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; Foundations of Grief; Fundamentals of Addiction
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, Guelph, ON: 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
Professional Recognition
McMaster University, Preceptor of the Year, Occupational Therapy Program, 2019
McMaster University, Laura Babiski Mental Health Award Recipient, 2014