Sheena McGillivray
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
M.A. Counselling Psychology, B.A. Psychology
Welcome! My focus is working with trauma and relational experiences. I work with a broad range of clients, and also have a special interest in the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ and/or neurodivergent individuals.
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You may sometimes feel overly aware, overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected or dysregulated. Or perhaps you feel defeated, doubt yourself (harshly) or experience intense shame, guilt or fear. Maybe you have even been told how self-aware you are but not how this contributes to your difficulties.
Self-awareness is deeply important, but it can also be deeply debilitating. I can relate to this! I am here to check-in with you every step of the way to ensure we are working together in ways that are unique to you and genuinely meaningful to you.
My lived experiences as a queer, late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic (AuDHD) inform the unique perspective I bring to my role. I know first hand that differences don't mean there is anything “wrong” with you, but rather that you are navigating a world that wasn’t designed for everyone.
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Let's take some of the burden of explanation and advocacy off of you, and make a space for you to create your own sense of emotional safety and stability; to feel more present and at-ease in your daily life; to deepen your self-understanding and sense of self; and to foster self-advocacy and acceptance for the past, present, and future you.​
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I believe in the power of self-compassion and self-acceptance, knowing that it’s possible to love and care for ourselves as we are, while still working to change and grow in ways that serve us. You are never "too much" and you are always enough. Progress, over perfection!
I completed my graduate studies at Yorkville University, and undergraduate studies at Brock University. I am currently completing foundational training in IFS, and in 2025 I will begin training in AF-EMDR.
No amount of clinical knowledge or training can replace the trust, bond, and mutual respect that form the foundation of our work together. This bond allows us to engage in real, honest dialogue, where both of us bring our authentic selves to the space. It is through this connection that meaningful change can occur.
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I look forward to working with you!
Subjects:
Anxiety, Depression, Mood, Trauma, Attachment Issues, ADHD, ASD, Executive Functioning Difficulties, Impacted Self-Worth, Existential Feelings, Identity-Related Experiences, Maladaptive Schemas, Negative Core Beliefs, Grief and Loss, Sleep Issues, Addiction, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Ideation
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Types of Therapy:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, CBT, MI, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, SFT, Psychodynamic, Narrative, Existential, Schema, Mindfulness, Body-Centered Somatic therapies, Polyvagal, IFS-Informed
My Pronouns:
she/her
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Beyond my Work:
I love to laugh and you will very likely hear me crack a few jokes (I can’t promise they will all be funny). I am very artsy fartsy and adore all things creative and crafty. Playing guitar, playing piano, singing, dancing, crocheting, painting, drawing, embroidering, you name it! I am also a huge nerd when it comes to pop culture and learning about us as humans in any way. I love music, movies, TV shows, video games, reading, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and more. I am usually enjoying these activities and experiences alongside my sidekick (my cat) Hades as I absolutely love animals and connecting with nature too!
More about me, and how I work...
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
If you find yourself avoiding or suppressing certain thoughts, emotions and sensations (but they keep popping back up) I can help you to recognize and accept uncomfortable human emotions and thoughts. Together we can also work on your identity, self-worth, and self-compassion by exploring your concepts of self and your values.
Mindfulness and Somatic Therapies
I recognize and highly value the mind-body connection and how influential it can be. I integrate aspects of mindfulness and various body-centered/somatic therapies to help strengthen this body-mind connection so that you might feel more present and attuned with your body in ways that can help with nervous system regulation and processing emotional tension and/or trauma that your body may be holding.
Neurodivergent Friendly DBT
This reframed version of DBT aligns with my neurodiversity-affirming approach. I find this modality helpful to integrate for those looking to develop more structured knowledge, strategies and skills that can aid with mindfulness, working through intense emotions, coping with distressing experiences, and managing sensory needs. Psychodynamic
This modality can help us to explore early childhood and other past experiences that you may be having difficulty processing, and how these past experiences could be impacting you currently, even in ways that you may not yet realize.
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Narrative
I can support you to find your voice and develop your identity by unfolding your story together. We can then work together to reframe your story in ways that help you to make sense of some of your experiences and embrace yourself as you are. I also utilize this approach and some of the other modalities to engage in inner child work.
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Existential
Identity, meaning, the unknown, mortality, and other topics about existence may come up. We can explore these in ways that are meaningful to you and that can help you to feel more grounded through your values and sense of self.