Shannon MacGregor

I use a combination of perspectives which include Family Systems, Cognitive, Experiential, and Transpersonal orientations. My therapy targets thinking, feeling and doing. This means that I will ask you questions about your family history, and look at how it relates to your current situation. You will become aware of patterns in your life that are not effective, look at the beliefs that drive them, and explore new options. I will invite you to take emotional risks in a safe environment, to reveal thoughts/feelings/experiences that you might not normally share. You may be invited to participate in exercises designed to help you achieve a new experience, new way of seeing, or dealing with the issue, rather than simply talking it through. My therapeutic philosophy is transpersonal (The term Transpersonal refers to the inter-connectedness of Life, Spirit, and Consciousness), which means that I operate from a non-religious, spiritual paradigm. In essence, I believe that human beings are more than their personal histories, and life experiences, and as such have tremendous potential for growth. We may explore your own personal spiritual base as it relates to how you operate in life, if this is relevant or of interest to you. I specialize in the areas of childhood trauma, anger management, relationships, and emotional release. My personal experiences have assigned me a keen skill set for how to uncover the blocks to one’s heart and body, and open to self-love and freedom. I also love expressive and creativity therapy, and we may explore new ways of working together. I have a deep passion for healing and strongly believe in the philosophy "Therapist heal thy self". Therapy is a stretch mentally and emotionally, a stretch that at times may feel quite uncomfortable. Over the course of therapy, clients often feel worse before they feel better (this is a sure sign that positive transformation is taking place), and there may be times when you feel overwhelmed as you seek to understand yourself, in light of the information you are being presented. Learning a new, more helpful way of being, requires courage and persistence. A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselling can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include: - Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values - Developing skills for improving your relationships - Finding resolution to the issues or concerns, that led you to seek therapy - Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety - Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures - Improving communications and listening skills - Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones - Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage - Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence