Venture Counselling breaking down barriers to mental health care, one conversation at a time
When Rose Degenhardt first launched Venture Counselling & Therapy in 2021, it was a solo operation run from her home. Today, the practice has grown into an award-winning clinic with a brick-and-mortar location in Lower Sackville and a dedicated team of therapists.
Although Venture Counselling has grown and changed, Degenhardt’s goal has remained the same. “Our mission is to offer compassionate, client-centered mental health support to individuals and families across the greater Halifax area,” she says. “Over time, we have expanded our services to include play therapy, trauma-informed counselling, addiction support, crisis intervention, and neuro-friendly therapy, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can access the help they need.”
This mission is deeply personal for Degenhardt. “Having grown up in foster care, I have firsthand experience with the challenges that come with adversity, trauma, and navigating complex family dynamics,” she says. “This personal journey fuels my commitment to making mental health services accessible, especially for underserved populations.”
At Venture Counselling, affordability is key to accessibility. The practice offers sliding-scale fees and a low- to no-cost student-led counselling program, ensuring care is available to those who need it most. “Mental well-being should not be a privilege but a fundamental right,” Degenhardt adds.
Like many entrepreneurs, Degenhardt faced a steep learning curve in the early stages of her business, particularly when it came to the business side of private practice. “Transitioning from a sole practitioner to running a full-scale clinic has come with its challenges, particularly in learning the business aspects of healthcare,” she says. “Without a formal business background, I had to navigate financial management, marketing, and operational logistics independently.”
She credits mentorship, networking events like the Halifax Chamber’s Wonder Women Conference, and support from organizations like the Chamber with helping her build confidence as a business owner. “Building a strong support network, including a reliable accountant, has been instrumental in overcoming these barriers,” she says.
Degenhardt’s passion for mental health extends beyond the clinic. She’s also the author of two children’s books: Superpowers of the Mind: A Journey into Neurodiversity and Can I? Learning About Consent! “These books aim to educate and empower young readers on important topics related to mental health and personal boundaries,” she says.
In addition to direct counselling, Venture is an advocate for workplace wellness and offers guidance to local businesses looking to prioritize mental health. “Open communication, flexibility, and a culture of support are key factors in ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated,” she says. “Since employees often spend more time with colleagues than with family, nurturing healthy workplace relationships can have a profound impact on both professional and personal lives.”
Whether through therapy, education, or community engagement, Degenhardt’s approach is rooted in empathy, equity, and ongoing growth. “At Venture Counselling, we are committed to continuous growth and innovation in mental health care,” she says. “We are always looking for ways to expand our reach, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and advocate for mental health awareness in our community. We welcome conversations with individuals and organizations looking to prioritize wellness in their lives and workplaces.”
Learn more about Venture Counselling & Therapy at:
