Introducing
Rowan House
Welcome to Rowan-House
A sanctuary for healing, discipline, and the wild within.
Rowan-House is a therapeutic and spiritual space rooted in nature, built to support men and youth navigating trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. Drawing from my background as an Occupational Therapist specializing in trauma and recovery, I offer grounded, evidence-informed care alongside a deeper, emerging path of spiritual healing and discipline.
This is not just a clinic or retreat—it’s a growing sanctuary.
The long-term vision of Rowan-House is to steward a piece of land where healing is woven into everyday life. Guests who stay for extended periods will participate in daily practices—working the land, caring for animals, and maintaining the property—as a form of mindful, embodied discipline. This structured rhythm clears the noise of distraction, making space for presence, self-knowledge, and deep spiritual truths to land.
While ceremonies, rituals, and shamanic mentoring are quietly woven into the spirit of Rowan-House, the focus remains on creating a safe, judgment-free environment—one that invites men to rise with integrity, discipline, and purpose. This is a place to come home to yourself.
Sessions may be covered by health plans, Veterans Affairs, and union health budgets (via Blue Cross and other providers). I am currently accepting referrals for private mental health and trauma-focused work, and will soon offer spiritual mentorship and immersive retreat opportunities.
Rowan-House is in the process of finding its forever home. Until then, I walk this vision forward in partnership—with land, with spirit, and with those ready to step into deeper healing.
Our
Core values
We use evidence based therapies with innovative practice, striving for the highest standards of care.
Treatment plans are created which ensure effective support for each individual.
Ethical conduct, transparency, honesty and professionalism guide our actions and treatment intervention with clients, staff and stakeholders.
We encourage independence and support each client to make their own individual choices on their journey to recovery. We achieve this by committing to: Excellence, Personalized Care, & Collaboration.
We create a non-judgmental space for healing, approaching clients with empathy and kindness.
We value teamwork and use an integrated approach to address the challenges each client is facing.
Meet
the Founder
Joseph Lower OT | MSc | BSc(hons)
Founder of Rowan House
Clinical Director
Occupational Therapist
Registered provider with Medavie Blue Cross and Veterans Affairs Canada
Joseph is a UK-trained Occupational Therapist with over 20 years experience. He has a passion for enabling and empowering individuals through the healing journey and recovery process. Holding both an MSc and BSc with honors, Joseph’s expertise encompasses diverse work experiences in England, New Zealand, New Brunswick, and now Nova Scotia. Joseph’s journey in the treatment of mental health and concurrent disorders began in New Zealand, where he developed his skills in supporting individuals facing trauma, mental health challenges, addictions and cognitive issues. As the founder of Rowan House, Joseph is dedicated to providing compassionate care and fostering resilience within this community. Using motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapies and cognitive therapies, he aims to empower clients through skill-based activity groups and transformative group experiences. Joseph is a firm believer in the power of group dynamics for creating supportive and inclusive environments for personal growth and healing. Joseph is a registered service provider with Medavie Blue Cross and Veterans Affairs Canada. Beyond his professional life, he is a dedicated husband and father of three, and companion to two furry pups. An active lifestyle is a key part of who Joseph is; he thrives in the outdoors and thoroughly enjoys the wonderful landscape of Nova Scotia.
