Dr. Gillian Potter, PhD

Finding a good fit with a therapist is important in your therapy journey. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial to facing and overcoming the thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns that can interrupt your ability to find satisfaction and happiness in life. We all have the capacity for personal growth no matter what we have been through. With compassion and encouragement, I will help you explore and recognize your capabilities amidst whatever struggles you bring to therapy.

I am a registered psychologist with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, and I have work experience in private practice and various medical settings. My expertise is working with adults facing a wide range of psychological and social challenges including life adjustments, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, relationship issues, domestic abuse, addictions, job loss, and poverty. I also have specific expertise working with individuals who live with medical, pain, and somatic conditions.

I can work flexibly to help you meet your therapy goals using my training in different psychotherapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, acceptance-based therapies (ACT), narrative therapy, and emotion focused therapy (EFT). I also offer Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) which can help you consider the problems you come to therapy for in relation to complex mixed feelings about people and life trauma. With this approach we can help you build a greater tolerance and understanding about feelings, and a deeper sense of well-being with yourself and with others.