Mary Annette Gillis –MA, R. Psych

Registered Psychologist

Mary Annette Gillis received her BA (in Community Studies) at the University College of Cape Breton and holds an MA from the University of Manitoba (1998).  She moved back to Nova Scotia (Halifax) in 1998 to begin her professional career, and has been practicing as a psychologist since that time.  Mary Annette has worked in both private practice settings and health care facilities.  Between 2004 and 2008 she worked with the Department of National Defense with a specific focus on military members presenting with symptoms resulting from military operations. In addition to having a specialty in treating PTSD, Mary Annette works with individuals having difficulties with depression, anxiety, grief and bereavement, pain management related to work injuries and motor vehicle accidents, and family of origin issues.  She also has a particular interest in working with individuals who have a life-threatening illness (e.g., cancer) and/or individuals who have a close family member with a life-threatening illness.  Mary Annette has been assisting with the facilitation of week-end retreats for cancer patients (i.e., Skills for Healing) since her return to Nova Scotia.  She primarily works with an adult population, and also provides treatment to adolescents for adjustment issues, self-esteem issues, separation/divorce, and bereavement. Therapy interventions are tailored collaboratively with each client using cognitive-behavioral strategies aimed at improving coping, daily functioning, and quality of life.