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Welcome!
I work with adults and older adults (seniors) facing life changes and challenges to mental well-being in my psychotherapy private practice. Perhaps you're not acting like the person you want to be. Perhaps you're not sure who that person is. I understand the aloneness and the fear of hurting someone by expressing our own hurt. It's ok to share it with me. I offer in-person sessions in Durham Region, as well as virtual sessions all across Ontario. Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, by arrangement |
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Some of the concerns that I work with:
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Adult children of alcoholics
Anger management Anxiety Authenticity and identity Bereavement / Grief Burnout Career guidance Communication Caregiver fatigue / stress / burnout Chronic illness |
Codependency
Coping Depression / sadness Divorce Family conflict First responders Intergenerational patterns Life transitions Marital infidelity Older adults' / seniors' issues |
Recovery from abuse
Relationship issues Self-esteem Spirituality Stress Trauma / PTSD Veterans Women's issues Workplace stress |
If you're currently struggling with active suicidal urges, because I am a Qualifying psychotherapist, I believe that I am regretfully not the best option you could choose to be a part of your care team. I encourage you to please make use of my Resources page to locate a psychotherapist with experience that will fit your needs, as well as other supports, to help -- it's not right that you should face this alone.
I do not offer crisis or emergency services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please immediately proceed to your local hospital's emergency department, or call 911 or 988, which is the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
I do not offer crisis or emergency services. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please immediately proceed to your local hospital's emergency department, or call 911 or 988, which is the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
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My approach
There are many philosophies or approaches to mental health, which you may see called modalities.
I'm first and foremost person-centered in my approach. That means that I believe that you are the expert about your concerns; I've been to school, but you are the expert on your life. So what I bring you is not instructions on what you should do, but curiosity as we reflect together during your journey. Many of the things that we struggle with involve change, fear for our future, aloneness, making meaning of our lives, and how to be who we really are. These existential issues underlie the actual things that prompt us to seek counselling. You don’t have to face these intimidating topics alone. I invite you to bring them for us to reflect on together. The narratives, or stories, that we tell ourselves and other people shape our lives: stories about the things that happen to us, who we are, and who we want to be. They help us organize our thoughts, make sense of things, tell us about how the world around us affects us, what our strengths are, and where there are new possibilities. Together, you and I can look for a fresh perspective on the stories of your life. Overall, my approach is integrative. I draw on knowledge, ideas, and approaches from many modalities to tailor your therapy to be unique to you. Whether you reach out for counselling to me or to someone else, I encourage you to ask about their preferences for and experience with modalities, and how these will show up in your sessions with them. |
More about me
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My qualifications
Because Ontario psychotherapists are members of a regulated college, the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, we are one of the professions that may be included in employee benefits. Your employee insurance benefits booklet will indicate whether your employer has chosen to purchase psychotherapy coverage for you.
As members of the CRPO, we must have a Master's degree, maintain ongoing educational standards, abide by the ethical practices set out by the CRPO, and write an exam before we can call ourselves Registered Psychotherapists. While I'm gaining practice hours and preparing to write the registration exam, my title is Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Registration #15673. |
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My education
I graduated With Distinction from Yorkville University in 2024 with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. I graduated summa cum laude from York University’s Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts program in Psychology in 2022.
Prior to enrolling at York, I had an extensive career in the business world. I understand the courage that it takes to take the first step away from the familiar and toward new possibilities. I understand what it is to want your life to be different. |
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Bereavement / grief support
Although everyone will struggle with bereavement or grief, it can be a uniquely lonely experience. We also grieve for losses of other kinds: a job, health or physical ability, a relationship, or a place we must leave.
During my undergraduate degree studies, I was also involved with VON / Durham Hospice providing support to people who had lost someone they loved. As a result of where I am in my own life, and my experience with VON / Durham Hospice, working with people coping with losses of many different kinds, and working with older adults, are close to my heart. I also have an interest in working with people who are struggling with caregiver fatigue or coping with trauma. I'm hopeful that you'll find that I hear you. |
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MacDonald Psychotherapy
Karen R. MacDonald Psychotherapy Professional Corporation
92 Church St. S., Ajax ON L1S 6B4
Direct line: 289 207 6242
In-person sessions in Durham Region, and virtual sessions across Ontario.
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, by arrangement
Karen R. MacDonald Psychotherapy Professional Corporation
92 Church St. S., Ajax ON L1S 6B4
Direct line: 289 207 6242
In-person sessions in Durham Region, and virtual sessions across Ontario.
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon, by arrangement
