Linda MacDougall Penner

M.A., M.Ed., CCC., RCT

Associate Therapist

 

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Hello, my name is Linda. I'm passionate about helping families, youth, and couples navigate life's challenges together. With over 20 years of experience, I've had the privilege of supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families in a variety of settings, including counselling agencies, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Indigenous communities, post-secondary institutions, skills training facilities, and private practice. Throughout my career, I've learned that every family has strengths, even when life feels messy, and that meaningful change begins when people feel safe, heard, and understood.

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In my practice, I especially enjoy working with:

• Children and youth experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, school concerns, family changes, or difficulties with friendships and self-esteem.

• Parents looking for support in understanding their children, improving communication, and navigating the ups and downs of family life.

• Couples who want to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, work through conflict, or reconnect during challenging seasons.

• Families who are navigating separation, blended family dynamics, grief, life transitions, or simply want to build healthier, more connected relationships.

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My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in attachment theory and trauma-informed care. 

 

Outside of my work as a therapist, I'm a lifelong learner with graduate studies in counselling and cross-cultural communication. I enjoy travelling, learning from different cultures, spending time outdoors, especially near the water, and returning home to beautiful Cape Breton whenever I can. I'm also a wife, a mother, a pet lover, and someone who understands that life can be unexpected, unfair, and, at times, overwhelming.

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Whatever brings you or your family to therapy, I would be honoured to walk alongside you as you build stronger relationships, navigate life's challenges, and create lasting positive change.