Colchester Sexual Assault Centre - CSAC

09/04/2026

We will be closed Monday, September 7th, returning Tuesday, September 8th, 9am-3pm

Have a fun and safe long weekend! 😊

09/02/2026

September is Su***de Awareness Month. It is such an important topic to bring awareness to as there is still so much stigma surrounding it.
Approximately 13 people die by su***de each day, totalling approximately 4750 deaths annually.
Su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death in youth & young adults (ages 15-34), with the rate being higher among men, compared to women.

Talking about it is prevention.
Check in. Speak up. Listen. Save a life.

Remember, be kind to yourself and others💜

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.
Remember that behind every loss is a loved one, a story & a life that mattered.
Awareness brings understanding. Understanding brings hope💜


Check out this 4 part mini series tonight, that Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association is hosting:

nshpca.ca/events_nshpca/international-overdose-awareness-day-four-part-mini-series/

08/26/2026

Time to reintroduce Nicole, our other amazing therapist we are lucky to have at CSAC!

Nicole is a graduate of Yorkville University, holding a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, as well as Play Therapy.
Nicole began her career working directly with youth in the foster care system, where she developed an interest in supporting those impacted by trauma. She saw first-hand the impacts that trauma and abuse had on children and families, and how experiences can shape the way an individual responds to others, the world at large, and themselves. She also experienced how trauma and abuse can impact an individual’s neuroception (perceived and felt safety), and how difficult it can be for these individuals to recognize and trust cues of safety both internally and externally. She took this foundational experience with her as she pursued her education in the clinical side of trauma treatment and support. Nicole has focused the bulk of her career working with populations impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and childhood adverse experiences.
Following completion of her Master’s degree, Nicole went on to gather further education and certification in working with children under the age of 13, utilizing Play Therapy. Nicole also completed her certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Nicole uses an integrative, trauma-informed approach, drawing from these interventions, as well as practices from Polyvagal theory, Parts Work, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Nicole offers clients her knowledge in evidence-based practices as a way to enhance their pre-existing resources, strengths, and self-expertise. She aims to collaborate in a way that’s helpful for you, tailored to your individual needs and degree of readiness.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Nicole!

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

As of today, our office at 69 Brunswick St. is officially closed.

As we close this chapter, we want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of our clients, volunteers, students, community members, and anyone else who have walked through our doors and helped us make this space what it is. 🩷

We hope to see you soon in our new space once we're open, at 115 Willow St. 🌱

08/20/2026

The CSAC team and board want to extend a thank to you everyone who came out to our grand opening drop in on Friday. It is so wonderful to see the support from local organizations, police, health promotion and many more. This day was full of rich conversation, information sharing and yummy snacks! Don’t forget we are open 9 to 3 now and back to drop in services.

08/18/2026

Check out this great research opportunity!

The Lotus Centre is working with Dr. Margherita Cameranesi, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology Saint Mary’s University) to host participants willing to assist in her research around gender based violence.
Open to Newcomer women between the ages of 18-35 who have experienced gender based violence – participants will complete a survey as well as an art based activity and can receive $200 honorarium for participating ($100 per activity)
Four separate in person workshops at the Lotus Centre, from 12noon to 8pm on Fridays- September 11th, 18th ,25th and October 2nd.

08/18/2026

We thought it was a good time to reintroduce Theresa, one of our Fantastic Therapists we are lucky to have at CSAC!

About Theresa
Theresa is a graduate of Acadia University, holding Master’s degrees in Counselling and Education. She is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT), a Certified Grief Therapist, and a Certified Level 2 Trauma Therapist. She also draws on more than 25 years of experience in providing counselling, education, and advocacy related to sexual violence, gender-based violence, trauma, grief, and other complex life experiences.
Throughout her career, Theresa has supported children, youth, adults, and families navigating the impacts of trauma and violence. She understands that experiences of gender-based violence can affect far more than the moment itself, shaping how we feel in our bodies, how we relate to others, how we see ourselves, and how safe we feel in the world. Theresa’s approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, compassionate, and mindfulness-based.
She believes that therapy should be a place where you feel safe enough to be yourself, without judgment or pressure to share more than you are ready to. She recognizes that many of the thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and protective responses that can feel overwhelming or difficult may have developed as ways of coping with experiences that were, at the time, simply too much to carry. Rather than asking, “What is wrong with you?”, Theresa approaches therapy with curiosity and compassion, asking, “What happened to you, and what do you need now?” Together, you can begin to understand your experiences, strengthen your sense of safety and choice, and develop tools that support healing and emotional regulation.
Theresa uses an integrative approach, drawing from Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (T-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Parts Work, Play Therapy, Somatic approaches, and Mindfulness-based interventions. These approaches are thoughtfully adapted to your individual needs, goals, and pace. Therapy does not require you to have all the answers, and healing is rarely a straight line. Theresa’s role is to walk alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and genuine respect for your story.
Her goal is not simply to reduce distress, but to help you reconnect with yourself, develop a greater sense of safety and empowerment, and move toward a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and your own.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication Theresa!