MErel Voth BSW, RSW, MSW and Gottman Certified Therapist

Owner & Founder, Lakeside Counselling and Coaching Services

I work with couples and high-performing professionals who are navigating stress, disconnection, or repeated conflict—and want a clear, structured way forward.

I’m a Gottman Certified Therapist, trained in a research-based method specifically designed to help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and manage conflict effectively. My work is practical and goal-oriented—we focus on identifying patterns, building skills, and creating meaningful, lasting change.

I have been practicing as a social worker since 2007 and hold a Master of Social Work. I am registered in both Nova Scotia and British Columbia, and I am also a Certified Associate Coach with Integral Coaching Canada. Alongside ongoing professional development, I stay closely connected to current research to ensure my work remains effective and relevant.

My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and focused. While I provide a supportive and respectful space, I also help clients move forward with clarity and direction. I don’t believe in staying stuck in the same patterns—we work together to understand what’s happening and actively shift it.

I am particularly skilled in helping people who feel “stuck”—whether in their relationships, their work, or within themselves—gain insight, reconnect with what matters, and take meaningful steps forward.

My background includes over a decade in healthcare as a social worker, as well as earlier experience in child development. This has shaped my understanding of resilience, relationships, and how people grow and adapt across different stages of life.

Originally from British Columbia, I spent many years serving the Salmon Arm and Shuswap community before relocating to Nova Scotia in 2025. I now live in the Annapolis Valley with my husband and two children. My practice is fully virtual, allowing me to work with clients across both provinces.

I value the opportunity to do this work and the trust clients place in the process. My focus is always on helping people strengthen their relationships, navigate challenges more effectively, and build a more grounded and fulfilling life.