CONNIE MCDONALD
CSW
ACT, IFS, SOMATIC PROCESSES
I believe every human has innate worth and value, but we can become distracted or disconnected from that through the course of life. The greatest source of healing comes from a deeper connection with the self. Through building a personal relationship to ourselves we influence every other aspect of our lives.
By empowering clients to cultivate internal attachment through mind, body and heart, together we witness you becoming your own source of trust, growth and resilience.
I look forward to the chance to work together and congratulate you on taking the steps to show up for yourself which in turn impacts the people you care about and the world around you. Even one small change makes a difference and you are doing it.
TREATMENT APPROACH
I strive to offer a deep well of compassion, care and intuition. I find great joy in reflecting your strengths, growth and progress back to you. Through helping you determine what is holding you back and how you can make changes to live the life you desire, together we can make a difference in your life.
SPECIALITIES
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Trauma
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Grief
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Life Transitions
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Spirituality
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Domestic Violence
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Sexual Assault
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Divorce
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Depression
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Anxiety
AGE OF SPECIALITY
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Pre-teens
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Adolescents
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Young Adult
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Adults
TYPES OF THERAPY
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Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
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Somatic Practices
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Internal Family Systems (IFS)
"The wound is the place where the light enters you."
-Rumi
KNOW YOUR THERAPIST
WHAT DID YOU GET YOUR DEGREE(S) IN AND WHERE FROM?
Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education- Utah State University Master of Social Work - Utah State University Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) Transcend Yoga
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
I began my professional life as an Elementary School Teacher. I loved that work, but eventually felt drawn to be able to do more on an one-on-one level. Working with individuals is where my passion lies. I am honored to be amongst the profession of social workers, as we help confront the injustice in the world through human empowerment and building on the strengths we can see.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A THERAPIST?
Witnessing the pain, healing and growth of humans is an honor. I feel that our healing is co-liberated and as we make changes as individuals it ripples to the world around us. This hope for connection keeps me facing the wind each day hoping for the sun on my face. Being a therapist has allowed me to feel the vastness of our humanity every day and that makes me feel the most alive.
WHATS YOUR THERAPEUTIC APPROACH?
My approach has been guided by the healing I have seen in the world around me. I lean toward a holistic approach combining the structure of evidence-based practices with eastern philosophy of mindfulness and awareness. This helps me to provide a regulated and calming atmosphere where connection and healing can root in the space we share together. Overall, my goal is to meet my clients where they are at, understanding that we are all riding the waves of life, and when you have the oars, you can head in the direction you want to go.
WHAT KIND OF HOMEWORK OR ASSIGNMENTS DO YOU GIVE CLIENTS?
My preferred method is when clients are able to make their own commitments at the end of our sessions. Usually that includes something their intuition has told them during our time together. We often practice the act of "noticing" without judgment when it comes to homework and following through with assignments, as even the not doing is something to be aware of together.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST SESSION WITH YOU?
Something has motivated you to seek out a therapist. My recommendation is to spend a little time thinking about what you hope to address or gain from therapy. From there we can talk about your goals and communicate the best ways for you to reach them.