“It is only when compassion is present that people allow themselves to see the truth.”
A.H. Almaas.
The Ailm, Holistic Psychotherapy
My name is Andrea MacDonald, I am a Registered Master Social Worker, and am deeply passionate and grateful to serve as a therapist, offering support to individuals from all walks of life. My commitment lies in helping people delve into the core of the concerns they bring to therapy, with the aim of fostering healing, understanding, and positive change. Trust and confidence are crucial elements in the counseling process, therefore I am committed to creating a space of genuine compassion, warmth, humility, and respect.
I believe in practicing therapy from a holistic approach that explores various facets of individuals’ lives and identities. I am sensitive to the intersectionalities of identity, including factors like gender, race, sexuality, class, and disability, I believe this is essential in understanding the unique lived experiences of each individual. I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of clients from diverse backgrounds, incorporating principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and social justice to address systemic issues that can affect people’s mental health.
I am trained in a number of evidence-based approaches such as The Compassionate Inquiry developed by Dr. Gabor Mate, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Skilled use in each of these approaches has the ability to help individuals heal from past traumas, develop compassionate introspection, and increase inner peace and mindfulness. I teach effective skills that can change old patterns that no longer serve us, and guide people towards a deeper connection to their authentic selves.
My Story
I was born and raised in a small town called Antigonish Nova Scotia; the beautiful province of Nova Scotia is a place that is very dear to me, as it formed my core values of authenticity, family, community and generosity. I have a close-knit and supportive family consisting of my parents, two older sisters, and two nieces, all who hold a special place in my life.
I completed my education at Dalhousie University in Halifax, and started my career as a Child Welfare Social Worker, eventually going on to complete my Masters and becoming a Clinical Therapist in the public Mental Health system. These experiences were invaluable to understanding the social determinants of health. Three years ago, I was seeking a change of scenery, and I relocated to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where I continued my work in the public mental health system. This move was a transformative and positive step in my journey as it served as a catalyst for my confidence to start my own therapy practice.
My connection to the helping professions began at a young age. My Mother’s work as a palliative care nurse and her humanitarian efforts, including starting a non-profit organization in Africa, have had a significant impact on me. Her work in palliative care involved providing compassionate end of life care to individuals and families, which I found to be deeply inspiring. Her involvement in humanitarian work, especially in Africa, exposed me to different cultures, social issues, and the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
Some of the ways I spark joy in my life include: surrounding myself with loved ones, connecting with old and new friends, hosting dinners and gatherings, travelling to new and familiar places, practicing yoga, attending retreats and workshops, reading and researching, camping, hiking, and creating a comfortable place to call home. I enjoy all things wellness – cooking and seeking out healthy foods, local beauty products and sustainable fashion. I have an appreciation for various forms of entertainment – live music, international cuisine, dance, culture, photography, and film. I love to have fun!
It’s often said that when you find a career path that aligns with your passions and gifts, it can lead to a deeply fulfilling and purposeful life. Following my intuition to be a Therapist has been, and continues to be, a wonderful journey.
Common Areas of Practice
- Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Stress Tolerance
- Remote Workers in the Technology Industry
- Immigrants and Cross Cultural Identities
- Identity, Self-Exploration, Self Esteem
- Trauma (at any life stage) Recovery and Transformation
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD)
- Navigating Relationships and Dating, Attachment Styles
- Life Transitions, Retirement, Expatriates
- Substance Use
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Sex and Sexuality
- Chronic Health Concerns & Women’s Health
Although these are my areas of my specialization, I am open to anyone who would like to connect with me.
Why The Ailm
I am inspired by the ancestral wisdom of my Celtic heritage, along with the wisdom and traditions of the First Nations people whose traditional territory is where I had the privilege of being born; therefore calling my practice The Ailm. The Ailm symbol is the 20th letter of the ancient Celtic alphabet, Ogham. In Celtic symbolism, The pine tree is considered a symbol of longevity, inner strength and wisdom. The outer circle that surrounds the tree, represents a balanced and complete soul.
In First Nations cultures, the pine tree’s evergreen nature, which allows it to stay green and vibrant throughout the year, especially in harsher northern climates, is associated with the idea of enduring strength and resilience. The medicinal properties of pine needles can be used in various ways for cleansing and healing.
My Services
My practice is currently online, and I am registered to provide therapy to individuals residing in British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
I use a secure and compliant virtual platform called Doxy, as well as a secure VPN that protects my device and internet connection from possible privacy interferences.
- Privacy and Security: Doxy.me is designed for healthcare providers and is known for its focus on privacy and security. It uses encrypted communication to protect patient data. It also complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- User-Friendly: Doxy.me is often praised for its user-friendly interface, it also does not require as much internet bandwidth than other platforms such as ZOOM, making it accessible for both providers and clients in various locations.
- Express VPN: A VPN (virtual private network) is the easiest and most effective way for people to protect their internet traffic and keep their identities private online. As you connect to a secure VPN server, your internet traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel that nobody can see into, including hackers, governments, and your internet service provide
Initial Consultation
I offer a free 30 minute consultation for anyone who is interesting in working with me. This is an opportunity to establish a rapport and get to know each other, assess your unique needs, and set goals for your therapeutic experience.
Individual Therapy
I currently offer virtual, one-on-one short and long term therapy through an online platform to anyone in Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia. Sessions are normally 60 minutes long and cost $120.
Presentations & Consultations
I provide informative presentations to raise awareness and practices about various topics relating to mental health and wellness. Whatever the audience, I can tailor the content to your needs and audience.
Common Presentation Topics and Areas of Consultation:
- Mental Health Awareness: Increasing mental health awareness and dispelling myths or misconceptions about a particular topics is crucial for reducing stigma, providing support, and promoting well-being in individuals and communities.
- Trauma Informed: Becoming more trauma-informed is a process that involves developing an understanding of trauma, its impact, and implementing practices that support individuals who have experienced trauma.
- Anti-oppression, Anti-racism and Cultural Competency: Incorporating anti-oppressive, anti-racism, and cultural competency practices into the workplace or any organization or educational setting is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals.
- Substance Use Education: Understanding the complexities of substance use and its impact is crucial. My presentations address this topic with a focus on harm reduction, prevention, and support.
- Career and Workplace Issues: Navigating challenging dynamics in the workplace and as a remote worker can be a significant hurdle. I offer insights and strategies to foster a healthier relationship to your work, improve communication, and promote a sense of purpose.
- Program Development: Assist in developing and implementing mental health programs or counselling services within organizations or communities.
It’s important to note that while online therapy has numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. The effectiveness of online therapy can vary based on the individual’s needs and the specific therapeutic approach. Some individuals may still prefer face-to-face therapy for a more personal connection or due to the nature of their situation and concerns.
Payment and Insurance
After each session, I send an invoice through QuickBooks, which gives you various payment options, I also accept email bank transfer. Upon receiving payment I will issue a receipt, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Counselling with a Registered Social Worker is covered under most extended health benefit plans.
Schedule Appointment
I invite you to get in touch with me for more information or to discuss how I can tailor my services to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to discuss therapy, costs, or looking for a speaker to raise awareness, provide consultation, or program development, I’m here to help.
