Rashida Symonds

University, a B.Ed. in secondary education from Mount Saint Vincent University, and an

M.Ed. in Counselling through Acadia University. She grew up in Nova Scotia, as a

Historic Black Nova Scotian who also has Indigenous ancestry.

Rashida’s approach to counseling is person-centered, holistic, collaborative, and trauma

informed. Her goal is to create a supportive environment for individuals or groups to

explore various mental health resources as they decide what works best for them. She

emphasizes fostering connections and encourages individuals to explore their own

strengths and resilience while building a path to personal growth.

Rashida is drawn to narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems, solution and emotion

focused approaches, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. She recognizes that

every individual has a unique story, and that the mental, emotional, and physical

aspects of a person work collectively to form a complete dynamic whole. Her work is

inclusive and intersectional. She believes that great transform can occur when we are

made aware of the tools required for healing. Sometimes our tools are self made, and

sometimes our tools are presented to us through endearing members of our support

system.