Catherine Small, M.Ed

Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is Catherine (she/her), and I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I specialize in supporting children, teens, adult women, and families who are navigating life’s challenges and searching for hope, healing, and connection.

Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a teen facing overwhelming emotions, or an adult woman trying to reconnect with herself, I’m here to help.

My therapeutic work is rooted in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered approach. At the heart of my practice is a belief that we all carry deep inner resources for growth and resilience. Sometimes, we just need a safe, caring space to uncover them.

I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion into each session. I view healing through the lens of attachment, believing that feeling safe and seen is the foundation for meaningful change. I also integrate a range of therapeutic modalities, including Play Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Compassion-Focused Therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practices—to tailor support to each client’s unique needs.

For children, I approach the therapeutic relationship from a play-based approach. Why play therapy? It works! Play therapy is an evidence-based practice that creates an ideal environment for growth by allowing children to engage their whole brains. During Play, a child relaxes and will express themselves in ways they can't through language. Play therapy allows both your child and you to figure out what is really going on inside of them and how to help. In the playroom, slaying a dragon can mean conquering fear in the real world. Play becomes a powerful tool for helping children process big emotions, heal from trauma, and build new ways of being in the world.

Since caregivers are essential to the success of a child, I also offer ongoing support and consultation as a part of my services. My goal is to help children develop into secure, resilient individuals who know themselves deeply, and empower their families to support them.

For teens and adults, I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen your coping skills, and reconnect with your authentic self. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and family dynamics. I especially love helping young women and caregivers explore their identities, needs, and personal stories as they move toward greater self-compassion and balance.

I believe healing is not about fixing what is broken—it is about uncovering what’s already whole. My goal is for every client to leave our work together feeling safe, seen, and empowered—with a deeper understanding of themselves and the skills to face life’s challenges with confidence.

I offer in-person appointments for children, and families, and both in-person and virtual sessions for teens and adults. I also provide ongoing consultation and support to caregivers, because when one family member is supported, the whole family can grow.

If you or someone you love could use a compassionate partner in healing, I’d be honored to walk, alongside you. Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation - we can talk about your needs, your goals, and whether we’re a good fit.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Catherine

Catherine Small, M.Ed

Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is Catherine (she/her), and I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I specialize in supporting children, teens, adult women, and families who are navigating life’s challenges and searching for hope, healing, and connection.

Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a teen facing overwhelming emotions, or an adult woman trying to reconnect with herself, I’m here to help.

My therapeutic work is rooted in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered approach. At the heart of my practice is a belief that we all carry deep inner resources for growth and resilience. Sometimes, we just need a safe, caring space to uncover them.

I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion into each session. I view healing through the lens of attachment, believing that feeling safe and seen is the foundation for meaningful change. I also integrate a range of therapeutic modalities, including Play Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Compassion-Focused Therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practices—to tailor support to each client’s unique needs.

For children, I approach the therapeutic relationship from a play-based approach. Why play therapy? It works! Play therapy is an evidence-based practice that creates an ideal environment for growth by allowing children to engage their whole brains. During Play, a child relaxes and will express themselves in ways they can't through language. Play therapy allows both your child and you to figure out what is really going on inside of them and how to help. In the playroom, slaying a dragon can mean conquering fear in the real world. Play becomes a powerful tool for helping children process big emotions, heal from trauma, and build new ways of being in the world.

Since caregivers are essential to the success of a child, I also offer ongoing support and consultation as a part of my services. My goal is to help children develop into secure, resilient individuals who know themselves deeply, and empower their families to support them.

For teens and adults, I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen your coping skills, and reconnect with your authentic self. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and family dynamics. I especially love helping young women and caregivers explore their identities, needs, and personal stories as they move toward greater self-compassion and balance.

I believe healing is not about fixing what is broken—it is about uncovering what’s already whole. My goal is for every client to leave our work together feeling safe, seen, and empowered—with a deeper understanding of themselves and the skills to face life’s challenges with confidence.

I offer in-person appointments for children, and families, and both in-person and virtual sessions for teens and adults. I also provide ongoing consultation and support to caregivers, because when one family member is supported, the whole family can grow.

If you or someone you love could use a compassionate partner in healing, I’d be honored to walk, alongside you. Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation - we can talk about your needs, your goals, and whether we’re a good fit.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Catherine

Catherine Small, M.Ed

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is Catherine (she/her), and I’m a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I specialize in supporting children, teens, adult women, and families who are navigating life’s challenges and searching for hope, healing, and connection.

Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a teen facing overwhelming emotions, or an adult woman trying to reconnect with herself, I’m here to help.

My therapeutic work is rooted in a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and person-centered approach. At the heart of my practice is a belief that we all carry deep inner resources for growth and resilience. Sometimes, we just need a safe, caring space to uncover them.

I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion into each session. I view healing through the lens of attachment, believing that feeling safe and seen is the foundation for meaningful change. I also integrate a range of therapeutic modalities, including Play Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Compassion-Focused Therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practices—to tailor support to each client’s unique needs.

For children, I approach the therapeutic relationship from a play-based approach. Why play therapy? It works! Play therapy is an evidence-based practice that creates an ideal environment for growth by allowing children to engage their whole brains. During Play, a child relaxes and will express themselves in ways they can't through language. Play therapy allows both your child and you to figure out what is really going on inside of them and how to help. In the playroom, slaying a dragon can mean conquering fear in the real world. Play becomes a powerful tool for helping children process big emotions, heal from trauma, and build new ways of being in the world.

Since caregivers are essential to the success of a child, I also offer ongoing support and consultation as a part of my services. My goal is to help children develop into secure, resilient individuals who know themselves deeply, and empower their families to support them.

For teens and adults, I offer a grounded, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen your coping skills, and reconnect with your authentic self. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, emotional regulation, and family dynamics. I especially love helping young women and caregivers explore their identities, needs, and personal stories as they move toward greater self-compassion and balance.

I believe healing is not about fixing what is broken—it is about uncovering what’s already whole. My goal is for every client to leave our work together feeling safe, seen, and empowered—with a deeper understanding of themselves and the skills to face life’s challenges with confidence.

I offer in-person appointments for children, and families, and both in-person and virtual sessions for teens and adults. I also provide ongoing consultation and support to caregivers, because when one family member is supported, the whole family can grow.

If you or someone you love could use a compassionate partner in healing, I’d be honored to walk, alongside you. Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation - we can talk about your needs, your goals, and whether we’re a good fit.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Catherine

Sauna Room

Client Demographic: Children 3+, Teens, Adults & Families

Areas of Focus in Private Practice:

  • Trauma & Attachment

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Self-Esteem

  • Life Transitions

  • Family Dyanmics

Completed Courses & Training:

  • Play Therapy Training Level 1

  • Complete IFS Therapy Immersion

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

Current Studies:

  • Play Therapy Level 2

  • EMDR

  • Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy for Trauma

  • Playful Parts: The Intersection of Play Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy

Sauna Room

Client Demographic: Children 3+, Teens, Adults & Families

Areas of Focus in Private Practice:

  • Trauma & Attachment

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Self-Esteem

  • Life Transitions

  • Family Dyanmics

Completed Courses & Training:

  • Play Therapy Training Level 1

  • Complete IFS Therapy Immersion

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

Current Studies:

  • Play Therapy Level 2

  • EMDR

  • Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy for Trauma

  • Playful Parts: The Intersection of Play Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy

Sauna Room

Catherine Small, M.Ed

Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate

Client Demographic: Children 3+, Teens, Adults & Families

Areas of Focus in Private Practice:

  • Trauma & Attachment

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Emotion Regulation

  • Self-Esteem

  • Life Transitions

  • Family Dyanmics

Completed Courses & Training:

  • Play Therapy Training Level 1

  • Complete IFS Therapy Immersion

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

Current Studies:

  • Play Therapy Level 2

  • EMDR

  • Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy for Trauma

  • Playful Parts: The Intersection of Play Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy

Round Bottom Background
Logo White

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective is a private clinic.
We are not equipped to handle crisis calls.

If you are in crisis, please reach out to one of the following
resources:

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team: 902-429-8167, or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

If this is an emergency please dial 911 or go to your local Emergency Department

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective

1475 Bedford Highway

Round Bottom Background
Logo White

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective is a private clinic.
We are not equipped to handle crisis calls.

If you are in crisis, please reach out to one of the following
resources:

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team: 902-429-8167, or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

If this is an emergency please dial 911 or go to your local Emergency Department

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective

1475 Bedford Highway

Round Bottom Background
Logo White

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective is a private clinic.
We are not equipped to handle crisis calls.

If you are in crisis, please reach out to one of the following resources:

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team: 902-429-8167, or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8

Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

If this is an emergency please dial 911 or go to your local Emergency Department

Compassion Cove Counselling Collective

1475 Bedford Highway