Briar MacDonald

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

M.A. Counselling Psychology, B.A.Psychology
IFS--Trained Therapist

Hello! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, academic stress, learning strategies and self-compassion. I bring 10+ years of experience working in the mental health field with adults and youth.

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You may feel that your behaviours or interactions with the world are no longer working, and this may be getting in the way of your social relationships. These ways of being probably worked for you in some ways in the past, and now your system needs something more (you)! I'm here to validate the ways you have found to cope, and to help you find ways of being that feel right and good to you now.

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I can appreciate how difficult it can be to show your vulnerable parts and to enter therapy. I have navigated some challenging family dynamics myself, so I understand how important it is to feel heard. I am here to listen to and see you so you can feel safe and comfortable to explore things in our sessions.

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I believe that the space we meet in should hold you and the body you walked in with. I encourage you to arrive as you, dressed comfortably as you, perhaps with a snack or coffee, perhaps with your creative side, your visuals and poems or stories.

You can bring your feelings, your way of being and speaking, and together we can make this therapy space our own. I will bring a sense of humour (when it's right) and you are welcome to bring whatever feels right to you. I collaborate with you in our work, and any feedback you give me I consider as a show of trust and a gift in our therapeutic relationship. 

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The work I do is anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and focuses on your strengths. My style as a therapist is client--centred and IFS-informed integrating CBT, DBT and Solutions Focused techniques.

I bring experience from roles at the Niagara Distress Centre and Homewood Health Inc., whereby I provided immediate crisis support, active listening, and resources to clients and members of the community. These roles have helped to develop my risk assessment abilities and crisis management skills. I also worked with Family and Children's Services, the District School Board of Niagara, and Brock University supporting complex mental health and academic challenges.

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I completed graduate studies at Yorkville University, and undergraduate studies at Brock University. I have since completed training in Internal Family Systems - IFS therapy sometimes referred to as parts work. I completed a post-graduate certification in CBT I & II at Wilfred Laurier University, and I was certified in High Five - Principles of Healthy Child Development. 

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Outside of my clinical work I am passionate about teaching, and consider myself a lifelong learner. I prioritize education and learning opportunities so I can better support the needs of my clients. The more I know the more I can bring creativity and flexibility into our sessions.

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I look forward to working with you!

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