Kelsey McDonald
Psychotherapist
Kelsey (she/her) has been providing counselling and consulting services in support of equity and inclusion for many years. As a settler living and offering services on Treaty 1 territory, Kelsey’s personal pledge of Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples (Joseph & Joseph, 2019)* is to advocate for the rights of children and youth in accordance with Call to Action #7.
Kelsey believes that people come to therapy when they are ready for life to feel different. From her own lived experiences, Kelsey understands that the idea of seeking support can be intimidating. It takes courage to reach out, and the act of arriving here on this page is a bold first step. Kelsey also knows that in time, we can heal, and learn to include our painful experiences as one part of our life’s journey.
Kelsey’s approach to counselling is client-centered, which means that while the therapeutic process is collaborative, ultimately you are in control of what is and is not discussed in your sessions.
Kelsey works from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework; she strives to build ‘power-with’ relationships (versus ‘power-over’) with clients. She values the knowledge and experiences you bring to the work; you are the expert on you, and you decide if anything in the process feels too fast, too soon, or too much. Kelsey welcomes feedback on your experiences with her, and you can count on her to be candid during your work together.
In her spare time, you will find Kelsey experimenting with new recipes, spoiling her dogs, or reading (everything from soup to nuts). Below is one of her favourite poems; a lovely epigram about the healing power of inclusion.
Kelsey works with individuals age 16+. If you are interested in working with her, we invite you to connect with Kelsey via email or her booking link.
Outwitted
He drew a circle that shut me out –
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!
By Edwin Markham
