About Katie MacDonald, MSW, RSW
Welcome! My name is Katie MacDonald, MSW, RSW and I am a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist providing therapy to teens and adults in Toronto and across the province. Individuals are moved to pursue therapy for a variety of reasons. You may find that you are lacking in resilience, feeling "stuck" in patterns that aren’t working for you, or are enticed by the prospect of living a life aligned with your true values, but are unsure of how to get there. Whatever your reason, I am here to meet you where you’re at. I am skilled in working with a variety of issues including:
- anxiety
- depression
- adjustment/transitions
- self-esteem
- parenting
- family and relationship issues
- trauma
My Approach
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy). I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My training enables me to help clients understand themselves better, manage difficult emotions, improve relationships in their lives and find their own motivation to make changes that are important to them. My approach is integrative, strengths-based, creative, flexible and I draw upon what bests suits your needs. My primary goal is always to create a safe space where clients can express themselves openly and feel understood.
Experience:
I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to my private practice, I have worked at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) where I spent 14 years assessing and treating adults, youth and children with mood and anxiety concerns, behavioural difficulties, substance use concerns and early psychosis. Additionally, I have vast experience supporting parents and other family members who are caring for loved ones struggling with mental health issues.
Getting Started
Please reach out if a warm, curious, nonjudgmental approach to therapy appeals to you. My practice is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and LGBTQ2S+ positive.
I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to help us determine therapeutic fit and to determine if I have the skills and experience necessary to help and support you. I can be reached at katie@katiemacdonaldtherapy.ca or through my contact form. I look forward to hearing from you.
Therapy for Youth:
The teenage years are a time of immense change and transition-therapy can help teenagers navigate this challenging time. Whether it be helping a teen navigate a life challenge or work through clinical issues such as anxiety or depression, I am the therapist for you. My approach provides a safe, supportive space for young people to explore and make sense of their feelings, develop coping strategies and build resilience.
Therapy for Adults:
Helping you navigate life stressors, distressing symptoms and unlock a deeper understanding of yourself are some of the goals I help clients with. My warm and compassionate approach creates a safe place for you to explore your thoughts and emotions, and develop effective strategies to manage life’s challenges. Through working together, my aim is to help clients cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life.