Meet Our Team
If you're looking for help, you aren't alone. We all struggle at times in our lives. Each member of our team is committed to supporting you, however you may be struggling.
We will all experience illness, loss, betrayal or trauma in our lives and we all make mistakes.
As a team, we bring a broad range of life and therapeutic experience to our practice that allows us to understand and serve you as an individual, a well as with your partner or family. We approach our practice with a strong commitment to excellence, and we welcome you with the utmost concern for your wellbeing.
Five Star Wellbeing is our way of sharing what we have learned about wellbeing and lasting mental health with you.
When you inevitably come face to face with adversity and suffering, know that you too can heal and thrive. We are here for you.
Take good care,
Derrick McEachern
Counselling Therapist and Owner, Five Star Wellbeing
Derrick McEachern,
Registered Counselling Therapist, Owner
M.Ed., RCT, CCC
902.698.1194 (confidential)
derrick@fivestarwellbeing.com
Therapeutic Focus:
Couple and Family Therapy, Parenting, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss
Derrick McEachern
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) in Nova Scotia, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor.
I specialize in providing couple and family therapy, as well as indivdual counselling for anxiety, depression, grief and loss, anger and trauma. Whether working with you as an individual, or as part of a couple or family, I use evidence-based therapies that include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Self-Compassion, and Mindfulness-based CBT. With couples and families, Iwork with you to rebuild the emotional connection between you and your loved ones, while also addressing unmet attachment needs.
I also provide clinical counselling supervision to counsellors in training, and am an Approved Candidacy Supervisor for the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists.
I started Five Star Wellbeing Counselling and Mental Health in 2014. I provide counselling our new office on our property in Greenwich, NS, as well as for clients online. I also offer workshops and online webinars that support employee mental health.
Prior to starting Five Star Wellbeing, I from taught from 1999-2005 at the Hong Kong International School and the Delia School of Canada in Hong Kong. After earning my M.Ed., in Counselling in 2006, I provided counselling for two years with Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, one year with Acadia University and 13 years with the Nova Scotia Community College.
I live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia with my wife Sheila. We are truly grateful for our children Elise, Dominique, Jaden and Ella, along with their partners Zach, Wade and our grandchildren Leo and Sunnie!
Shane MacDow
Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate
M.Ed., RCT, CCC
Phone: 902.599.1057 (confidential)
shane@fivestarwellbeing.com
Therapeutic Focus
Anxiety, Depression, Youth and Adolescent Trauma, Working with Boys and Men, Outdoor Counselling
Shane MacDow
Compassionate Support for At-Risk Youth & Young Adults in the Annapolis Valley.
Young people today are navigating a complex world. Whether your child is
struggling with bullying, substance use, anger, or pushing boundaries, it can feel overwhelming
for the whole family. To change habits and make healthier choices kids need a space where they can explore their thoughts and feel heard.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with
extensive experience in the field. Having worked with marginalized youth within the Nova Scotia
Department of Justice for 14 years.
My Philosophy of Care
I believe that healing begins with a safe space and a fresh perspective. Having spent over a decade working with youth facing significant adversity, I have learned that resilience is not a trait we are born with, but a skill we build not by avoiding challenges, but by overcoming challenges.
My practice is built on the understanding that we are all in the process of becoming experts of our own stories. Mistakes will happen, and as we learn from them, we develop a stronger sense of who we are.
Counselling with Me
Whether meeting in my office or walking outdoors on the property, my goal
is to help you move past judgment and uncover your inherent strengths. By combining practical skill-building with the restorative power of nature, we work together to turn life’s obstacles into a foundation for lifelong growth.
What does an outdoor session look like? It is very similar to a traditional therapy session,
just without the walls. We might walk slowly through the property, or find a quiet place to sit and talk. There is no rigorous exercise involved; the focus remains on your thoughts, feelings, and
goals. Nature simply acts as a co-therapist, providing a calming backdrop that can make it
easier to open up.
Why choose the outdoors? For many people, sitting face-to-face in an office can feel intense.
Walking side-by-side or sitting in nature can reduce that pressure, making it easier to discuss
difficult topics. Being outside also helps with "grounding"—using the sights and sounds of nature to lower anxiety and help you feel more present in the moment.
Is it private? Absolutely. My practice is located on our private property in Berwick, ensuring a
quiet and confidential space for our conversations. Just like an indoor session, your privacy is my top priority.
What if the weather is bad? We always have a Plan B. Outdoor therapy is always your choice.
If it is raining, too cold, or if you simply prefer to be inside that day, my comfortable home office
is always available. We will check in at the start of every appointment to decide what feels right
for you.
Catherine MacDow,
Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate
M.Ed., RCT-C
902.599.1621 (confidential) catherine@fivestarwellbeing.com
Therapeutic Focus:
Anxiety, depression, relationships, self-image, stress and burnout, outdoor counselling
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) in Nova Scotia.
I offer a safe, welcoming and compassionate space, while providing my expertise in an array of therapeutic approaches. Specializing in solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, I am able to help you explore and find solutions that support you in your healing journey. With a focus on wellbeing, health and connection, I create a space to reflect and discern, while offering tools to help nurture your path of growth.
As a parent, school counsellor, and former teacher, I offer a diversity of lenses to support youth and families. In the early stages of my career, I had the opportunity to
teach in China, Nunavut and many years for the AVRCE. Born and raised in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, I have deep understanding of the importance of connection
to the land and community.
My interests comprise of spending time in nature, growing food and connecting with friends and family. I am also a certified yoga teacher, which I incorporate in my daily wellness practice. I currently live in the Annapolis Valley with my husband Shane, son Angus, and several furry animals.
Offering my services at our home office in Berwick, I am able to provide therapy indoors, or outside, in our scenic, private setting.
Kate Sullivan,
Administrative Assistant
Kate is a graduate of the Office Administration Program at Nova Scotia Community College. She spent the younger years of her childhood on Nova Scotia’s South Shore and moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2001.
Kate is always happy to help you with scheduling, appointment changes, and support you with technical questions related to the Jane App, billing and all of your administrative needs.
Kate is an avid reader, tv and movie watcher. She also enjoys cooking, doing the occasional craft, going on ATV runs, and spending time with her family and close friends.