Michele MacDonald

Hi there, and welcome. It's great to meet you. Embarking on the path of therapy is a courageous step toward self-discovery, healing, and growth. It's a journey that promises profound insights, emotional breakthroughs, and transformative change. However, the road to finding the right therapist can often be fraught with uncertainty, confusion, and challenges. I invite you into this experience with warmth and acceptance, and I am here to help you navigate the journey.

I'm Michele, a licensed Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I earned a BA in Psychology from Saint Mary's University and an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals on their healing and personal growth journeys.

My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in humanistic philosophy, valuing everyone's inherent worth and potential. I believe in meeting individuals where they are in life - creating a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I practice from a person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens and integrate ideas from mindfulness-based approaches, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I empower my clients to identify their strengths and resources, focusing on practical strategies to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and preferences. I respect that you are the expert on your life and journey.

I provide support to individuals aged 16 and up and couples. My areas of focus include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication, emotional expression and regulation, self-esteem, stress, and life transitions. I approach individuals with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity, recognizing the importance of honouring their unique experiences and perspectives. I have training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy (Level 2), which has equipped me with specialized skills to work with couples to enhance friendship and build shared meaning within their relationships. I'm passionate about helping couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and navigate conflicts in healthy and constructive ways.

I'm committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed about the latest research and best practices in counselling therapy. I'm also dedicated to providing my clients with evidence-based interventions and high-quality care, ensuring they receive the support and guidance they need to thrive.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending time outdoors; you can typically find me camping at Provincial parks around NS in the summertime or wandering around Point Pleasant Park by the water. I also enjoy practicing mindfulness and yoga, reading a good book (fiction and non-fiction!), relaxing on the couch with a good TV show or movie, and spending time with my partner and our kitty cat friend, Vivica. I believe in the power of connection with oneself and others and strive to foster meaningful relationships in all aspects of my life.

I am honoured to walk alongside my clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. With my compassionate presence and dedication to client-centred care, I am committed to helping individuals and couples create positive change and live more fulfilling lives.

I look forward to meeting you, 

Michele