Anxiety and Trauma Clinic of Nova Scotia

Clinic Telephone: (902) 412 1557

Clinic Fax: (902) 593 0218

35 Bloom Lane - Suite 202 (Floor 2)

Bedford, Nova Scotia ║ B4B 2E6

http://www.halifaxanxietytrauma.ca

Oshia MacKay received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Mount Saint Vincent University with a major in Psychology ​and a minor in Family Studies, graduating with distinction in 2020. Closely following, she began her master’s ​program at Yorkville University, achieving her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) in late 2022, ​graduating top of her class. Oshia became registered with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists ​(NSCCT) in February of 2023 and currently holds the title of Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate (RCT-C).

As part of her degree, Oshia completed a practicum placement at a local non-profit; a pro-bono community ​mental health clinic in Halifax, NS - where she was under the supervision of a notable clinician, minority group ​advocate, and local community figure. During her placement, Oshia provided counselling services to clients of all ​ages, all of which had experienced trauma in some form. This practicum experience allowed her to work with ​under-served populations surrounding a variety of presenting problems, preparing herself for an integration into ​her career as a psychotherapist.

After completing her placement, Oshia was employed for over a year providing largely rehabilitation-based ​counselling therapy to a variety of clientele within a multi-disciplinary clinic. This allowed her to gain extensive ​experience in working with clients throughout their rehabilitation journey - providing them a safe space wherein they ​could seek mental health support throughout their coping and recovery. These services were often being provided as ​part of rehabilitation programming, where clients were being seen also among occupational therapists, ​physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and massage therapists. This allowed Oshia to gain a deeper knowledge and ​understanding surrounding the significance of the mind-body connection and the many factors that are contributory ​to the state of one’s mental health.

Although Oshia worked with a variety of clients of various backgrounds, her experience in this position was largely ​with those experiencing trauma or stressor related symptoms and/or disorders as a result of a traumatic workplace or ​career related event(s). As a result, Oshia has worked with a vast client base of police officers, paramedics, ​communications officers (911 dispatchers), firefighters, corrections officers, medical providers, search and rescue ​technicians, and veterans - among others. Many of these individuals were going off work or had been off work, seeking ​treatment/support in their progression toward fulfilling employment and returning to a level of previous function in ​which they desire. Oshia also worked with individuals with disabilities; many long-term or permanent, those who had ​experienced a motor vehicle accident, and/or those experiencing chronic pain.

Oshia is very passionate within the field of addictions services, an area of interest to her throughout her studies. She ​sees it of vital importance to look at addiction from a variety of lenses with its various influences, factors, and ​considerations. It is her hope that she be soon able to gain further knowledge and experience in the field of substance ​abuse and addiction. This would allow her to work with this underserved population; who often seek a safe space ​where they can be vulnerable whilst being treated with unconditional positive regard and steady support.

Oshia uses an integrated approach to inform her practice, wherein treatment is formed around each client’s unique ​story while simultaneously providing the utmost guidance and support to those seeking treatment. The formation of a ​strong therapeutic alliance is detrimental, wherein she believes it is built on trust, empathy, acceptance, and mutual ​understanding. Despite using an integrated approach that encompasses trauma informed care, Oshia’s experience ​reflects very extensive use of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and ​mindfulness-based interventions (i.e., MBCT or MBSR). However, she has also worked with dialectical behaviour ​therapy (DBT), strengths-based therapy, and narrative therapy. In recent months, Oshia has also been fascinated by ​acceptance and commitment therapy, utilizing it in both the standard (ACT) and trauma-focused (TF-ACT) forms.

With a passion for learning and development, Oshia is always willing to develop her knowledge based on client ​presentation of problem(s), ensuring each client receives the appropriate treatment scope and understanding, ​heightening their treatment success.

In working with the Anxiety and Trauma Clinic of Nova Scotia, Oshia hopes to provide her clients with a space where ​they can seek comfort in the uncomfortable, feeling safe and supported throughout their journey - no matter where in ​that journey they are.

When she isn’t working, Oshia enjoys the creative arts, thrifting, and time well spent with friends and family. She ​especially has a love for animals and recognizes the positive impact they often bring to an individual who is grappling ​with their mental health. Being a current cat owner and having owned many dogs in the past, Oshia recognizes first ​hand the power of a pet’s unconditional love, innate calming nature, and overall presence - among other benefits.

Professional Associations

Please Note...

Oshia is an RCT-C, therefore remains under supervision of an RCT - an experienced member of the NSCCT.

The name and contact information of her supervisor can be provided upon request.

Please reach out via email at oshia.rct.c@gmail.com to request such.