HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY...
Are you frustrated and confused about how your past affects your present?
Have others expressed concern about your anger or inability to communicate your feelings healthily?
Do you want to feel more in control of your life?
I help people make sense of their experiences and develop healthier ways of connecting to those in their life.
Common Reasons Why People Seek Psychotherapy
There are many reasons why people seek out psychotherapy. It is a common belief that therapy is only for those in crisis. This is far from the truth and in fact, many people find that psychotherapy is the missing piece in their wellness routine.
Some of the most common reasons why people seek out therapy may be for help with issues such as anxiety disorders or depression, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, to manage anger, family dysfunction, body image, workplace stresses, issues or questions around sexuality, relationship concerns, and dealing with unresolved issues from the past.
About Me
Kennedy McLean, MA
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), CCTP-II
I have always known this was the work I was meant to do. From a young age, I have had a deep understanding and appreciation of the pain others face. I was always drawn to help other people during difficult times.
I have spent years doing my own "work" in therapy which is necessary for the profession I chose but it also helps me stay connected to what it feels like to be a client. I know how hard it can be to reach out, to trust someone new and to find a connection to a therapist that feels safe.
I started my counselling career working with youth. I then moved into the world of addiction treatment. Since that time I have specialized in working with trauma/PTSD as a psychotherapist in Etobicoke.
I have experience working with individuals facing various mental health conditions and while I see people with all kinds of struggles in my current clinical practice, there are a few areas I specialize in, all of which are connected.
I am passionate about working with adolescents who have trouble with emotion regulation, self-harm, and any other behaviours that put themselves at risk. My second area of specialization is in working with substance abuse. I help those who are in early recovery and need ongoing support after being in residential treatment. I also work with individuals who wish to process the trauma that is often the reason for their substance abuse. Which brings me to my third area of specialization, trauma/PTSD. I help those who have past trauma, with or without a diagnosis of PTSD.
If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. I believe in curiosity rather than judgment and consider it a privilege to be a part of your journey.
-Kennedy
Treatment Philosophy
There are many forms of practice or types of therapy out there that will promise to offer you immediate relief or claim to be a quick-fix. I believe that the only way to achieve permanent and positive change is to address the cause of your difficulties.
The type of therapy I practice, while still considered short term treatment, is typically anywhere from 6 months to two years. The length of time in therapy is dependent on many factors and can be discussed during our initial session. My background is psychodynamic/attachment-based, however, I take an integrative approach to mental health, tailoring treatment to the distinct needs of each person.
For many clients, this means our time together is spent working from an Interpersonal or Psychodynamic framework. At times we may it helpful to bring in elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or mindfulness.
One important consideration to keep in mind is that research has consistently shown that the therapeutic alliance (the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client) is the strongest predictor of whether or not therapy is successful.
