Meet BriAnna Simons (She/Her) B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Clinical Social Worker
I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping children and families navigate through challenges, improve their emotional wellbeing and strengthen relationships. With specialized training through the Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (CACPT), I meet the unique needs of children by using child and play based therapies. I believe in a whole family approach when identifying and addressing the needs of children, youth and families.​
​
In 2010, I wrote a Masters thesis titled: Is Ignorance Really Bliss? Child Welfare Workers Speak Out About Their Understanding of Best Practice when Working with Children Exposed to Domestic Violence. My authorship came full circle in 2021 when I published my first book titled: Emotionally Attuned Parenting ~ An Easy + Fun Guide to Helping Your Child Through the Tough Stuff of Life.
​
​
Then a life long dream came true with the creation of a children's book that I co-authored called The Pink Balloon, an inclusive children's story.
​
​
In my private practice work I pull from a multitude of diverse life, work and parenting experiences that I have had, along with my education to guide individuals and families through their own journey of self-discovery, processing, and healing. My experience in providing therapy spans a variety of areas including working with individuals, couples, children and youth, blended and diverse families, 2SLGBTQ+ children and adults, and providing a co-parenting development process for separated and divorced parents. In 2020 I completed WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Heath) training and provide Readiness and Referral Letters for individuals when needed. In addition I host community meet-up opportunities for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender expansive children and youth. These meet-ups extend to the children and youth themselves helping to build community.
​
My clinical social work practice is governed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, and follows a professional Code of Ethics. I love connecting with the community and have taken on active roles in expanding supportive services through roles such as being on the board of directors of Lunenburg PRIDE, an Inclusion Team Member with Simply Good Form, and a board member of the Chester Community Wellness Partnership.
Why Play & Outdoors?
It can help with
Connection
Play is a vital part of what it is to be human and achieves many things that oftentimes we are unaware of, making it an invaluable experience. Through play we learn about the world around us and connect with ourselves.
Emotion Regulation
Being outdoors helps to ground us and can bring a sense of calm and peacefulness in an otherwise busy world. While outdoors and through play we learn how to co-regulate with nature and those around us which gives the opportunity to learn how to self-regulate.
Movement
The development of fine and gross motor skills happens through play and is enhanced through movement outdoors. We also discover how to rely on our senses.
Mental Wellness
Being outdoors and having the freedom to play fosters the discovery of how to think creatively, and expands our cognitive growth. Through play we develop and build our self-confidence and internal worth.
Health
Oxygen is essential, being amongst trees and the greenspaces around us feeds our body on a cellular level.
Self-Expression
Through play we discover ways to communicate, establish our likes and dislikes, build internal motivation, and can expand on self-expression.
Testimonials
Services
If you are new here, please view the message on page before booking
**Any new referrals must contact BriAnna Simons Therapeutic Services in advance of booking to set up an intake call to determine your family's/child's needs and availability**
A Change Starts Here
Contact Info
Phone
Address
902-279-0519
Various Locations on the South Shore, NS