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Donna McLean (She/Her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, BA Honours (Psychology), MSW, RSW
 therapist: Donna McLean,
In-Person in Halifax, NS B3H 2V9
Online in Multiple Canadian Provinces New Brunswick, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario
If you are struggling with mental health challenges, with challenges in your relationships or your work life, I provide a safe, accepting, client centred space for you to explore, gain insight, tap into your wisdom, and find direction and healing. I am a compassionate and mindful listener, and draw on a range of tools and therapeutic approaches, as well as the wisdom that comes with experience, to help you with your goals. I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your challenges and answer any questions you have of me.

Client Focus

Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior
Demographic Expertise: Buddhist, LGBTQ+ clients.
Languages: English, conversational German.

Treatment Approach

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
Approach Description: Our first session is about getting more information on the challenges that are bringing you in, and on your background. In the first few sessions of therapy with individuals, we will mutually identify what your goals are and how we can work together. I do Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples and draw on different tools and therapies with individuals depending on your goals. Internal Family Systems and EMDR can help you heal from past experiences that are affecting you today. Mindfulness based tools can help you come into your body and work with difficult thoughts and emotions.

Fees & Insurance

Fees
  • Average Session Fee $170 Individuals, $180 couples
Insurance
  • Accepts Insurance
  • Most insurance policies pay for my services, e.g. Medavie Blue Cross, Sunlife, Manulife, and Canada Life. You can check with your insurance to see if they pay for psychotherapy with a registered social worker.

Education & Credentials

Donna McLean BA Honours (Psychology), MSW, RSW
  • Female
  • License # 2864
  • Licensed in NS
  • Practicing Since 2010
Education: I have an B.A. honours degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Social Work. I have extensive training in EMDR and in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, and have Level 1 and 2 certificates in Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as certificates in ACT and Solution Focused Therapy.

Donna McLean Practice Details

Therapy Sessions
  • Available In-Person in Halifax, NS B3H 2V9
  • Available Online for residents of Multiple Canadian Provinces New Brunswick, Newfoundland And Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario
  • Online Therapy Details: I use NousTalk as a video platform and client management system. It meets requirements of Canadian privacy laws. You will get reminders about your appointment and change or book your own appointments.
Donna McLean Practice Description
I work with people from many backgrounds, including young adults and older adults, people with neurodiversity, people in the LGBTQ+ community, and people from international backgrounds. I offer therapy to individuals and couples. My office is in a historic Victorian era house in the south end of Halifax, and I also meet with people online and by telephone. I can see people in person in Halifax and electronically in other locations.

Practice Overview

989 Young Avenue
Available both in-person and online
16 Years Experience
Couple, Individual

Office Hours

Tuesday
9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday
9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday
9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday
9:30am - 5:30pm

Driving Directions

I'm on the corner of Inglis Street and Young Avenue, in the south end of Halifax, near Saint Mary's University. It's a victorian house with the sign "Local Council of Women" above the door.

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