Hilary Deveau, Registered Psychologist (R.Psych)
Supervisor Candidate in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Certified in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy Level II trained, certification track
EMDR Level I & Level II trained, certification track
My Approach to Therapy
I work with adults and couples navigating neurodivergence, trauma and posttraumatic stress, grief and loss, anxiety and mood concerns, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress, and burnout. I also work with frontline workers, first responders, military members, and veterans. My practice welcomes people of all neurotypes, gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship configurations.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, attachment-based, and trauma-informed. At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. I want you to feel comfortable showing up as you are, knowing you will be met with curiosity, compassion, and respect rather than judgment. I recognize that our lives are shaped by our relationships, environments, and the broader social and cultural contexts in which we live. I am committed to neuroaffirming care that respects different ways of thinking, feeling, communicating, and experiencing the world. As an AuDHD person myself, I bring lived experience to my understanding of neurodivergence and the importance of feeling understood, living authentically, and finding ways to navigate life that feel true to who you are.
Our experiences and relationships influence how we see ourselves, navigate difficult emotions, and connect with others. At times, we may find ourselves caught in familiar patterns that leave us feeling stuck, misunderstood, or disconnected from ourselves or the people who matter to us. Painful experiences can leave us with beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world that lead us to hide or push aside parts of who we are and what we need, or make it difficult to recognize our needs, trust our feelings, or feel safe expressing what matters to us. We may seek reassurance, connection, or closeness, or protect ourselves by pulling away, shutting down, or keeping others at a distance. These responses often develop for understandable reasons, helping us navigate our circumstances while carrying beliefs, feelings, and expectations we have taken on along the way.
Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, understand what lies beneath them, and make space for a greater sense of security in yourself and your relationships. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings or change who you are, we can work together to make sense of your experiences, approach the parts of you that have been carrying these burdens, and explore new ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter to you.
I draw on several therapeutic approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Individuals (EFCT/EFIT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches inform a flexible, individualized approach to therapy, shaped around your goals, needs, and circumstances. Depending on what brings you to therapy, our work might involve strengthening emotional connection, understanding the different parts of yourself that emerge in challenging moments, processing difficult experiences, or finding ways to live more in line with your values. Whether we are working through relationship difficulties or exploring your individual experiences, I aim to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, strengthen your sense of connection, and create changes that feel meaningful and lasting. I continue to deepen my clinical knowledge and skills through advanced training, teaching, consultation, and supervision.
Originally from Ontario, I have called Nova Scotia home for over 15 years. I live in the Porters Lake area with my husband and two kitties. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Psychology from the University of Ottawa (2010) and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Acadia University (2013). My experience includes work in hospital, crisis intervention, university, and private practice mental health settings. Across my work, I have remained committed to offering thoughtful, compassionate, inclusive care that respects each person's identity, relationships, culture, and lived experience.