Sunrise Out East Counselling

Therapy That Meets You Where You Are At

Find healing at your pace, with support that’s practical, personal, and trauma-informed. Professional mental health support for individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, 2SLGBTQI+ / Rainbow Community themes, abuse recovery, and other emotional difficulties.


Our services are available in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth, and Sackville, (and all over Nova Scotia via Zoom meetings) with flexible scheduling options.

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EVIDENCE-BASED COUNSELLING

APPOINTMENTS THAT FIT YOUR SCHEDULE

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS

Mackenzie Ells (she/her/elle)
MSW, RSW, Hon. Psych., Ad.Dip.HRM.

Clinical Social Worker / Clinical Therapist
Talk Therapy including CBT*, ACT* and DBT*
and EMDR* Trauma Therapist

“Rise and Shine… In your lifetime! Put yourself on the list to say what needs to be said, feel what needs to be felt, learn what needs to be learned, and heal what needs to be healed. This is your time.”

lEARN MORE ABOUT MACKENZIE

*CBT is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; DBT is Dialectical Behavioural Therapy; ACT is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (Trauma Therapy).

Direct Bill and Reimbursement:

You are probably wondering how it works for the billing. Good news! We can “direct bill” Manulife, Canada Life, Medavie Blue Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Green Shield and a list of other insurance providers.

 

If you have the insurance coverage, we can simply do the billing for you at the clinic. This saves you time. You can go on with your day with no need to pay upfront, collect receipts, upload them to a portal and wait for a reimbursement. We handle all of that for you. We are hear to help you make the financial piece easy. Please check the Fees tab for more information.

A Safe Place to be Heard

Are you looking for someone who will truly listen, without judgment? Do you need space to share your story, at your own pace?
Maybe you’d like conversations that feel real, not clinical?


Here, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you, with strategies to help you feel calmer, stronger, and more confident to move forward towards the life you want.

You've had a tough time lately, but things can get better for you, with help!

You faced the storms and thunder clouds, but you can step out into the Sunshine of your life.

Tailored Care, No Waitlist

When you reach out, you connect with me directly—no reception desks, no long waitlists. I respond promptly and aim to get you scheduled within days, so you can start feeling supported right away.

Therapeutic Modalities That Work for You

I draw on EMDR, CBT, and DBT, using evidence-based techniques that help you build calm, confidence, and lasting resilience. We’ll choose the tools and approaches that fit your needs, whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, or simply seeking more clarity in your day-to-day.

Inclusive & Affirming

Everyone is welcome. I also, provide WPATH-informed support and assessments for gender-affirming care (adults 18+) at GrS Montreal and in Nova Scotia. My practice is a safe, non-judgmental space for people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences, where you can feel truly seen and heard.

Healing at Your Own Pace

EMDR THERAPY

Sometimes, the past feels like it’s still happening.
Old memories, painful experiences, and lingering emotions can keep showing up, no matter how much time has passed.

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a gentle, research-supported approach to help your brain reprocess those memories, so they lose their sharp edges. You don’t have to retell every detail. You stay in control, and we go at a pace that feels safe.

EMDR can help with:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Grief and loss

  • Difficult life events that still feel “stuck”

Together, we’ll create a safe space for the work, using strategies to keep you grounded and supported every step of the way. Many people find EMDR helps them feel lighter, calmer, and more able to live in the present.