Sarah MacDonald MA, RP
Welcome. I’m truly glad you’re here. Taking the step to seek help can feel daunting; however, it’s also a powerful decision. I offer compassionate counselling in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, specializing in trauma and PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety. Together, we’ll explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that might make you feel stuck while also identifying and reshaping beliefs about yourself and the world.
In my work, I believe you are the expert of your own life. Therefore, my commitment is to understand your unique experiences and learn from you, all while holding a space of hope for positive change. My aim is to help you feel safe and capable of coping again. Most importantly, your story and voice matter in our work together.
I began my healing journey early in my life.
As a young child, I faced the unexpected loss of a close friend, triggering intense emotions and grief that sparked various mental health challenges. Thankfully, I began seeing a therapist shortly after. With that support, I learned valuable coping skills for the pain I was carrying. Because of this safe space, I was able to express my thoughts and feelings more openly, which taught me that I was not alone. Over time, I realized that I wanted to offer others the same support I had received.
My Qualifications and Background
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience, holding a Master of Arts in Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University. In my work, I combine personal experience as well as professional education and training to understand your struggles. I also engage in therapy myself, bringing that perspective into my practice.
To deepen my expertise in trauma, PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety, I have also completed extensive training, including:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills
- Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS)
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Motivational Interviewing for addiction and substance use
- Somatic Experiencing (Beginning I)
If you're in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and are looking for counselling, please reach out. When you're ready to walk this path, I will be here.
Warmly,
Sarah