Matthew Dewey, RCT-C
Counsellor in Halifax, Dartmouth & Across HRM
Hi, I'm Matthew.
I'm a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT-C) and the founder of Steady Mind Counselling. I work with adults and couples who may appear steady on the outside but feel unsettled, overwhelmed, or disconnected on the inside.
Sometimes you know exactly what's wrong. Other times, you simply know that something doesn't feel right.
You may be dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, a major life transition, burnout, or the feeling that you're constantly trying to keep everything together.
Counselling can provide a space to slow things down, understand what's happening, and figure out what you want to do next.
My Approach to Counselling
I believe counselling works best when it feels like a conversation rather than a lecture.
My role isn't to tell you what you should do or provide a checklist of solutions. Instead, I work collaboratively with you to understand what's happening, explore patterns that may be getting in the way, and identify changes that align with what matters most to you.
My approach is grounded, practical, and client-focused. Depending on what you're working through, I draw from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based strategies, and other evidence-informed counselling approaches.
The goal isn't to eliminate every difficult thought or feeling. It's to develop a better relationship with those experiences so you can respond to them in ways that are consistent with the person you want to be.
Individual Counselling
I work with adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:
Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
Stress and burnout
Life transitions
Relationship difficulties
Self-doubt and self-confidence
Identity and self-trust
Communication and boundaries
Men's mental health
Parenting and family-related challenges
Feeling stuck or uncertain about what comes next
You don't need to have a specific diagnosis or know exactly what you want to work on before starting counselling.
Sometimes the first step is simply having a place to talk through what's happening.
Learn More About Individual Counselling
Couples Counselling
I also work with couples who are experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional distance, or challenges related to major life changes.
Some couples come to counselling because they're struggling. Others want to strengthen their relationship before problems become more difficult.
My couples work is informed by the Gottman Method and focuses on helping partners better understand one another, communicate more effectively, and work through patterns that may be creating distance or conflict.
Common areas of focus include:
Communication breakdown
Recurring arguments
Emotional distance
Difficulty feeling understood
Trust and relationship concerns
Parenting challenges
Blended-family challenges
Major life transitions
Reconnecting after difficult periods
Learn More About Couples Counselling
Men's Mental Health
I have a particular interest in working with men who may be used to handling problems on their own.
For some men, reaching out for counselling can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. You may not consider yourself someone who "needs therapy," but you may recognize that stress, anger, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling overwhelmed are beginning to affect your life.
Counselling can provide a space to step back from the expectations and responsibilities you're carrying and take an honest look at what's going on.
There is no requirement to have everything figured out before you start.
Learn More About Men's Mental Health
My Background
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in real estate and finance, including several years working with people around financial concerns and decision-making.
That experience continues to influence how I approach counselling. I understand that many of the challenges people bring to counselling don't exist in isolation. Work, finances, relationships, family responsibilities, parenting, and major life decisions can all intersect.
I completed a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and am registered in Nova Scotia as a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C).
What You Can Expect
Counselling with me is intended to be a space where you can be honest without having to perform or have everything figured out.
You can expect me to listen carefully, ask questions, offer perspective, and challenge you when it may be helpful — while respecting that you ultimately decide what you want to work toward.
We will work together to understand what is happening and identify meaningful steps forward.
Where I Provide Counselling
I offer:
In-person counselling in Dartmouth
and
Virtual counselling across Nova Scotia
Virtual counselling can be a convenient option if you prefer to meet from home or live outside the HRM area.
Fees
My current counselling rates are:
50-minute individual session — $155
75-minute couples session — $232.50
Extended health benefits may cover some or all of the cost of counselling depending on your individual plan. Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to confirm eligibility before booking.
Ready to Get Started?
You don't need to know exactly what you want to say or have everything figured out before reaching out.
A free consultation is an opportunity to briefly discuss what brings you to counselling, what you're hoping to work on, and whether I may be a good fit for you.
If you have questions before booking, you're also welcome to Contact Me.
