About Us - Tara Forgeron Psychology

Tara Forgeron, Registered Psychologist

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 his/her life. 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

Full-time Psychologist

Shauna received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of New Brunswick. Through the program, she was provided with training and experience working with a variety of populations (i.e., children, teens, families, couples, adults, and seniors) across a variety of settings (i.e., university counselling center, hospitals, and community mental health clinics). Shauna primarily works with adults (18+) using a therapeutic approach that combines western psychology with eastern-based philosophies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Shauna also has experience with interventions such as traditional Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Prolonged Exposure (PE).

When people reach the point of seeking therapy, many have learned a multitude of strategies in an effort to avoid facing distressing emotions/thoughts and experiences. It’s completely understandable that we will try just about anything to learn to manage when we’re struggling. Although these strategies may sometimes work in the short term (we all use them, to some degree!), they most often do not help to permanently rid ourselves of these unwanted experiences. For that reason, Shauna aims to work collaboratively with clients not to change, or get rid of, these uncomfortable or unwanted thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, images or memories (since most of us have tried, unsuccessfully), but instead to help them change the way they relate to these inner experiences, while taking steps towards a valued life. Shauna also aims to assist clients in learning to provide themselves with the patience, compassion, and forgiveness necessary during times when they inevitably face challenges and barriers when learning and practicing these new ways of relating. It is through her own lived experience that Shauna has come to understand the opportunities for growth that can come from this deeply personal work.

Kaitlin McCormick, Registered Psychologist

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/relationship issues, grief, emotional dysregulation, and self-esteem.

Elyse Boudreau, Registered Psychologist

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 Therapist, MSW, RSW

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 Therapist, MSW, RSW

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, and (dis)Ability, as well as issues pertaining to maternal mental health and self-esteem. Victoria also specializes in grief/loss, emotional regulation, and various approaches to help individuals adjust to life changes/stressors and work through interpersonal challenges. 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. In session, she invites clients to share their thoughts and feelings openly, to explore their emotions, and to honour their own experiences. 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

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.

Amanda Hodder, Office Manager

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 loves to spend time with her husband, Liam, and their two beautiful boys, Carter and Cam.

Joanna Miller, Administrative Assistant

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. Outside of work, Joanna loves to spend time with her family.