviewing and certification in the facilitation of the Connect Parenting Group Program.
Andrea believes therapy can be an empowering experience for families. She is excited to be offering both individual therapy for children and teens (with their supportive parents/caregivers) experiencing a range of anxiety and mood challenges and group therapy to support parents/caregivers of pre -teens and teens to promote children’s social, emotional and behavioural well-being. Andrea incorporates cognitive behavioral, attachment- focused, solution- focused, trauma informed and interpersonal therapy methods into her practice.
Andrea received the Dr. Mian Award for her co-facilitation of the Connect Parenting Group in 2016. In 2021 she was the honored recipient of the David William Connors Memorial Award from the Nova Scotia College of Social Work. In June 2023 she proudly accepted the Award of Excellence in Clinical Consulting and Mentorship from Nova Scotia Health.
Outside of work Andrea loves to spend her time with family and friends enjoying live theatre, traveling and being out in nature. She is famous for claiming there is no bad weather if you dress for it!
Amanda Farrow, Office Manager
She/Her
Amanda received a Professional Secretarial diploma with Honours, and has over 15 years of quality administrative experience in the healthcare industry. She manages all office and administrative responsibilities in our practice, including facilitating referrals, scheduling clients, determining the best practitioner for the client’s needs, accounting, billing, and managing the overall structure of the office. Amanda has a natural gift in making clients feel warm and welcome in our office environment, and is a cherished asset to our practice. In her personal life, she enjoys running, and loves to spend time with her two beautiful boys, Carter and Cam.
Joanna Miller, Administrative Assistant
She/Her
Joanna holds an Office Administration diploma from CBBC, and has been working in an administrative role in healthcare for over 7 years. She provides administrative support, including facilitating referrals, scheduling clients, billing, taking payment, and helps with the overall practice organization and flow. Joanna’s compassionate and kind personality is felt by all clients who frequent the practice. Joanna is an animal lover, and loves to spend time with her family outside of work.