Hi, I’m Meg! Growing up with horses and competing in the discipline of English Show jumping, it was a natural lead into my career as a Counsellor and Coach. My focus on growth mindset training and development began when I saw a need for the use of positive language to accomplish goals in the sport and academic settings, professionally and in my personal life.

Focusing on counselling clients who are neuro-diverse is very rewarding. Using equine assisted therapy, solution-focused and brief counselling approaches, seeing clients gather an understanding of where they are at and strategies to get where they want to be is what keeps me going.

Balancing family and work is always an effort; I am truly grateful to be able to apply what I learn and read about to help my clients actualize their calm and harmony at home.

Qualifications

· Masters in Counselling Education ~ Acadia University

· NSCCT certified: Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists- in Certification

· Bachelor of Education ~ McGill University

· Professional member status ~ Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

· Equestrian Nova Scotia and Equine Canada Member

Areas of Specialization

• Depression, anxiety, grief

• ADHD/ASD (youth and adults)

• Solution-focused approach counselling

• Parenting

• Well being and goal setting

• Co-active coaching approach

Hi, I’m Meg! Growing up with horses and competing in the discipline of English Show jumping, it w... Read More

Karen Johnston – Sunnyridge Equestrian & Wellness Karen Johnston, BA, BEd, MEd (Supervision), MEd (Psychology), RCT, CCC, CCS, Pro-EFW (Candidate)

Karen Johnston brings more than 37 years of experience as a teacher, counsellor, and school administrator, along with many years in private counselling practice. At Sunnyridge Equestrian & Wellness, Karen’s work is rooted in relationship — supporting meaningful connection between people, horses, and themselves in a calm, welcoming farm environment.

Karen is a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) and a Pro-EFW Candidate with the Professional Association for Equine-Facilitated Wellness. The Pro-EFW pathway includes over 300 hours of specialized training, mentored practice, and supervision, with a strong focus on ethics, trauma-informed care, relational safety, and the well-being of the horse.

Through equine-facilitated wellness sessions at Sunnyridge, Karen combines professional counselling with gentle, experiential learning alongside horses. Horses naturally invite people to slow down, become more aware of their body and emotions, and experience connection in a present and authentic way. Karen’s approach helps clients build self-awareness, regulation, and confidence in a supportive environment where curiosity and choice are always respected. No riding experience is required.

Karen is also a Licensed Competition Coach with Equestrian Canada, specializing in beginner and novice riders. Her coaching reflects the Sunnyridge philosophy of relationship-based horsemanship, focusing on foundational skills, confidence building, and emotional safety. Riders and clients alike are supported with patience, encouragement, and a deep respect for both horse and human.

Karen Johnston – Sunnyridge Equestrian & Wellness Karen Johnston, BA, BEd, MEd (Supervision),... Read More

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