Nancy Fontaine-Messier

I graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2004, and a Master's of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008. Since then I have been trained in Trauma-Focused CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Sensory Processing Sensitivity (the Highly Sensitive Person). I have experience working with childhood trauma, as well as with foster families and adoption. I utilize an eclectic approach which includes traditional CBT, person-centered therapy, family systems theory, mindfulness, and play approaches. 

I am trained in working with the Highly Sensitive Person. High sensitivity is not a mental health diagnosis, it is a trait that exists in approximately 20% of the population. Often HSP's struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and self-doubt due to a heightened sensitivity to things in their environments that others don't seem bothered by. It is important to understand your gifts and learn how to engage with the world in ways that feel good and empowering. Unsure if this trait describes you? Find out here. 

As a Highly Sensitive Person myself, the importance of self-care has become more and more evident to me through the years personally and professionally. I enjoy being in nature and practicing mindfulness techniques (when I get the chance!) I also love art and crafting, and often use this in my work with kids and teens. I have training in the use of art in therapy and I believe that the expressive arts can be fun and extremely effective in healing and growth.

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Working with Me

I began this practice in order to help people heal, grow and thrive despite life's setbacks. Who of us hasn't felt lost or stuck at some point? Unfortunately, therapy has long been thought of as something only for people with serious mental disturbances, or a last resort when people's lives and relationships are falling apart. Thankfully, this is not the case. Therapy is also wonderfully suited to coping with unexpected loss, having a trusted confidante to process life situations, healing from trauma, maintaining wellness, or any combination of these, and more.

I believe it is important to feel connected to and supported by your therapist. So this is my first goal. We work together on figuring out what is important to you, and how we can achieve it. I work with individuals of all ages, and enjoy individual work, family work, and working with parent-child dyads (Filial Therapy and Child-Parent Psychotherapy). I utilize a relaxed approach in which I focus on collaborative problem-solving. 

 

As You Look for a Therapist

An important aspect of therapy is finding the right therapist for you. No two clinicians are the same, and it's important to consider personality, approach to treatment, and areas of expertise when trying to find someone best suited to your needs. It's vital to success in therapy to research providers, ask questions, and go with your gut. Just as you wouldn't necessarily click with any peer or colleague, it's similar with finding your therapist. Since this is a part of the process, I'm happy to talk on the phone before an initial session, answer questions, and figure out if I'm able to provide you with what you're looking for.

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Please reach out for a free phone consultation and we can discuss your needs.