Chris McDonald (she/her/hers)

My focus is on treating the whole individual mind, body & spirit. I teach clients how to relax or energize their bodies and minds through yoga, meditation and mindfulness in session. I also assist clients in improving their sleep which impacts mood, energy and overall functioning. I am also available to discuss spiritual issues if clients are open to that and help guide them to see how helpful any kind of spiritual path can be a helpful part of treatment.

I use TF-CBT with kids and teenagers. This therapy focuses on feelings identification, coping skills and creating a trauma narrative to help desensitize them to the trauma they faced. For adults, I used Prolonged Exposure therapy. After learning some coping skills, clients are asked to discuss their trauma verbally and/or written and practice going over it. Clients also will work on exposure to what they have been avoiding in their lives and gradually increase their exposure to it.

I have found CBT to be one of the most effective interventions out there. In CBT I provide psycho education on how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. I assist clients in identifying negative or unhelpful thoughts, identify the feelings they cause and the behaviors. Through processing clients are able to dispute them and create more helpful thoughts which changes their feelings and behaviors.

Life can be full of changes, some wanted and some unwanted. I help assist clients who are struggling with major changes in their lives such as a big move, change in career, divorce/separation or any other life circumstance that is causing distress. I help clients find their way, develop the necessary coping skills to navigate these changes successfully.

Anxiety is my main specialty! I have found that those clients who are motivated tend to overcome anxiety related issues quicker than those with less motivation. Through therapy with me, I teach a number of relaxation skills. Some skills include breathwork, meditation, grounding, mindfulness and yoga asanas in therapy (only if the client wants this). Through application of these skills, my clients are better equipped at handling whatever challenges they face and find their inner calm.

The symptoms of PTSD can feel debilitating. From frightening nightmares, to flashback and being easily startled, each day can be a challenge to get through. Through therapy with me, I can I teach you how to regulate your nervous system. Some skills include breath work, meditation, grounding, mindfulness and yoga asanas in therapy. Through Brainspotting I can help you process your trauma and guide you onto the path of healing.

Brainspotting is a treatment approach which helps by identifying, processing, and releasing stored negative or traumatic experiences from the brain to help affected individuals heal from within. BSP is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. . I have found Brainspotting to be one of the most effective tools in healing anxiety, depression and trauma. (really any issue you face!) I have seen amazing progress in clients in a shorter amount of time vs. regular talk therapy.

When you are experiencing depression, you feel a sense of hopelessness and lack the energy to get through your day. Initiating tasks like chores can feel impossible to get started. It can disrupt your sleep & you isolate from others. You see the world through through a negative lens. Through therapy with me, I can help you use behavior activation strategies to boost your mood. Through holistic strategies I can help you discover energizing yoga practices, breath work, grounding & meditation.