Andrea MacDonald

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Welcome! My name is Andrea MacDonald (She/Her), I am a Registered Master Level Social Worker and very passionate about providing people with a compassionate and transformative therapeutic experience. I seek to support people from all walks of life who wish to get to the root source of whatever concerns they bring to therapy; this requires creating a space of safety, vulnerability, humility, and compassion, which is what I offer my clients during their therapy sessions. My practice is guided by the belief that "It is only when compassion is present that people allow themselves to see the truth." A.H. Almaas. 

Central to my work are the principles of anti oppression, anti racism, and social justice, therefore I am sensitive to the intersectionalities of identity (i.e. gender, race, sexuality, class, disability) and how these shape people's lived experiences. I incorporate various evidence-based approaches to the therapeutic experience that aim to increase inner peace and mindfulness, teach effective skills to change old patterns and thrive, and guide people towards a deeper connection to their true selves, these include: The Compassionate Inquiry by Dr. Gabor Mate, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.  

I was born and raised in Nova Scotia. This is where I will always call home, as it formed my core values of authenticity, family, community and generosity. Two years ago I was seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle, and relocated to British Columbia. Having the ability to work remotely I now split my time between the two provinces, as well as extended time in Mexico during the Fall and Winter months. I spark joy by surrounding myself with loved ones, travelling, practicing yoga, and grounding in nature. I am passionate about wellness, healthy food, exercise, and practicing natural beauty and sustainable fashion. I love entertainment in all of its forms such as art, live music, culture, dancing, and film. 

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List of Specialities

Anxiety, Depression, Emotion Regulation, Stress Management, Life Transitions, PTSD, Trauma, ADHD, Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors, Women's Health/Issues, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Relationships, Acculturation, Immigration, Low Self Esteem, Personal Growth and Exploration, Career Counselling. 

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Trainings  

Compassionate Inquiry with Dr. Gabor Mate
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Advanced Motivational Interviewing
Structured Relapse Prevention for Addictions 
Not Just Naloxone, Harm Reduction and Addictions Training for First Nations