Somatic Therapists in Halifax

Therapists trained in somatic and body-based approaches serving Halifax. Available online. Watch intro videos, compare training and approach, and book a free 15-minute consultation directly.

Mendy Bisk
Mendy Bisk
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Self-esteem, People pleasing, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Couples Therapy, Couples, Imposter syndrome, Identity and Self-Exploration, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Relationship anxiety, Shadow Work, Vulnerability
Tanya Gabrielle
Tanya Gabrielle
Registered Professional Counsellor - Provisional
Befriending the Nervous System, Building Self-Care Routines, End of Life Support, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Creativity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Empowerment, Existential questions, Highly Sensitive Person, Life transitions, Nervous system regulation, Overwhelm, Parenting, Perimenopause mental health support, Personal Growth, Relationship to self and others, Relationships, Self-esteem, Separation and divorce, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Work-Life Balance, Postnatal Care
Bina Persaud
Bina Persaud
Registered Psychotherapist
General Mental Health, Life transitions, Mental performance, Addiction, ADHD, Adoption, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), BIPOC, Bipolar Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Career guidance, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Children/Teens, Chronic Illness, College or University Coaching, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Depression, Early childhood, Dreams, Eating disorders
Allison Fassbender
Allison Fassbender
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Grief and Loss, Somatic Therapy, Chronic and acute illness, Managing ADHD symptoms, Trauma, Terminal Illness, Stress, Sexuality, Sleeping difficulties, Relationships, Neurodiversity, Nature-Based Spirituality, Meaning and purpose, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Burnout, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ2IA+, Mindfulness, Anxiety, Identity and Self-Exploration, Substance Use, Separation and divorce, Existential questions, Life transitions, Traumatic Bereveavement, Cancer Support, End of Life Support, Caregiver burnout, Caregivers
Timothy Lamont
Timothy Lamont
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Depression, Life transitions, Anxiety, ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Career guidance, Career Stress, College or University Coaching, Sports Performance, Relationship to self and others, Perfectionism, People pleasing, Overwhelm, Negative thinking and ruminating, Negative body image, Navigating challenging relationships, Motivation, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Insomnia, Familial and social relationships, Depression coping skills, Decision making
Nick Abraham
Nick Abraham
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Sex Addiction, Betrayal Trauma, Trauma processing, Addiction, Anxiety, Attachment, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, PTSD, Relationships, Sexual issues, Social anxiety, Substance Use, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Infidelity, Attachment trauma, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Pornography Addiction, Grief and Loss
Watch Video
View & Book
Jason Colero
Jason Colero
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Anxiety, Self-esteem, Motivation, Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Career Stress, Career Performance, Competitive anxiety, Confidence, Depression, Emotional regulation, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mental performance, Mindfulness, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Mindfulness Practices, Performance anxiety, Relationship to self and others, Self-Criticism, Sports Performance, Stress
Watch Video
View & Book
Dr. Karanvir Singh
Dr. Karanvir Singh
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Neurodiversity, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Couples Therapy, Depression, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, LGBTQ2IA+, Men's issues, Personality & Mood Disorders, PTSD, Relationship to self and others, Relationships, Sexual issues, Sex therapy, Somatic Therapy, Spirituality, Trauma, Workplace stress
Watch Video
View & Book
Natalie Saroya
Natalie Saroya
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Relationships, Life transitions, Maternal mental health, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Career Performance, Career Stress, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Family Conflict, Family issues, Goal Setting, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Perinatal, Pregnancy, Racism, Separation and divorce, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Burnout
Watch Video
View & Book
Sandra Medina
Sandra Medina
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Couples Therapy, Addiction, Anxiety, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behavioural Issues, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career Stress, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Conflict resolution, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Grief Processing, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Panic attacks, Self-Development, Social anxiety, Work-Life Balance
Watch Video
View & Book
Victoria Gabriele
Victoria Gabriele
Registered Social Worker
Attachment, Trauma, Emotional regulation, ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anger Management, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Coping Skills, Dating challenges, Health anxiety, Life transitions, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Negative thinking and ruminating, OCD, Panic attacks, PTSD, Trauma processing, Work-Life Balance, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions
Brian Baumal
Brian Baumal
Registered Psychotherapist
Anger Management, Body Dysmorphia, Depression, Eating disorders, Mind-body connection, Negative body image, Perfectionism, Self-esteem, Food Addiction, Weight Management
Yemisi Odesilo
Yemisi Odesilo
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Aging, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, BIPOC, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Couples Therapy, Depression, Effective communication, Familial and social relationships, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Overwhelm, Self-esteem, Stress, Transitioning into Adulthood, Trauma, Relationships, Panic attacks, ADHD, Christian counselling
Kelly Collins
Kelly Collins
Registered Psychotherapist
Trauma, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Childhood trauma, Caregivers, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Identity and Self-Exploration, Perfectionism, Personal Growth, PTSD, Relationships, Spirituality, Workplace stress
Jessica Sloan
Jessica Sloan
Registered Psychotherapist
ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Somatic Therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Caregiver burnout, Fertility, PTSD, Nervous system regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Trauma processing, Self-esteem, Prenatal care, People pleasing, Pregnancy, Assertiveness, Insomnia, Perfectionism, Empowerment, Emotional regulation, Goal Setting, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Career Stress, Imposter syndrome
Find your Therapist
Are you a Therapist looking to grow your practice?

