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.
In my practice, I specialize in providing therapeutic counselling in the areas of anxiety, depression, anger, trauma and couple and family therapy. Whether working with you as an individual, or as part of a couple or family, I incorporate experiential therapies that include mindfulness practices, self-compassion and Emotionally Focused Therapy. With couple and families, I'll work 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 partner 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!
Kathryn Burgher,
Registered Counselling Therapist - Candidate
BA. B.Ed., Masters Counselling
902.698.1194 (confidential)
Kathryn@fivestarwellbeing.com
Therapeutic Focus:
Anxiety, depression, health, wellbeing, parenting, neurodiversity
Kathryn completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program through Yorkville University.
Kathryn's skills, education and experience over the last 7 years have focused on helping others:
- She has earned an Honors Degree in Psychology from the University of Ottawa in 2021
- She earned a Behaviour Interventions Diploma from NSCC in 2022
- She worked for 5 years of with the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre supporting and developing programs for neurodiverse youth and adults
- She is currently in her second year working with Autism Nova Scotia providing support and resources for families, professionals and community members
On completing her Masters Degree in Counselling, Kathryn joined Five Star Wellbeing as a full-time Therapist. Her personality, training and experience position her as a highly skilled new therapist and important part of our team, serving the wellbeing and mental health of our community.
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
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) in Nova Scotia, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor.
I have extensive experience having worked with marginalized youth with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice for 14 years. Doing that work, I developed the skills to help children, at-risk youth and young adults work through trauma, develop skills to manage emotions, make healthier choices, be more compassionate with themselves, and navigate their social lives.
Young people today are especially vulnerable. Whether suffering from bullying, participating in at-risk behaviour, using substances, pushing boundaries or struggling with anger, I employ a strengths-based approach with the aim of building hope and lifelong resilience. I draw on Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy.
I meet with clients at my home office in Berwick, and incorporate outdoor therapy on our scenic property which provides clients the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors if you so choose.
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.