Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.
Rose Degenhardt
(she/her)
Owner & Clinical Director – Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.
MA, CCC, RCT
Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)
​From a young age, I knew I wanted to help others. My path into the helping profession has been shaped not only by education and professional training, but also by lived experience. Having grown up in foster care, I understand firsthand the complexities of family systems, resilience, and navigating support systems that are meant to help but can sometimes feel overwhelming.
​
Today, I am the owner and Clinical Director of Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc., where I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals, children, and families through life’s most challenging moments. I am also a mother of five and a proud grandmother, roles that continually deepen my understanding of family dynamics, parenting challenges, and the importance of compassionate support.
​
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years working in residential facilities supporting individuals with substance use and mental health challenges, and over 12 years working in nursing homes as a personal support worker. I have also worked as a crisis interventionist supporting survivors of domestic violence and alongside victim services. These experiences shaped my belief that every person deserves to be heard, respected, and supported in a safe and non-judgmental space.
​
Areas of Focus:
Rather than approaching therapy through a single method, I work with clients through the challenges they are experiencing in their lives. My practice focuses on supporting individuals and families in areas such as:
-
Trauma and Healing
-
Addiction and Substance Use
-
Neurodiversity and Autism Support
-
Anxiety, OCD, and Emotional Regulation
-
Children and Play Therapy
-
Grief and Life Transitions
-
Couples and Relationship Challenges
​
​My Approach to Therapy
I believe therapy should never feel like a one-size-fits-all process. Each person arrives with their own story, strengths, and challenges.
My approach is prescriptive and collaborative. Rather than forcing clients into a particular method, I work to understand where each person is in their journey and then draw upon therapeutic practices that best support their needs and goals.
At the core of my work is a warm, person-centred, and integrative approach, where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered. Together we create a plan that supports meaningful change, personal growth, and improved well-being.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my goal is to provide a safe space where healing and growth can take place.
​
​
​
​
​
​
Lindsay McMullin
(she/her)
BSc, MA, RCT-C
Lindsay (she/her) is a registered member of the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. She completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University and has previously completed her BSc in Psychology from Dalhousie University. She has enjoyed experiences mentoring students overseas as well as travelling and meeting people from various cultures.
Lindsay works with a 2SLGBTQIA+ informed approach to counselling and believes in meeting the client where they are while helping them navigate where they would like to be. She also has experience working with neurodiverse clients. Her approach to helping clients feel heard and understood involves person-centered therapeutic practices along with narrative therapy. She strives to offer a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment to help individuals learn and grow. She is passionate about adopting a multicultural approach where cultural humility and compassion inform her practice.
Alexa Andrews
(she/her)
MA, RCT-C, CCC​
​
I am a graduate of Yorkville University's Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program. My background is in child and youth studies, where I have worked with children and youth in residential and educational settings. I also have experience and am comfortable working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and neurodiverse folks. I am committed and passionate about providing culturally responsive and affirming services to individuals of diverse backgrounds.
​
I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for all clients. I aim for clients to feel seen and heard by honouring their values and beliefs. I believe the therapeutic relationship is key to fostering a safe and supportive environment. My approach is very collaborative, as this helps provide a deep understanding of the client’s goals, needs and values. I primarily work from a person-centred approach; however, I also incorporate narrative, CBT and ACT approaches when appropriate.
Anna (Alix) Munro
(she/they)
BA, MA, CCC, RCT-C
Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
(ASDCS)
​
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist who specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. My work is shaped not only by professional training, but also by lived experience as a diagnosed autistic individual with ADHD. This perspective allows me to bring a deeper level of understanding, empathy, and authenticity into the therapeutic space.
​
I am passionate about creating a supportive and affirming environment where clients feel understood and respected. I recognize that many neurodivergent individuals have experienced misunderstanding or invalidation, and I strive to provide a space where clients can explore their experiences, strengths, and challenges without judgment.
