Support For Individuals, Couples, & Families
Ag-Informed Therapy
$180/60-minute session
More Info
Agriculture-informed therapy is a trademarked and accredited therapy that specially supports farmers and agriculture workers’ mental health. Ag therapy supports and affirms the unique culture of farming and the specific challenges that arise under the broad umbrella of agriculture such as succession, climate change, funding and profit margins, family legacy, and navigating burn out. As a farmer of a 10-acre market garden, I am part of a co-operative of six family farms. Lochaber Growers Cooperative support over 150 seasonal Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) food box customers annually. My role on the farm has changed and adapted over the years, but my connection to land and dedication to providing healthy local food to my community remains a deep part of my social work practice. I was part of the first cohort of Nova Scotian therapists to receive certified training from the National Farmer’s Mental
Health Alliance and remain part of their larger network of psychotherapists offering mental health support in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Ontario.
Children 0-18 Years
Offering 30/60-minute sessions. Children, youth, and families can attend individually or as a small unit. $180/hr investment.
More Info
In addition to offering Theraplay, a structured attachment-based play therapy, I also offer support for children coping with stress, anxiety, loss, and adjustment. Child and youth sessions can look like children and parents attending together, engaging and reflecting on the child’s stress together; children and parents completing Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) sessions together, with lots of sensory-based activities during listening; or expressive arts and craft-based sessions for youth attending as individuals or family units.
I have over 20 years’ experience supporting children and youth in mental health and community engagement programming. My experience with children and families ranges from working as an outreach facilitator (Childreach, POP UP program) for families of infants and toddlers, to creating and supervising recreational (City of London) and expressive arts (Arts Health Antigonish- Thundertales) programs that promoted engagement with expressive creative arts and play.
Please reach out through the Parent-Only Intake session to book a first appointment for children aged 13 and under. This session allows for parents to express their concerns and provide details on family/community dynamics that may be informing the child’s stress.
Couples
$250.00 / 90-minute session
More Info
As children and adults, we are constantly processing and making sense of our world through our relationships to our closest people, this reality-making almost always begins with our families of origin. Whether you are a parent of a child wanting to support their distress, or an adult child working through past and present challenges with your own parents (adopted and/or biological), siblings, and in-laws; changing old habits of communication can be some of the hardest and most painful work of our lives. I will support my clients with feedback on relational patterns, conflict management, and exploring new methods of communication, to create new boundaries and affirm positive bonding experiences with family (chosen and origin) of all ages. Families are welcome to book together for an initial intake session or have one family member reach out to begin discussing the process of family therapy.
Family Therapy / Theraplay
Family Therapy
Individual or family intakes welcome. Investment $180/individual
$225 for 2+ people
Theraplay
$90.00 / 30-minute
$180.00 / 60-minutes
$250.00 / 60-minute
family session
More Info
Level 1 Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method (MIM) Certification. Theraplay works specifically to support children that are distressed (low mood, trauma survival, anxiety, struggling with adjustment). I work with the child and their closest adult(s) to provide structured, engaging play that nurtures and soothes a child’s anxiety. Over 10-12 weeks, Theraplay reduces stress and anxiety for the child, adult, and their family systems. Through ‘bottom up’ healing I nurture and support children and families to trust, support, and coregulate together. Please reach out through my Parent-Intake Only booking for further information.
Loss and Grief
Attachment focused. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly scheduling available. Investment $180/hr
More Info
In addition to offering Theraplay, a structured attachment-based play therapy, I also offer support for children coping with stress, anxiety, loss, and adjustment. Child and youth sessions can look like children and parents attending together, engaging and reflecting on the child’s stress together; children and parents completing Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) sessions together, with lots of sensory-based activities during listening; or expressive arts and craft-based sessions for youth attending as individuals or family units.
I have over 20 years’ experience supporting children and youth in mental health and community engagement programming. My experience with children and families ranges from working as an outreach facilitator (Childreach, POP UP program) for families of infants and toddlers, to creating and supervising recreational (City of London) and expressive arts (Arts Health Antigonish- Thundertales) programs that promoted engagement with expressive creative arts and play.
Please reach out through the Parent-Only Intake session to book a first appointment for children aged 13 and under. This session allows for parents to express their concerns and provide details on family/community dynamics that may be informing the child’s stress.
Float & Restore
Float & Restore- Float-Assisted Psychotherapy
$180/90-minute session
(902) 863-0576
https://nepsisfloatation.ca/
*Float and Restore sessions have to be booked through phone or email (we’re coordinating two calendars). So please reach out to Amanda at Nepsis Floatation to book or with any further questions.
More Info
Float and Restore is an original program created in partnership with Nepsis Floatation Inc. Float and Restore is an NSCSW-approved adjunct therapy that provides time to float in a sensory-deprivation pod or private pool, followed by talk therapy. Talk therapy focuses on supporting clients identifying their emotions and interoception- the noticing interior cues from the body, such as hunger, our heartbeat, and awareness of our limbs.
Often, in stress and trauma, we became disassociated from our bodies. Float and Restore gently brings us back to our body to feel relaxed, grounded, and at ease, which also helps when we’re facing difficult challenges in our lives.
