Sonya MacDonald Psychological Services

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Sonya MacDonald Psychological Services Registered Psychologist in the Pictou County area. Providing an eclectic and evidence based approach

🤷‍♀️ART or EMDR — what’s the difference?This graphic 👆offers a simple overview of the differences, including what you ca...
10/05/2026

🤷‍♀️ART or EMDR — what’s the difference?

This graphic 👆offers a simple overview of the differences, including what you can expect from each approach.

Both are evidence-informed approaches that can be used to work with distressing experiences and trauma, but they are structured somewhat differently.

In my practice, I often consider ART for more specific or single-incident experiences, while EMDR may be a better fit when there are multiple, ongoing, or more complex experiences

Both ART and EMDR are approaches I regularly use in my practice, with the choice guided by each client’s unique history, needs and goals.

10/04/2026
The yoga pose “legs up the wall” — called Viparita Karani — can have surprisingly strong psychological effects because i...
05/31/2026

The yoga pose “legs up the wall” — called Viparita Karani — can have surprisingly strong psychological effects because it shifts the nervous system into a calmer state.

People often notice benefits like:

* reduced anxiety and mental agitation
* a feeling of emotional decompression after stressful days
* easier transition into sleep
* less racing thoughts
* improved sense of grounding and safety
* better mood regulation

A big reason is that the pose encourages your parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”) to activate. When your body feels physically supported and still, your brain often interprets that as “the environment is safe,” which lowers stress signaling.

The gentle inversion may also:

* slow heart rate
* reduce physical tension in the legs/hips
* improve awareness of breathing
* interrupt stress loops and overstimulation

Psychologically, it can feel a little like hitting a “reset button” because:

* there’s no effort or performance involved
* you’re physically contained and supported
* the position encourages inward attention rather than outward vigilance

Many people use it for:

* emotional overwhelm
* burnout
* panic-prone evenings
* sensory overload
* decompression before bed

A simple version:

1. Sit sideways beside a wall.
2. Swing your legs up while lying back.
3. Let your arms rest comfortably.
4. Stay 5–15 minutes with slow breathing.

04/14/2026

đź“ŤFYI: Update

ALL SPACE IS FILLED
NOT ACCEPTING

Note to Clients New rate October 1st, 2024$225
10/01/2024

Note to Clients
New rate October 1st, 2024
$225

🙏It’s not just a profession, but an honour.
06/12/2024

🙏It’s not just a profession, but an honour.

01/24/2024

Messenger is not working.

After today, I will be away from the office until April 4th. I won’t be checking voicemails, messages or emails during t...
03/25/2022

After today, I will be away from the office until April 4th.
I won’t be checking voicemails, messages or emails during that time.

Address

P. O. Box 3618
Stellarton, NS
B0K1S0

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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