Michelle Labine

Welcome!

Hello, my name is Michelle Labine, I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT).

I am the founder of ML Family Counselling Clinic, a group practice consisting of trained, mental health professionals, licensed with NSCCT. Each member of our team is specially trained in their area of clinical focus providing the most recent and evidence-based care to their clients. Our team members are continuously engaged in the newest research and clinical interventions.

Alongside continued learning and clinical development, we fundamentally believe the relationship between the therapist and the client is key to the outcome. Several studies have found therapeutic rapport to be more critical in a client’s progress than any other therapeutic technique. This relationship consists of safety, respect, connection, and trust to create the space necessary for exploration, healing, and growth.

To begin to find those places of connection, I’ll take the opportunity here to introduce myself and provide a snapshot of who I am by sharing about my background, experience, training, and professional qualifications.

To date, I have worked in the field of Mental Health for over 20 years, my background is in Psychology and Sociology; I spent the first 15 years of my career in Social Services and Adult Education. In 2010, my occupational interests expanded when I ventured into small business entrepreneurship, then expanded again 3 years later when I joined my partner in business. From these experiences I developed a strong business acumen, an interest in business leadership, and a passion and desire to provide mentorship.

These days, the business part of me, is focused on building and providing steward leadership at ML Family Counselling Clinic. I also have a small business coaching practice where I enjoy providing support to clinicians new to private practice. I am the Founder and an executive leader of a Registered Charity in Nova Scotia called Couch of Hope. The organization has 2 main objectives: to provide free mental health counselling to Nova Scotians who do not have insurance and who cannot afford to pay out of pocket for services; and to contribute to Nova Scotia’s pool of mental health professionals by providing clinical supervision and training to Counselling Therapist Interns in partnership with Yorkville University’s Master of Arts Counselling Psychology program and Acadia University’s Master of Education in Counselling program. Teaching and mentorship deeply fulfill me, I carry a small caseload, as a Clinical Supervisor to Registered Counselling Therapist Candidates with NSCCT and Registered Psychotherapists Qualifying with CRPO. The field of mental health has remained a pillar interest of mine, these past few years, it has also become the place where I have found alignment with all my career interests.

In my clinical work, I am influenced most by Adlerian Theory focusing on individual potential, the power of encouragement, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. As a Humanistic Therapist, I aim to consider the whole person, especially positive characteristics, and potential for growth, not only from my professional viewpoint but from my client’s own personal sense. Sessions are focused on my client developing their ability to use their own sense of self to find healing, growth, wisdom, and fulfillment. (citation below)

As a clinical modality I am most drawn to Narrative Therapy, a respectful approach to counselling which centers people as the experts in their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, and abilities to assist them in reducing the influence of problems in their lives. Narrative Therapists think in terms of stories, they are interested in joining with their client to explore the stories they have about their lives and relationships, their effects, their meanings, the context in which they were authored, and re-author plots that might prevent them from leading their most fulfilled life. (citation below)

I find the combination of Adlerian Theory and Narrative Therapy emphasizes a sense of meaning, individual growth, resiliency, personal strengths, and possibilities. This approach allows me to work collaboratively with my clients, supporting their self-examination, healing, and growth, while creating healthier relationships with self and with others.

In our therapeutic relationship, you are met with unconditional positive regard, valued as an individual, and received with immense compassion. In supporting you to live your best life, I listen deeply, I see you as the creator of your story, and as separate from the problems you experience. I work with you to uncover parts of you, tap into your strengths, access your internal resources, and step into your personal power.

While I am trained in multiple modalities, my work is integrative; I intentionally draw from various interventions to tailor sessions specifically to meet your needs. In our work we will most likely navigate past and present to understand events, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on current relationships, recognize patterns of conditioning, and treat trauma.

My areas of clinical focus are sexuality, menopause, knowing yourself, committed relationships, and trauma treatment (sexualized violence). I work with adult individuals and couples in traditional and non traditional relationships.

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. I am a licensed Registered Psychotherapist with the regulatory body College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I am a Certified Sex Therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors, and Therapists (AASECT). And I am a member in good standing with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). I hold liability insurance nationwide and work with clients remotely across Canada. More information about my qualifications, credentials, professional experience, and continued education are listed on the left of this page for your review. Click on the circles below to learn more about each area of my work.  

At its core, I believe therapy is about getting to know yourself and about making changes to support alignment and continued growth.  I believe the therapeutic process is only one means for introspection, reflection, and self-awareness. I encourage the exploration of other avenues as well, such as books, podcasts, meditation, journaling, and mentor relationships.

The field of counselling psychology is constantly evolving, I am committed to keeping up with the latest research through continued studying and training with leaders in my area of specialty. As I focus on my personal and professional development, I continue to see the benefits clinically, in my therapy room.

In closing, I’m glad you’ve found your way to my page, I look forward to connecting with you to explore possibilities.

Warmest,

Michelle

Citations:

1. Oberst, U. E., & Stewart, A. E. (2014). Adlerian psychotherapy: An advanced approach to individual psychology. Routledge.
2. Madigan, S. (2011). Narrative therapy. American Psychological Association.