top of page

About Me

Hi, I’m  Allison Wood, a clinical social worker based in Halifax and the founder of Nest Therapy.  With over 25 years of experience in social work and mental health

care, I specialize in supporting women through some of life’s most meaningful and difficult transitions—from pre-conception counselling, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, fertility challenges, pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and menopause. These stages can be deeply emotional and complex, and I believe they also offer powerful opportunities for healing, growth, and self-discovery. 

 

While menopause hormone treatments are often necessary for many women going through this significant life change, some are looking for non-pharmaceutical options alone or as a compliment to medications to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes and poor sleep.  I also offer a safe place to process grief, loss and the stress associated with aging, changes identity, parenting and relationship concerns.

My Approach:

I offer a warm, sometimes humorous, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. As therapy is not one-size-fits-all, I tailor sessions to your unique needs and goals, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Therapeutic Techniques I Use:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns.

  • CBT for peri/menopause transition such as hot flashes, poor sleep, life changes, work and relationships stressors, mood changes.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)  helps individuals develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their values. 

  • Mindfulness-Based Approaches – to reduce stress and reconnect with the present moment

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) – to improve communication, relationships, and emotional regulation

  • Attachment-Informed Therapy – to explore how early relationships shape your emotional world

  • Reproductive Trauma Therapy – to support healing from experiences such as miscarriage, infertility, birth trauma, or pregnancy loss

  • Trauma Informed Approaches

a6f46a7d-6ee8-4a76-b156-dabd2c27b26b~2.png

Credentials

Education and Licenses: 

 

Mount Allison University 1992-1996

Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology 

 

York University 1996-1998- Bachelor of Social Work 

 

Wilfred Laurier University- Master of Social Work 2000-2001

 

Registered Social Worker in Private Practice- OCSSW and NSCSW 2001-Present

Reproductive Trauma Certification- 2022, Perinatal Mental Health Trainings Canada

Bria Menopause Mental Health Provider Certification, October 2025

Attended Marce and Mona International Perinatal Mental Health Conferences

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Perinatal Clients Certification, with Scott Stuart

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certifications

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Trainings

Various Trauma Trainings incl. Trauma CBT, Somatic, Trauma Informed

bottom of page