​
I work with individuals who are navigating identity, relationships, parenting, and mental health concerns related to neurodiversity. My goal is to support clients in better understanding themselves while developing practical tools that help them move through life with greater confidence and self-compassion.
​
Areas of Focus
• Neurodivergence, including Autism, ADHD, and OCD
• Late-diagnosed neurodivergence and identity exploration
• Parenting and family dynamics
• Health anxiety
• Emotional regulation and self-understanding
​
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is human-centred, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and I work with clients to find strategies that align with their needs, strengths, and goals.
I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices. Through our work together, I aim to help clients build self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and embrace their neurodiversity while navigating life’s complexities with greater confidence and resilience.
Emma Stevens
She/her
MA, RCT-C
.png)
I support youth and adults in better understanding their emotions, how their bodies respond to stress, and how their minds work—especially for those who feel like they experience the world a bit differently. I am passionate about creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and never judged.
​
I recognize that many individuals struggle to feel understood in their day-to-day lives. Because of this, I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with curiosity and self-compassion rather than shame. I believe that feeling comfortable and understood is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change.
​
I work with both youth and adults, adapting my approach based on each individual’s needs. With children and teens, I prioritize connection and trust while gently introducing tools to support emotional regulation. With adults, I focus on building self-awareness, coping strategies, and navigating stress, relationships, and life transitions.
​
Areas of Focus
• ADHD and Autism
• Emotional regulation and self-understanding
• Anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout
• Life transitions and stress
• Identity exploration and shame
​
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is compassionate, strengths-based, and client-centred. I work collaboratively with clients, moving at a pace that feels right for them while creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Together, we explore patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, while building practical tools to support everyday functioning. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-understanding, resilience, and confidence as they navigate their unique experiences.
Carlie Beck
(virtual only)
(she/her)
MA, RCT-C, CCC
Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) – Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
MA, Counselling Psychology
​
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University.
​
I work with individuals, couples, and families aged 13 and older, supporting clients through a variety of personal and relational challenges. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and openly exploring their experiences.
​
I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. In our work together, I aim to help clients better understand their thoughts and emotions, build effective coping strategies, and develop tools that support personal growth and overall well-being.
​
Areas of Focus
• Anxiety and stress management
• Depression and self-esteem concerns
• ADHD and focus challenges
• Life transitions and identity exploration
• Relationship and family conflict
• Parenting support
​
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is person-centered and integrative. I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices and adapt each approach to meet clients where they are in their journey. Together, we work to explore past and present experiences, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and build on personal strengths to support growth and resilience.
I have completed several professional trainings including Indigenous Canada through the University of Alberta, Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1, and additional training in telecounselling, trauma, suicide prevention, grief, and working with children and families.
Our Administrator:
Naomi
(she/her)
Meet Naomi, our dedicated Administrative Assistant at Venture Counselling and Therapy. Naomi is essential in ensuring that our clinic runs smoothly and efficiently, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all who walk through our doors.
With exceptional organizational skills and a compassionate approach, Naomi manages appointment scheduling, patient records, and client inquiries, always prioritizing confidentiality and care. Her professionalism and attention to detail help ensure that our clients and therapists can focus on what truly matters—the healing process.
​
Whether you’re calling to schedule your first session or have questions about your next visit, Naomi is here to assist and make your experience at Venture Counselling and Therapy as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Justin MacKinnon
(he/him)
As the Co-Owner of Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc., Justin MacKinnon plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the practice. From managing finances and payroll to handling bookkeeping and procuring supplies, Justin’s expertise and dedication are indispensable. He also works closely with the staff, providing support and assistance whenever needed. Justin’s commitment to excellence ensures that our team can focus on delivering the best care to our clients.
Have a complaint with our services? Please reach out to us, and we will do our best to resolve the issue. info@venturecounsellingtherapy.ca
​
If we cannot solve the problem, please contact
registrar@nscct.ca. 902-225-7531