My name is Mary (she/her), and I am excited to be completing my final placement for my Master of Social Work at Couch of Hope. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology form Mount Saint Vincent University and a diploma in Addictions Counselling from Nova Scotia Community College.
Over the last 17 years I have been working in the mental health field, primarily in area of family support work. I have worked with families in their homes, I have facilitated parenting and anxiety programs, and have worked in the community, connecting folks to resources related to food, housing, and mental health. After working in mental health for many years, I recognized that many services had very specific goals or mandates. This led me to return to school to complete my Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University, as I want to be able to provide holistic care to my clients.
In the counselling space, I value my client’s lived experience and work with my clients to identify their strengths that can support their wellbeing. I am interested in how being in nature impacts wellness and how spirituality and faith are incorporated into our ways of coping. I am flexible, person-centred, and believe we can work together to address your concerns.
Email: mary.brinen@couchofhope.com
Outside of work, I am passionate about the outdoors and physical activity, I love hiking, biking, and running. I enjoy connecting with new people and hearing their stories. I look forward to hearing your story and supporting you.