Colchester Sexual Assault Centre - CSAC

08/26/2026

Time to reintroduce Nicole, our other amazing therapist we are lucky to have at CSAC!

Nicole is a graduate of Yorkville University, holding a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, as well as Play Therapy.
Nicole began her career working directly with youth in the foster care system, where she developed an interest in supporting those impacted by trauma. She saw first-hand the impacts that trauma and abuse had on children and families, and how experiences can shape the way an individual responds to others, the world at large, and themselves. She also experienced how trauma and abuse can impact an individual’s neuroception (perceived and felt safety), and how difficult it can be for these individuals to recognize and trust cues of safety both internally and externally. She took this foundational experience with her as she pursued her education in the clinical side of trauma treatment and support. Nicole has focused the bulk of her career working with populations impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and childhood adverse experiences.
Following completion of her Master’s degree, Nicole went on to gather further education and certification in working with children under the age of 13, utilizing Play Therapy. Nicole also completed her certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Nicole uses an integrative, trauma-informed approach, drawing from these interventions, as well as practices from Polyvagal theory, Parts Work, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Nicole offers clients her knowledge in evidence-based practices as a way to enhance their pre-existing resources, strengths, and self-expertise. She aims to collaborate in a way that’s helpful for you, tailored to your individual needs and degree of readiness.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Nicole!

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

As of today, our office at 69 Brunswick St. is officially closed.

As we close this chapter, we want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our clients, volunteers, students, community members, and anyone else who have walked through our doors and helped us make this space what it is. 🩷

We hope to see you soon in our new space once we're open, at 115 Willow St. 🌱

08/20/2026

The CSAC team and board want to extend a thank to you everyone who came out to our grand opening drop in on Friday. It is so wonderful to see the support from local organizations, police, health promotion and many more. This day was full of rich conversation, information sharing and yummy snacks! Don’t forget we are open 9 to 3 now and back to drop in services.

08/18/2026

Check out this great research opportunity!

The Lotus Centre is working with Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology Saint Mary’s University) to host participants willing to assist in her research around gender based violence.
Open to Newcomer women between the ages of 18-35 who have experienced gender based violence – participants will complete a survey as well as an art based activity and can receive $200 honorarium for participating ($100 per activity)
Four separate in person workshops at the Lotus Centre, from 12noon to 8pm on Fridays- September 11th, 18th ,25th and October 2nd.

08/18/2026

We thought it was a good time to reintroduce Theresa, one of our Fantastic Therapists we are lucky to have at CSAC!

About Theresa
Theresa is a graduate of Acadia University, holding Master’s degrees in Counselling and Education. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), a Certified Grief Therapist, and a Certified Level 2 Trauma Therapist. She also draws on more than 25 years of experience in providing counselling, education, and advocacy related to sexual violence, gender-based violence, trauma, grief, and other complex life experiences.
Throughout her career, Theresa has supported children, youth, adults, and families navigating the impacts of trauma and violence. She understands that experiences of gender-based violence can affect far more than the moment itself, shaping how we feel in our bodies, how we relate to others, how we see ourselves, and how safe we feel in the world. Theresa’s approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, compassionate, and mindfulness-based.
She believes that therapy should be a place where you feel safe enough to be yourself, without judgment or pressure to share more than you are ready to. She recognizes that many of the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and protective responses that can feel overwhelming or difficult may have developed as ways of coping with experiences that were, at the time, simply too much to carry. Rather than asking, “What is wrong with you?”, Theresa approaches therapy with curiosity and compassion, asking, “What happened to you, and what do you need now?” Together, you can begin to understand your experiences, strengthen your sense of safety and choice, and develop tools that support healing and emotional regulation.
Theresa uses an integrative approach, drawing from Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (T-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Parts Work, Play Therapy, Somatic approaches, and Mindfulness-based interventions. These approaches are thoughtfully adapted to your individual needs, goals, and pace. Therapy does not require you to have all the answers, and healing is rarely a straight line. Theresa’s role is to walk alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and genuine respect for your story.
Her goal is not simply to reduce distress, but to help you reconnect with yourself, develop a greater sense of safety and empowerment, and move toward a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and your own.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Theresa!

08/14/2026

Join us today for our drop in grand opening 11 to 1. Come by for a quick hello, meet your local organizations and have a piece of cake.

08/04/2026

We are excited to introduce Alana Weatherbee!

Alana is the new Executive Director at Colchester Sexual Assault Centre, bringing a strong commitment to social justice, trauma-informed practice, and survivor-centred advocacy. With over a decade of experience in human services and more than eight years working in harm reduction, Alana has dedicated her career to supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments while challenging stigma and creating more compassionate communities.

Alana has served on executive boards for several local organizations, including the Lotus Centre for Women, Third Place Transition House, and the Truro Pride Society. Through this work, she has strengthened community connections and advocated for equity, inclusion, and the rights to all individuals.

Drawing from both professional experience and lived experience, Alana brings a deep understanding of the importance of listening to and uplifting the voices of those most impacted by sexualized violence. She is passionate about ensuring survivors of gender-based violence, sexualized violence and other marginalized communities have access to support, dignity, and meaningful opportunities for healing.
Known for her warmth and authentic approach, Alana is dedicated to building safer communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.

Outside of her advocacy work, Alana is a passionate artist who loves exploring creativity through many different mediums, including creating one of a kind Lino prints, illustrations, and trying new artistic forms. She finds inspiration in nature, spending time outdoors, and being in or near the water. Much of her free time is spent with her beloved dogs, Wagyu and Shelayleigh, and her cat, Middleman, who keep her company through all of life’s adventures. Her creativity, curiosity, and connection to the world around her are reflections of the same compassion she brings to her work and community.

Join us in welcoming Alana to her new role! 🎉

Alana can be reached by phone at 902-897-4366 or by email at [email protected]

📸: Roots Photography

08/04/2026

Colchester Sexual Assault Centre is pleased to welcome Lindsey Dryden!

Lindsey is the Community Programs and Intake Manager at Colchester Sexual Assault Centre. She holds a diploma in Social Services from Nova Scotia Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University.

With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, Lindsey is passionate about supporting individuals through difficult experiences with compassion, empathy, and respect. She is dedicated to creating safe, trauma-informed spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, while building stronger connections and access to support within the community.

Outside of her work at CSAC, Lindsey enjoys exploring her creativity through different forms of art and finding inspiration in the world around her. She is a devoted animal lover, especially when it comes to her cats Grover, Gavin & Gregory, her Pac-Man frog Jerry, and her flock of ducks. Her creativity, kindness, and love for animals reflect the warmth and authenticity she brings to both her work and her community.

Join us in welcoming Lindsey to her new role! 🎉

Lindsey can be reached by phone at 902-897-4366 or by email at [email protected]

📸: Roots Photography