Live in Halifax? Connect with a Somatic Therapist in-person or online.

Licensed somatic and body awareness Therapists based and insured in Nova Scotia. All Therapists on AST timezone unless otherwise noted.

Melissa Melnychuk

Registered Psychotherapist
Neurodiversity, Trauma, Women's Health, ADHD, Anger, Attachment trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Depression, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Workplace stress, College or University Coaching, General Mental Health, People pleasing, Grief and Loss, Men's issues
Watch Video
View & Book
Previous
Next
Show More

Online therapy for you in Halifax.

Out-of-province licensed somatic and body awareness Therapists insured to provide online therapy in Nova Scotia. Timezone availability may vary.

Diane Brussell

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Trauma, Relationships, Emotional regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Watch Video
View & Book

Amy O'Coin

Registered Professional Counsellor - Candidate
Couples Therapy, Emotional regulation, Attachment, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Life transitions, Meaning and purpose, Mind-body connection, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Relationship anxiety, Perfectionism, Relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Self-Regulation, Overwhelm, Couples, Identity and Self-Exploration
Watch Video
View & Book

Karla Rivera

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Spirituality, Trauma, Somatic Therapy, Nervous system regulation, Parenting, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Intergenerational trauma, Mind-body connection, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Mindfulness
Watch Video
View & Book

Tanya Gabrielle

Registered Professional Counsellor - Provisional
Befriending the Nervous System, Building Self-Care Routines, End of Life Support, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Creativity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Empowerment, Existential questions, Highly Sensitive Person, Life transitions, Nervous system regulation, Overwhelm, Parenting, Perimenopause mental health support, Personal Growth, Relationship to self and others, Relationships, Self-esteem, Separation and divorce, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Work-Life Balance, Postnatal Care
Watch Video
View & Book

Margaret Hux

Registered Psychotherapist
Aging, Anxiety, Career guidance, Chronic and acute illness, Depression, Depression coping skills, Existential questions, Emotional regulation, Fears and phobia, Familial and social relationships, Health anxiety, Negative thinking and ruminating, Panic attacks, PTSD, Addiction, Workplace stress, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Grief and Loss
Watch Video
View & Book

Jacob Emanuel

Registered Psychotherapist
Anger, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Effective communication, Men's issues, Perfectionism, Life transitions, Relationships, Masculinity, Stress, Emotional Numbness, Anxiety, Depression
Watch Video
View & Book

Kaitlin Stephens

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Couples, Depression coping skills, Familial and social relationships, Spirituality, Psychedelic therapy, Mind-body connection, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Grief and Loss
Watch Video
View & Book