Hello! I’m Amberlee Boulton
(she/her), Hons. BA, MSW, RCSW
Since beginning clinical practice in 2023, I have supported mental health counselling for a range of ages from young children to older adults. My interests include supporting people coping with mood disorders (anxiety, depression), neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD), loss and grief, adjusting to major life transitions, and processing historical and current trauma. I provide neuro and trans-affirming care from a trauma-informed and attachment-based philosophy.
As a fully Registered Social Worker (RSW) licensed by the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), I practice privately as a clinical therapist. Currently, I am provisionally licensed as a Clinical Specialist, set to fulfill my full license by the end of 2026.
I provide individual, family, and couples counselling therapy and work from an Attachment-
based modality, supporting people at all ages and stages to work through and process their
own stories and challenges. I support clients to build healthy skills in coping with mood
disorders (anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder), loss and grief, and major life transitions.
Attachment focuses on repair for ourselves and others. When we have a disruption (i.e. trauma, challenge, conflict) in our significant relationships (family, work, school, community, pets), an attachment lens can give room to acknowledge harm and mistakes and change how we hold and process stress. I help develop and adapt relationship and communication patterns to reduce and understand your mind and body’s responses to stress.
When our bodies feel at ease, we can be curious about our feelings and creatively build new coping skills. I offer Theraplay, a structured play therapy for children and families and work from Polyvagal (Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, LCSW) and neurosquential (Dr. Bruce Perry) models. In combination with talk and sensory-somatic therapy, these models can care for and teach our body to adapt, identify, and build structures of safety.
Getting Started is Easy
Free 15 Min Chat
15 minute consult at your convenience
Book Appointment
Scroll to the bottom and fill out the form
1st Session!
…and we’ll go through the next steps
My Approach
My approach to therapy is grounded in an attachment-based philosophy. Attachment Theory is an evidence-based practice, emphasizing the importance of developing secure relationships that foster healing and growth. I believe that our relationships, whether with family, friends, pets, or communities, play a significant role in our emotional health. When there are disruptions—such as trauma, loss, or conflict —impact how we relate to ourselves and others.
In my work, I strive to create a safe, compassionate space for clients to explore and process these disruptions, to understand and heal past wounds. Together, we will work to rebuild trust, practice self-compassion, and develop tools for managing stress and emotional challenges. By acknowledging and addressing these impacts, I support clients in building resilience, fostering healthy connections, and finding new ways to navigate your personal journeys
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my therapy qualify for insurance?
Yes, registered clinical social work is covered by most insurers under health or extended health benefits.
Can you direct bill?
Yes, I can direct bill for all insurers covered under Telus Eclaims and Blue Cross Medievale. If you have questions about insurance claims outside of these providers, I will support confirming eligibility and payment methods.
Are Theraplay and SSP covered under insurance?
Yes, they are considered therapeutic services. Both require additional training and certification, including proof of a university degree in mental health.
Do you provide sliding scale?
I can provide sliging scale on a limited basis.
Can social workers provide care in any province?
No. Social workers must be licenced by a province or territories’ respective college or authority to offer services.
What colleges are you registered with?
My primary license with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). I also carry an electronic-only license with the Ontario College of Social Service Workers/Social Workers (OCSSWSW) and a courtesy license with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Can I access virtual care if I go home for the holidays?
Yes, if you are going home to Ontario or Alberta for an extended time and would like to continue therapy, we can arrange virtual sessions. For any other province, please let me know in advance and I will work with you to secure a temporary or courtesy license.
Can Social Workers assess and/or diagnose mental health disorders (ADHD, ASD, Depression)?
No, not in Nova Scotia. Although some provinces may have specific licenses for social workers to diagnose mood disorders, Nova Scotia does not. I can support people seeking care and support for their mental health, but assessments and diagnoses must come from a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
What is your cancellation policy?
You will not be able to cancel your appointment online if there is less than 24 hours before your visit. Late cancellations will be billed at 50% of the cost of the session. Accidents, surprises, and upsets do not happen without 24-hour notice, so please reach out and I will support a later cancellation on a case-by-case basis. SNOW DAYS in Antigonish County will be cancelled, you can review cancellations at 989 XFM-Cancellations.
What if I have a complaint?
Any social worker that is registered with the college is responsible for upholding ethical guidelines and standards of practice from their provincial body as well as the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). This ensures that all registered social workers must always review and adhere to ethical practice as outlined by their provincial and national regulatory bodies. If a social worker has breached their ethical practice, anyone can make a complaint to the social worker’s respective college. Here is the contact information for NSCSW’s complaints department below:
Valerie Heard
Acting Registrar/Executive Director
Telephone: (902) 429-7799 x 222
Email: [email protected]
Book with Amberlee
Click here to log-into your Jane Portal – Amberlee Boulton Counselling Services
Click here to book schedule your session through the Jane Portal.
Questions? Contact Me
Have more questions?
General billing information and credentials available upon request.
(902) 872 - 0196
Teasdale Apothecary- Suite 119 65 Beechhill Rd. Antigonish, NS B2G 2P9
For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital