Jaël has joined Riptide as a practicum student while completing her Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto. As a practicum student, Jaël witnesses sessions, reviews reports and offers her own individual sessions at a discounted rate under the direct supervision of Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW.

Jaël completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at McGill University and her Juris Doctor in Law at Queen’s University. During her studies, she worked and volunteered in the area of mental health and as a yoga teacher. When she is not studying and interning, Jaël works as a lawyer with adults who have been found incapable of making their own property and health decisions. She has participated in local and international projects looking to reform mental health law. Jaël has also worked as a lawyer for children. She looks forward to incorporating her background working with children and adults into her work with Riptide, and continuing to learn about modalities to connect with her clients, including Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Jaël has joined Riptide as a practicum student while completing her Masters of Social Work at the... Read More

TANIS LEACH Tanis Leach, MSW, RSW Riptide Counselling Affiliate

Tanis Leach holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University (St. Catharines, ON) and a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Child and Family Therapy from Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY). She is a registered social worker with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW), the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), and the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW). Tanis is also a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT).

With more than 25 years of clinical experience, Tanis is passionate about helping people heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and reclaim a sense of purpose and well-being. She has extensive experience working with first responders, veterans, and high-performance athletes—individuals who often carry extraordinary demands, stress, and responsibility while striving to perform at their best. She also works with highly anxious individuals, helping them develop greater emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.

Tanis works with individuals, couples, children, and families across a wide range of concerns. Her practice is grounded in a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework and a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. Drawing from evidence-based modalities including EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal-informed interventions, attachment-based therapy, and strengths-based practice, she tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs, goals, and strengths.

Her areas of specialization include complex trauma and PTSD, operational stress injuries, moral injury, grief and bereavement, attachment and relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and the emotional impact of chronic pain and illness on individuals and families. She is particularly committed to supporting those whose careers, service, or performance demands have required them to put the needs of others ahead of their own.

Tanis strives to create a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore difficult experiences, build on their strengths, and move toward meaningful and lasting change.

When she’s not working with clients, Tanis can often be found enjoying the beautiful chaos of family life with her husband, five children, four dogs, and two cats. These experiences continually remind her of the importance of connection, compassion, resilience, and finding moments of grace amid life’s challenges.

Tanis offers afternoon and evening virtual sessions for clients across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. She also provides in-person counselling in New Brunswick on Thursdays (1:00 PM–8:00 PM) and Fridays (10:00 PM–5:00 PM).

“I believe every person deserves a safe space to breathe, heal, grow, and feel supported.” — Tanis

TANIS LEACH Tanis Leach, MSW, RSW Riptide Counselling Affiliate Tanis Leach holds a Bachelor of... Read More

Alisha has recently joined the team as a practicum student as she works to complete her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. As a practicum student, her position includes witnessing sessions, reviewing reports, and offering her own individual sessions at a discounted rate (under the direction supervision of Christie Frenette, MSW, RSW).

Alisha completed her Bachelor of Arts in History (2003) at the University of New Brunswick where she developed a passion for learning as well as watching others learn. She decided to proceed with her Bachelor of Education (2005). She has been an educator for the last 18 years. She witnessed many youths who struggled with their mental health and decided that having someone on the front lines would be beneficial in helping. As she finishes her degree, she hopes to gain further training and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy, as well as continue to learn about trauma informed services.

Alisha has recently joined the team as a practicum student as she works to complete her Master of... Read More

Nicole Ouellette holds a Bachelor of Neuroscience from Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scotia, along with a Masters of Social Work from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. She is registered with the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW) and a registered member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (iCEEFT).

Nicole has specialized knowledge in family violence, and the impact of trauma and exceptionalities on emotional processing along with experience working with military families. She is passionate about community development and has worked primarily in the non-profit sector. During her MSW Nicole specialized in trauma-informed community development; investigating the impact of community and individual trauma on people and communities.

Nicole has experience working with individuals, couples and groups, along with her community work. She believes that individual and community health is intimately tied to relationship health. She is currently working towards certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, deepening her capacity to support couples and families in an effective and meaningful way.

Nicole provides sessions in English and French. Nicole offre des suivis en français et l’anglais.

Nicole Ouellette holds a Bachelor of Neuroscience from Dalhousie University in Halifax Nova Scoti... Read More