Stacy Darku — Trauma, Grief, and Building Spaces for Healing

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Stacy Darku, a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and owner of Esinam Counselling, for a thoughtful and powerful conversation about trauma, grief, and the work of healing.With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Stacy supports individuals who are navigating sexualized trauma, domestic violence, addictions, grief, sexual difficulties, and racial injustice. She shares what it means to create safe, culturally informed spaces for people who are struggling to reconnect with themselves — and why compassion must be at the centre of that work.Together, we explore the complexity of trauma, the courage it takes to seek support, and how healing becomes possible when people feel seen, heard, and understood.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how community-based care strengthens mental wellness across the province.Content note: This episode includes discussion of trauma, violence, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Stacy DarkuStacy Darku is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Stacy has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years in different capacities. The essence of her work is to support individuals that are struggling to find themselves and want to heal from their trauma. She specializes in working with individuals that have experienced sexualized trauma, domestic violence, addictions, grief, sexual difficulties, and racial injustice.