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Natahlie McKay

she/her

not currently accepting new clients

Meet Natahlie

I fundamentally believe that all human beings desire to feel connected, to belong, and to feel loved. However, throughout our lives we are sometimes led astray from this. Somewhere along the road we have become disconnected, both from each other, as well as from ourselves. My goal is to have the therapy room be a safe space to repair your relationship with yourself, as well as those around you.

 

Choosing a therapist is a big task, so I’d like to tell you a little bit about me so that you have the best chance at finding someone who is the perfect fit! A good way to sum me up is a small-town, B.C. girl that has ended up in the big city, Alberta world! On my days off you can often find me at the lake with my family, dancing around a fire, or having my nose buried in a book. Once I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria, I worked in the mental health field for 2 years before applying for my Master of Counselling in Calgary. 

 

Calgary felt like the perfect stepping stone in making Alberta feel like home. After completing schooling, I made the move to Edmonton. While I have seen firsthand the rivalry between the two cities, I have also noticed the many similarities. These include the incredible work-ethic of Albertans, as well as the strong sense of community in both cities. Moving to Edmonton also gave me the opportunity to continue working with a population I had become fond of while working at the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre. 

 

Working with marginalized populations provided me with the invaluable skill of being able to connect with people from all walks of life. Regardless of their socio-economic status, age, race, sexual orientation or gender. It also means that I am well versed in working with trauma, addictions, and complex mental health conditions. My experience has led me to develop a unique perspective that is at its core non-judgmental, person-centred and strengths-based. 

 

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I have had experience working with clients with a variety of concerns, ranging from managing diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, to improving their self-esteem. I do this by utilizing my training in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as drawing on a variety of other therapeutic orientations. I believe that treatment plans should be as unique as the individuals they are created for. 

 

My experience working in the inner city also means that our sessions may not look like the typical sessions you’ve seen in movies. I truly try to practice what I preach and promise to show up as my authentic self alongside you. This means that laughter will often be part of our sessions, as well as the possibility of a few swear words sprinkled in! 

 

At the end of the day, the biggest predictor of your success in therapy is the relationship that we build together. Personally, I can’t wait to get started! 

The greatest piece of advice I've received:

The greatest advice I've received would have to be "think your thoughts, feel your feelings, live your life." I heard it at a workshop for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and I felt like it was a great way to honour and validate what is going on internally, without allowing it to dictate your life! 

Something on my bucket list:

I'd love to go skydiving! I've been bungee jumping, and it was terrifying, but such a rush!

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My top 3 values:

Empathy

Kindness

Laughter

If I was an animal I'd be...

I've thought about this question so many times, my first inclination would be to say a dog because I love them so much! But if I genuinely had a choice I think I'd have to go with a bird. The freedom and lightness of flying is really beautiful to me. As well, I feel like they seem to have a good combination of being on their own as well as working as part of a flock. 

I have a day totally to myself, with no obligations. Where would you find me?

Depending on the weather, I would for sure be outside! Whether it's reading a book in the sun, or out on the boat with my family, I find that being outside is what grounds me. 

Besides my work, a special skill of mine:

It's a very nerdy skill... but speed reading! It is very much so a norm for me to read entire books in one sitting. 

My Myers-Briggs personality type:

ENFJ: The Protagonist

My Work

Populations I Work With
  • Adults of all ages

Areas of Practice
  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Addictions

  • Trauma/PTSD

  • Domestic Violence

  • Personality Disorders

  • Stress and burnout

  • Relationships

  • Identity issues

  • Psychosis

My Therapeutic Modalities
  • Person-centered

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Solution-focused

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Trauma-informed

Free phone consult

We understand that the right fit is important.

Contact us to schedule your free 20 minute phone consult

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