Frances MacDonald

Supportive

One of my biggest goals as a therapist is to identify what has brought you or your child to treatment and the road that has led you here. My focus is to gain a better understanding of the experiences that have taken place that led you to seek treatment for you or a child so that we can work together to find an intervention that can help. I understand that my clients come from different environments and experiences and what works for some may not work for others. A supportive approach allows clients to lead treatment through the development of a positive therapeutic relationship. Through this mutual partnership we will focus on your strengths (you have so many) while establishing a path towards growth. The goal of my practice is to help you and/or your child feel understood through a positive relationship based on mutual respect that helps you to believe in your ability to thrive.

Attachment-based

Through the use of attachment-based interventions the focus is placed on the relationship of the client and therapist. The goal of attachment-based practice is the development of a trusting and supportive relationship that can treat a variety of mental health problems. I have used this treatment while working with children and families involved in the foster care system that have experienced trauma related to attachment disruptions. This intervention has proven to be successful across all age ranges. Through the development of a safe, secure bond with the client and therapist my clients are better able to speak freely and openly while exploring how their current behaviors have been influenced by their earlier experiences. An attachment-based perspective not only helps clients to understand their behaviors but supports their caregivers in understanding how attachments influence behavior while working towards ways to help their children.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness practices can be used with clients of every age. For both children and adults these practices help us to focus on the present and the moments that bring us joy while changing thought patterns that influence our ability to continue on a path towards growth. This intervention can be used to treat a number of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, general emotional distress, trauma, and addiction. Mindfulness allows us to focus on what we are capable of in this moment while looking towards the future. Deep breaths.

Humanistic

Each of my clients are unique and hold so much value. Both children and adults are capable of overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. Humanistic practices take a strength-based approach that helps you to identify what gives you worth because there are so many reasons that you deserve to be heard and seen as a person. Through this approach my clients and I are equals in the therapeutic process and my focus is to provide empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard for you and what you or your child are capable of. We are capable of so much given the right support.