During my 34 years of experience working with the Halifax Centre for Education as a classroom teacher, administrator, Resource and Learning Centre Teacher, I have worked with many students of various abilities. This includes individuals with Autism, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Epilepsy, degenerative neurological disorders, auditory and/or visual impairments, children who are non-verbal, and children exhibiting behavioural concerns. My approach is child and family centred. Our initial complementary 15-minute consultation will be by phone or in person, depending on need. We will focus on the strengths and challenges of your child and determine if I can be of help as you move forward. I have extensive experience assessing a child’s individual needs, current understanding and functioning, adapting and developing individual programs to meet academic, behavioural, social, emotional, medical, and physical needs of students. With support from parents/guardians, I assess needs and set goals for learning. Learning is supported through a blend of interactive activities as well as concrete and visual supports to help keep children engaged and motivated.

During my 34 years of experience working with the Halifax Centre for Education as a classroom tea... Read More

With over 20 years of experience, I am dedicated to supporting children and adolescents as they navigate life’s challenges. My background spans various roles in education, including as a school teacher, EAL teacher, Resource teacher, and Learning Centre teacher across Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. Through these diverse experiences, I have come to understand the vital role mental health plays in the development and well-being of young individuals.

Specializing in counselling therapy, I hold a Masters of Education in Supporting Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities as well as a Masters of Education in Counselling from Acadia University. Central to my therapeutic approach is the recognition of parents and guardians as integral partners in a child’s healing journey. Collaborating closely with families, I strive to support children in reaching their treatment goals and fostering positive outcomes.

My methodology emphasizes play-based strategies, recognizing play as the natural language of children. By engaging in play, I create a safe and supportive environment where children can express their thoughts and feelings freely. Additionally, I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs and personalities of each individual client, ensuring a personalized and effective approach to counselling.

With over 20 years of experience, I am dedicated to supporting children and adolescents as they n... Read More

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I am in my third year of Play Therapy Training in a recognized program of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy, a national certification. I am a member of Canadian Counselling and Psychological Association. I have been in the helping profession for over forty years. I began my career as a Registered Nurse working with a variety of age groups and in a variety of settings including hospital, public health, home care and long-term care for children. I became a teacher working in the North for 10 years teaching upper elementary before returning to school to complete my Med in Counselling at Acadia University currently working as a school counsellor. I practice from a trauma informed, client centered approach and have specialty training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Theraplay-Sunshine Circles, Mindfulness and ASSIST. I have a passion for health, wellness and education. My methodology utilizes play-based strategies, recognizing that play as the natural language of children. I foster a strength-based approach and strive to create an environment that fosters a safe and supportive environment. I believe in providing tailoring therapeutic approaches to meet the individual and unique needs of each client. I recognize the vital role parents and guardians play in a child healing journey. I work collaboratively with families.

I hold a Master of Education in Counselling degree from Acadia University, as well as a Master in Education with a focus in Mental Health from St Francis Xavier University and a Bachelor of Education and Science in Nursing from the University of Victoria. I have two young adult children, I was a single parent for many years. I understand the financial and emotional struggles that can be a part of parenting. I have made fitness a part of my daily practice including activities such as running, swimming, cycling, yoga and walking. I believe it is important to practice self-care.

I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling The... Read More

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Cynthia Riley is the owner of Shifting Tides Play Therapy in Bedford, Nova Scotia. She is a Certified Play Therapist and Play Therapist Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy as well as a Registered Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia. She earned her Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counselling from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She wrote a chapter titled, “ Less Zoom More Zen: Blending Mindfulness and Yoga into Virtual Group Therapies for the book Using Teleplay in Virtual Care. Her play therapy space was featured in the Spring/Summer 2021 edition of Playground magazine. She currently serves on the boards of a couple of regulatory and professional organizations and edits articles for Playground Magazine.

Cynthia brings a variety of personal and professional experiences to her work with young children. She was a Special Education teacher in California, British Columbia, and Oregon before becoming a counsellor. In California, the majority of her students with special needs were the children of migrant farm workers from Mexico. Her students had diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, various processing disorders, and intellectual disabilities. Cynthia raised a child on the Autism Spectrum who identifies as transgender. She is a first- generation child of an immigrant and, as an adult, immigrated to Canada from the US. Through working with families in these various settings, she has seen the complexities involved with social locations and the intersections of people’s lives: culture, race, class, and gender being just a few. For Cynthia, supporting children is always rooted in her Rogerian theoretical orientation. Integrating Interpersonal Neurobiology and embodied approaches into Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cynthia strives to follow the child’s lead, meet them where they are, and bring honesty, care, and empathy to her time in the playroom.

Cynthia Riley is the owner of Shifting Tides Play Therapy in Bedford, Nova Scotia. She is a Certi... Read More