How ML Family Counselling is Transforming Mental Health Care in Nova Scotia

As June marks Pride Month across Canada, and around the world, it becomes more than a celebration of LGBTQ2S+ identity—it’s a call to reflection, action, and advocacy. For Michelle Labine, founder of ML Family Counselling, Pride is a year-round commitment woven into the very foundation of her business—a multi-location group therapy practice in Nova Scotia that is radically redefining how inclusive mental health care should look and feel. 

ML Family Counselling was born from a clear and deeply personal vision, “I wanted to build a practice that not only offered exceptional therapy services but created a space where both clients and clinicians could thrive,” Michelle says, “a place that fostered a sense of belonging, integrity, and support.”  

That vision has since evolved into a thriving practice supporting clients across the lifespan—from toddlers to seniors—offering specialized care in areas like anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, chronic pain/illness, acute or chronic trauma, ADHD, Autism, OCD, general mental health concerns and relationship concerns ranging from partner, family, or work. “Most of our therapists are post-graduate trained in specific evidence-based modalities, focused on providing specialized, niched care versus generalized care.” Michelle shares.  

But what truly sets ML Family Counselling apart is not just what they treat—it’s how they do it. 

Through a unique model that includes a partnership with their nonprofit affiliate, Couch of Hope, Michelle’s team provides hands-on mentorship to therapists in the early stages of their careers. Many begin right out of graduate school and stay on for years, supported by a system that offers deep clinical guidance without the pressures of running a business. “During this time, our therapists gain robust clinical experience, receive strong supervision, which helps to build confidence in their craft.”  

“This model allows us to stay grounded in community while fostering the next generation of compassionate, skilled therapists,” Michelle explains. 

Today, ML Family Counselling is a multi-location group practice with a diverse team of 30-40 clinicians. “At our core, we’re a values-driven organization. We believe healing is relational, therapy should be accessible, and clinicians deserve meaningful mentorship and a healthy work culture. That’s the heart of why I started this work—and it’s what continues to guide us every day.” says Michelle. 

Michelle’s relationship with Pride is both personal and professional. “Pride, to me, is a celebration of identity and a call to action,” she says. “It means honouring the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that hasn’t always made space for that. It means showing up with love and respect for the full spectrum of identity and experience—our own, and each other’s.”  

In her clinic it means the staff has a wide variety of training in inclusive, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices. It means affirming intake processes, inclusive language in every document, and a clinic culture that supports both 2SLGBTQIA+ clients and clinicians alike. 

“Pride is a commitment. At ML Family Counselling, we are actively working to ensure therapeutic spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ clients feel safe, seen, and affirmed. Ensuring our clinic culture reflects those same values throughout all stages of client care. We know that representation matters, language matters, community care matters, and affirmative action speaks the loudest. We’re always learning, always evolving,” Michelle shares.  

“It’s about resilience, joy, belonging, and the right to access mental health support without fear, shame, or judgment. We’re here for that work all year long.” 

“Inclusion isn’t something you add to a business—it’s something you build into every layer of it,” Michelle says. For her, the work starts with listening to 2SLGBTQIA+ voices, ensuring inclusive hiring practices, and committing to continued consultation with community members to elicit feedback and suggestions. “It’s about creating systems that support queer and trans clients and staff and embodying zero tolerance for discrimination in any form.” 

For businesses looking to create lasting, authentic inclusivity, Michelle has this advice: “Start now. Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Be willing to learn, get it wrong, take feedback, and grow. Review your forms, policies, business practices, marketing, and everyday language. Are they inclusive? Do they reflect diverse identities and experiences? Do they feel safe? That’s how we build something better.” 

Looking ahead in 2025, Michelle is focused on expanding ML Family Counselling’s work, “One of my biggest goals is to deepen our offerings in neurodivergent-affirming care, with a particular focus on late-diagnosed Autistic women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. This includes launching companion resources from my recently completed book on the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, and sexuality and expanding training opportunities for clinicians working at the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, and sexuality.”  

“2025 is about expansion and impact,” she says. “We’re looking to grow our supervision and internship program—creating even more space for early-career therapists to gain meaningful, supported experience. This ties into our long-term vision of strengthening the mental health workforce in Nova Scotia, particularly in underserved areas.” 

“We’ll keep building sustainable systems to support both our clients and clinicians—by refining processes, strengthening leadership, and staying true to our values. Our path forward is grounded in intention, collaboration, and heart. We’ll listen closely, grow thoughtfully, and stay rooted in what matters most.”  

Running a therapy group practice and leading a non-profit can feel isolating. But for Michelle, the Centre for Women in Business (CWB) have offered a lifeline of community and support. 

“CWB has created a space where I feel connected to other women who understand those challenges and who genuinely want to see each other succeed. 

Whether it’s through events, networking opportunities, or simply being part of a community that champions women-led businesses, CWB has helped me feel less alone in the process. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many women who are building meaningful things and lifting each other up along the way.”  

Starting a business can be hard, Michelle’s advice to any woman who is quietly dreaming of starting something, “you don’t have to have it all figured out. Start anyway, stay aligned, and trust that you’re allowed to build something in a way that works for you.” 

“I’m incredibly grateful to be doing this work—to hold space for healing, growth, and connection in such a human and heart-centered way. Building ML Family Counselling has taught me that leadership means presence, humility, and showing up again and again for what matters.”  

“In the end, leadership isn’t about perfection. There is so much power in being seen, and I hope that through our work, people feel more understood, more empowered, and more connected to themselves.”