Vanessa Poulton OT Reg. (NS)

Occupational Therapist, Psychotherapist

Hello, I’m Vanessa Poulton, a registered occupational therapist in Nova Scotia, and the founder of Bright Birch Therapy. I am glad you found my website, and I hope we can work together.

I am passionate about using my training in evidence based psychotherapies to assist you to prioritize your mental health goals, and navigate a plan to achieve them. With a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from McMaster University, a teaching degree from OISE/University of Toronto, and an undergraduate psychology degree from the University of Guelph I am well positioned to provide evidence informed, knowledgeable and compassionate care.

My career focus is supporting individuals and their families during the most challenging times in their lives; I find witnessing the growth in those I work with to be profoundly rewarding. My experience is well rounded, and includes working with individuals and families experiencing: anxiety, depression, postpartum mood disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, grief and bereavement, schizophrenia, acquired brain injury, borderline personality disorder, dementia, developmental disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder and addiction histories.

I am passionate about respecting the lived experience of my clients; you will receive care from a therapist who respects your unique concerns and goals. I am committed to walking alongside you on a journey of discovery and change- let’s get started, together.

Member in Good Standing

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT);

College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS);

Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT)

Professional Training and Education

McMaster University, Master of Science- Occupational Therapy

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto- Bachelor of Education

University of Guelph- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Wilfrid Laurier University: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Certificate, Level One and Level Two

Wilfrid Laurier University: Foundations of Trauma; Fundamentals of Addiction

Wilfrid Laurier University: Foundations of Grief; Grief Counselling; Traumatic Bereavement; Grieving Children & Youth

Oshawa Psychotherapy Institute: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy One and Two

DBT Centre of Vancouver: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Training

Beck Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: CBT for Suicide Prevention; CBT for Anxiety

PTSD National Center for PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy Virtual Training

Ryerson University: Cognitive Processing Therapy

Rainbow Health Ontario: TransFocused Counselling Competency Training

Hospice Wellington: Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care Training

Homewood Health Centre: Goal Management Training

Postpartum Support International: Maternal Mental Health Certificate

Wilfrid Laurier University: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Women’s Reproductive Mental Health

Wilfrid Laurier University: CBT Level II: The Essentials of CBT with Children and Youth

Wilfrid Laurier University: Mindfulness for Children and Adolescents (Breathe In and Play)

Wildrid Laurier University: Calming the Storm of Anxiety and Depression with Children and Youth

Professional Recognition

McMaster University, Preceptor of the Year, Occupational Therapy Program, 2019

McMaster University, Laura Babiski Mental Health Award Recipient, 2014

Occupational Therapy and Mental Health

Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals, who are extensively trained and highly skilled mental health practitioners. While working with clients they consider the complexity of a person- their social, spiritual, emotional, physical and cognitive health- and how these elements interact with the environment and the occupations (roles and activities) of one’s life.

It is the role of an OT to work with you to establish meaningful goals that will assist you in overcoming the barriers preventing you from living the life you want. With thoughtful, thorough assessment and effective intervention an OT can support you and address your mental health concerns.