Wade McDonald (he/him/his)

I have specialized training and have worked with children, adolescents, and adults as they explore their gender, and as they go through social and physical transition. Additionally, I have worked as family therapist with families that are having conflict or concerns around a family member's gender identity. I believe in an affirmative-care only approach to exploration of gender and identity.

Stress and Anxiety is a major issue in our world generally, but can be particularly toxic as you navigate adolescence and early adulthood. I can help you use evidence-based skill and techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), and Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to better manage your anxiety so that you can live the life you want to live.

LGBTQIA+ issues are one of my core specialties, both in my training as a psychologist and in my practice. I offer a safe space to explore your identity and what it means to you, learn skills to better manage minority stress and microaggressions, manage complex interpersonal relationships, explore the impact of internalized heteronormativity/homonegativity/transnegativity, and build self esteem. Therapy is offered in a positive, affirmative, and strengths-based way.

ACT is about recognizing what you can and can't control, and choosing to act in a way that is consistent with who you are and what you want in life. With this type of therapy, you explore what really matters to you and then develop a commitment to those values. It's really powerful when you're dealing with things that are outside your control like chronic illness or difficult interpersonal relationships. Aspects of ACT can be integrated with other treatment approaches depending on your goals.

CBT offers a lot of specific evidence-based (proven!) skills that can help you to address negative thought patterns that get in the way of living your life. This is the go-to treatment for anxiety, depression, and a number of other issues. I use CBT with many patients, but it can be integrated with other treatment approaches, depending on your goals.

I integrate DBT skills with nearly everybody I work with. DBT offers concrete ways to manage difficult situations, whether they're tolerating large amounts of distress, regulating emotions, being effective in interpersonal relationships, or developing mindfulness skills.