Welcome to Break Free Counselling! We are a team of five therapists in Sydney, Nova Scotia, offering compassionate and client-centred care for individuals, children, adolescents, couples, and families. Our clinic also specializes in EMDR therapy and provides support for trauma and PTSD, veterans, stress and work-related concerns, disability, relationships, and life challenges. We work collaboratively with each client to create a safe, supportive space for healing, growth, and meaningful change.
Meet our Team!
Barbara-Jean Kennedy (CEO)
Barbara Jean Kennedy is an experienced therapist specializing in trauma and PTSD, with a strong focus on working with veterans and adults. She offers a compassionate, trauma-informed approach and uses EMDR and evidence-based practices to support healing, resilience, and lasting change.
Jennifer MacDonald
Jennifer MacDonald is a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate and Certified Canadian Counsellor with over 20 years of experience. She offers a warm, person-centred approach, using ACT, Narrative Therapy, trauma-informed methods, and the Gottman Method to support individuals and couples.
Chuck Knott
​Chuck Knott is a counsellor providing evidence-based, client-centered therapy using CBT, DBT, and ACT. He works with individuals and couples on concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation, relationships, ADHD, and life transitions, using a collaborative, strengths-based approach focused on lasting change.
Brennah Stairs
Brennah Stairs is a Registered Counselling Therapist who offers a warm, trauma-informed, and collaborative approach. She works with individuals, adolescents, and children by integrating evidence-based and mindfulness-based practices to support emotional regulation, insight, and practical coping skills.
Sheri Taylor
Sheri Taylor is a compassionate therapist who works with adults and couples. She offers a supportive, client-centered approach, helping clients navigate emotional challenges and relationship concerns while building insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
How We Can Help
Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed Care
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories that may be contributing to trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress. Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR allows memories to be reprocessed so they feel less overwhelming.
Couple/Relationship Therapy
Relationship/couples therapy provides a supportive space for partners to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and better understand one another. Therapy can help couples navigate conflict, life transitions, intimacy concerns, and emotional disconnection. Our therapists work collaboratively with couples to identify patterns, develop healthier ways of relating, and support meaningful, lasting change in their relationship.
Disability-Informed & Veteran Counselling
Disability-informed and veteran counselling provides trauma-informed care for individuals living with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or the long-term impacts of service. Our therapists understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and first responders, including trauma, PTSD, stress, identity changes, and life transitions. Therapy is grounded in accessibility, collaboration, and evidence-based approaches that support resilience, autonomy, and meaningful recovery.
Crisis Counselling
Crisis counselling provides immediate support during times of emotional distress, overwhelm, or urgent life challenges. Our therapists offer a safe, compassionate space to help stabilize emotions, reduce distress, and support decision-making during difficult moments. Care is focused on safety, short-term support, and helping you regain a sense of control.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Children, adolescent, and parenting therapy provides supportive, age-appropriate counselling for young people and their caregivers. Therapy can help children and teens navigate emotional regulation, anxiety, behavioural challenges, school-related stress, and life transitions. Our therapists work collaboratively with families to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters growth, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
Individual Counselling
Individual counselling provides one-on-one support to help you navigate personal challenges, emotional distress, and life transitions. Therapy may focus on stress, anxiety, trauma, mood concerns, work-related issues, or personal growth. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to develop insight, coping strategies, and meaningful change in a safe, supportive environment.
… and many more! We tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Feel free to reach out and ask about what you're looking for, and we’ll do our best to provide it.
Opening Hours
Contact Us
Coverage
We offer direct billing with many insurance providers, including:
Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield, SSQ, MEDIC, Sun Life, AGA Financial Group Inc., Alberta Blue Cross, belairdirect (formerly Johnson Inc.), Beneva Inc., BPA - Benefit Plan Administrators, Canada Life, Canada Life - PSHCP, Canadian Construction Workers Union, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance, CINUP, ClaimSecure, Coughlin & Associates Ltd., Cowan, Desjardins Insurance, Equitable, First Canadian, GMS Carrier 49, GMS Carrier 50, GPM Group Benefits, GroupHEALTH, GroupSource, Industrial Alliance, Johnston Group Inc., LiUNA Local 183, LiUNA Local 506, Manion, Manulife Financial, Maximum Benefit People Corporation (Simply Benefits), TELUS AdjudiCare, Union Benefits, and UV Insurance.
… and many more! Ask us about your insurance. We are happy to help.
Coverage varies depending on your individual plan, so we recommend confirming your benefits directly with your provider.​