🤝 From Supervision to Collaboration: A Halifax Therapy Partnership

Some professional relationships grow into rich connections rooted in shared purpose. That’s exactly what happened with us—Jules Smith, RCT, CCC and Jane Donovan, RCT, CCC—collaborative narrative therapists in Halifax at Insight Mental Health Counselling. What began as a clinical supervision relationship evolved into a vibrant, values-based counselling practice in Halifax, grounded in shared values and a strong belief in the power of narrative therapy.

🧭 Why We Became Therapists

Jane:
My journey started in high school when a guidance counsellor suggested I become a therapist. But I followed my creative passion first and became a potter. Eventually, I found myself drawn back to mental health.

“Being a potter wasn’t the easiest thing financially … so I thought, I just want to go back to my original idea about being a therapist.”- Jane Donovan, RCT, Halifax Therapist

I didn’t end up doing art therapy as I originally imagined, but I’ve still used my creativity in therapy every day.

“Even just having confidence that I was a creative person made a difference.” – Jane Donovan, RCT, Halifax Therapist

Jules:
I came to therapy through personal experience. As a teenager, I struggled with my mental health and didn’t have a good experience with therapy.

“That kind of led me to be really interested in mental health … and being the therapist, I never had.”- Jules Smith, RCT, Halifax Therapist

At Acadia University, I discovered narrative therapy and everything changed.

“It completely shifted my worldview … I also love that narrative therapy is queer theory in action.”- Jules Smith, RCT, Halifax Therapist

💡 Our Shared Values

Our collaborative narrative therapy practice in Halifax is grounded in shared values that guide how we show up as therapists and as people:

  • Respect: For our clients’ identities, choices, and lived experiences.
  • Authenticity: Showing up fully as ourselves.
  • Creativity: Staying open and flexible in how we help others.
  • Relationship: Believing in the healing power of connection.

“Respect is something that comes up so much in my work … treating people the way you’d want to be treated.” — Jane Donovan, RCT, Halifax Therapist

“I love the idea of being a guide rather than an expert.” — Jules Smith, RCT, Halifax Therapist

These values align with the narrative therapy belief that “the person is not the problem—the problem is the problem.” Insight is also proud to offer a queer-affirming narrative therapy space in Halifax, welcoming diverse identities and stories.

🧩 What Makes Our Partnership Work

At the heart of our partnership is a relationship-centered therapy practice in Halifax built on mutual respect, shared values, and a genuine enjoyment of working together. Our personalities and strengths complement each other in the best ways.

Jules brings both creative vision and clinical depth to the practice. Their passion for narrative therapy is evident not only in how they build the Halifax practice but also in how Jules shows up with clients.

“Jules is deeply intentional. They’re always reflecting, reading, growing. Their commitment to the work and clients is something I really admire.” — Jane Donovan, RCT, Halifax Therapist

Jane brings experience and clinical depth. She offers clients not only deep insight but a creative approach that helps clients feel seen and supported.

“Jane is awesome. She’s an incredible therapist—compassionate, insightful, and very supportive. Working with her has been a highlight of my career.” — Jules Smith, RCT, Halifax Therapist

At the end of the day, what makes our partnership work is that we trust each other, believe in the work, and genuinely enjoy being Halifax therapists.

🧠 Why Insight Might Be the Right Fit for You

At Insight Mental Health Counselling, we’ve built a collaborative narrative therapy practice in Halifax based on honoring each person’s right to define their own path. We believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process—where your story is valued, your strengths are centered, and your voice leads the way.

If you’re navigating:

We’re here to help. We offer evidence-based, compassionate care through queer-affirming and relational therapy in Halifax. If that sounds like the kind of Halifax therapist you’re looking for, we’d love to meet you.