Margarita Iarovaia

Registered Psychotherapist
Trauma, Sexuality, Relationships, Sex therapy, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Dating challenges, Relationship anxiety, Sexual issues, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Mindfulness, Identity and Self-Exploration
Watch Video
View & Book

Michèle Dawn

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Nervous system regulation, Emotional regulation, ADHD, Anxiety, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Building Self-Care Routines, Career guidance, Creativity, Dating challenges, Decision making, Goal Setting, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Imposter syndrome, Overwhelm, Stress, Wellness Counselling, Negative thinking and ruminating, Habits
Watch Video
View & Book

Michelle Brewer

Counselling Therapist
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health
Watch Video
View & Book

Sadaf Naji

Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling
Nervous system regulation, Infertility, Anxiety, ADHD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Cultural Challenges, Early childhood, Pregnancy, Separation and divorce, Trauma processing, Psychedelic therapy, Neurodiversity, Trauma
Watch Video
View & Book
Previous
Next
Show More
Unsure if your insurance covers online or out-of-province counselling? Learn more.

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to mental health that works with the physical sensations, movements, and physiological patterns that arise alongside emotional and psychological experiences. Where traditional talk therapy focuses primarily on thoughts and feelings, somatic approaches recognize that the body stores and expresses distress - and that healing often requires working with both.

Common somatic approaches include Somatic Experiencing (SE), EMDR (which incorporates bilateral stimulation), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, body-centred parts work, breathwork, and nervous system regulation techniques. Therapists may incorporate somatic elements alongside other approaches like IFS, trauma-informed CBT, or attachment-based therapy.

Somatic therapy is particularly well-suited for trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, dissociation, anxiety with strong physical symptoms, burnout, and people who feel they've talked about their experiences but haven't felt lasting change. It is also used in grief work, eating disorder recovery, chronic pain, and body image concerns.

​

What to know about somatic therapy in Edmonton

In-person and online availability

At the moment, there are no therapists based in Halifax on First Session. However, Halifax residents can do online therapy with therapists licensed to serve Nova Scotia clients.  Online therapy offers greater flexibility by removing travel barriers and making it easier to find a therapist who matches your needs. For many mental health concerns, research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions.

Credentials in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, legally protected and regulated therapy designations include Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT), Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C), Registered Social Worker (RSW), and Psychologist. 

Cost and insurance

Somatic therapy sessions in Halifax typically range from $100 to $250 CAD, depending on the therapist's designation and experience. Coverage depends on the practitioner's designation/title rather than the somatic approach itself. Check your specific plan and each therapist's profile under Insurance Coverage.

​

How to choose a somatic therapist in Halifax

Finding the right fit matters. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship, how comfortable, understood, and supported you feel with your therapist, is one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes.

  1. Look for experience that matches your needs. Review a therapist's areas of specialization, the concerns they work with, the populations they serve, and any relevant personal or professional experience.
  2. Pay attention to their communication style. Some therapists are direct and practical, while others take a gentler, more reflective approach. Neither is inherently better, but one may resonate more with you.
  3. Consider their therapeutic approach. Some therapists use structured, skills-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Others take a more open-ended, relational, or somatic approach. Again, neither is superior, but one may align better with you.
  4. Check the practical details. Look at availability, session format, location, language, fees, and whether your insurance covers the therapist's designation. First Session makes these details easy to review on each therapist's profile.
  5. Book a free consultation. Every First Session therapist offers a free consultation, giving you a chance to see what working together might feel like before committing. Consider asking, "How do you typically work in the first few sessions?" "Have you worked with people in a situation like mine?" "What does progress usually look like?"

​

Looking for something more specific?

Related somatic therapy pages

​

Related Halifax pages

​

Helpful reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is somatic therapy only for trauma?

No. Although somatic approaches are commonly associated with trauma and PTSD, they aren't exclusively used for trauma. Some people use somatic therapy to work through anxiety, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, low self-awareness, or feeling disconnected from their bodies. Your therapist can help determine whether a somatic approach makes sense for your particular concerns.

How is somatic therapy different from regular talk therapy?

Talk therapy primarily focuses on thoughts, feelings, and narrative. Somatic therapy explicitly engages the body, including tracking physical sensations, noticing where emotions are held in the body, and working with posture, breath, and physiological arousal. Many somatic therapists integrate both, moving between narrative and body-based work within the same session.

Does somatic therapy involve physical touch?

Usually, no. Somatic therapy can be practiced without any physical contact between you and your therapist. Most somatic techniques involve guided awareness of your own body, such as noticing sensations, breathing patterns, muscle tension, posture, or movement. Some practitioners may use touch-based techniques as part of a specific somatic approach, but this should always be discussed with you beforehand and requires your consent. If you prefer not to be touched, you can let your therapist know and still explore somatic therapy without physical contact.

Can somatic therapy be done online?

Yes. Many somatic techniques can be adapted for online sessions. Some people prefer in-person sessions, particularly when they want more direct support with body-based work, but online therapy can be a good option for many clients, especially if local options are limited. 

Is somatic therapy covered by insurance in Nova Scotia?

Coverage depends on the therapist's designation (RSW, Counselling Therapist, etc.), not the approach (somatic). Check your specific plan to confirm whether a therapist's designation is covered.

How do I know if somatic therapy is right for me?

Somatic therapy may be worth exploring if you notice that stress or emotions show up strongly in your body, you feel disconnected from your physical sensations, or you want an approach that goes beyond talking about your experiences. You don't need to have a specific diagnosis or history of trauma to explore it. A therapist can discuss your goals and help you decide whether a somatic approach is appropriate.

Helping Every Therapy Seeker Find the Right Fit

Compatibility is the most important factor when choosing a therapist. But finding the right fit isn’t easy. First Session takes the time, guesswork, and emotional labour out of that process.

Search a curated Therapist network

Narrow your search to a list of rigorously vetted Therapists you’ll actually consider booking. Because finding Somatic therapy shouldn’t involve reading endless generic bios.

Assess for fit before you commit

Decide if a Therapist is the right fit for you before booking with interview videos and in-depth bios. No more switching or re-telling your private feelings and story.

Book directly 
(and instantly)

Schedule an available session or free consultation right from the First Session platform. No 3rd party intake calls or back and forth emailing required.

Free yourself from the stress of endless searching and switching

Convenience-first approach to finding a Therapist
Burnout from endless search results and unhelpful Therapist profiles.
Disappointment and frustration from generic intake calls and unproductive “free” consultations
Emotional stress from repeatedly revealing private thoughts and feelings to incompatible Therapists
Stalled mental health progress because of limited availability, timezone differences, or constantly switching providers
Risk of abandoning therapy process altogether because of frustration, exhaustion, or depression
Connection-first approach to finding a Therapist with First Session
Instantly create a short-list of Therapists serving Halifax qualified to support your journey
Get to know a Therapist’s personality, approach, and experience before booking
Share your private history, thoughts, and feelings only if there’s a connection
Save time and minimize stress by finding the right fit without endless switching
Make meaningful progress sooner and commit to lasting, meaningful change
Find your Therapist
Find your somatic and body awareness
“I wish I’d known about this platform sooner! I loved the introductory videos–this is what helped me choose the therapist to book an intro consultation with.”
— First Session Client, 2025
“I was able to use First Session to find my therapist for the past two years within 24 hours. First Session eliminated a lot of the friction associated with finding a therapist....”
— Satisfied First Session User
“Having short videos of the therapists sharing a little bit about themselves and their approaches is such a simple concept but made an  absolute world of difference.”
— Satisfied First Session User

We help Canadians find Somatic Therapists, coast-to-coast.

Discover all of the regions we serve

Ready to meet your somatic therapist?

Browse Halifax's somatic-trained therapists, watch their intro videos, and book a free 15-minute consultation.

Find your Therapist
Are you a Therapist looking to grow your practice?