​About.

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About Me

My name is Margaret Mauger and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor.

​I have been a practicing licensed therapist, registered with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, since 2010. I offer clients a safe non-judgemental space to assist with their increased self-awareness and growth. I adhere to specific Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and continuing education and professional development. I am a committed life long learner.

Prior to starting my private practice I worked at the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre for over 9 years and helped strengthen and empower all genders who have been affected by sexualized violence and trauma.

I work at an individual and community level. In working at an individual level, the counselling services are the most significant part of the work I do. It is in the counselling sessions where clients are able to feel heard and explore the issues they bring to counselling. With providing a safe non-judgemental space clients are able to learn, feel heard and work toward growth and empowerment.

In working at the community level, I raise individual and public awareness through education, presentations and workshops. I have been on several government and community-based committees and initiatives. I plan to continue to collaborate with government and other service providers and respond to requests from other community agencies, schools and professionals for information, presentations, workshops and outreach counselling.
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Human Rights Advocate

Aside from my counselling and education work I also work as an active and passionate advocate for equitable treatment, services and resources for all genders. More specially, I have been recognized for my advocacy and voice for male and trans individuals who have been affected by sexualized violence, abuse and trauma. One of my most significant highlights was receiving the Dr. Burnley Allan "Rocky" Jones Human Rights Award in 2013 from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for my professional work with all survivors of sexual violence and for advocating for services and supports for males and trans-identified individuals. I am truly honored to have received this award and recognition. This award validates the work I have done and motivates me for the work I have left to do​.​

My Therapies

Music 

Whether listening, playing or singing, music has always been a continuous comfort and profound influence in my life. Music truly is a universal language that speaks and touches a special part of all of us.

Creating

Creating, whether it be a home-cooked meal, philosophical argument or a hand-made quilt as long as I am creating something I am content and grounded. When You Listen is a poem I wrote several years ago.​​

When You Listen
 
raw-hide drums
chant legends
of tragedy
of triumph
of sorrow
of joy.
Within each pulse
wise silence whispers.
 
 In between.
 
The thundering raindrops
pounding on stretched skin.
That echo wisdom
to those who listen.
Each beat speaks.
And resonates.
 
Draw breath. 

​Release.
 
Be.

Photography​

I easily lose myself in the moment when I have my camera in my hand. Trying to capture moments and people just as they are is truly a great challenge and reward. Photography helps me be present with the moment and environment.
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My Ultimate Goal

My ultimate goal is to help clients gain the personal awareness, understanding and skills needed to overcome the issues or problems they bring to counselling. I enter into a collaborative therapeutic relationship with clients to assist them with self-development and empowerment. Increasing self-awareness can lead to personal growth and development, which helps improve overall well-being and functioning.​

Academic & Professional Experience

​I have a Honors Degree in Psychology ( Major in Philosophy) from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, NS. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling from Acadia University in Wolfville, NS. I am committed to continually increasing my education, knowledge and professional development. 
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From 2010 to 2017 I was the Executive Director, Trauma Counselling Therapist and Education Facilitator of the Colchester Sexual Assault Centre (CSAC) in Truro, Nova Scotia. I resigned from the Executive Director position to focus all of my attention on my work with CSAC clients, counselling therapy and education. ​

​You can learn more about my educational background and professional experience by looking at my curriculum vitae.