Counselling and Psychotherapy
You may feel as if you are currently going through a difficult time, or you may feel like something is different and you can’t quite figure it out.
Going through this alone may feel like an overwhelming task, we are here to talk and help you work through this together.
We believe that the road to finding happiness and freedom begins with a simple principle, understanding that some things are within our control and some things are not.
Whether you are controlled by anxiety, dreading the “what ifs” of the future. Or you are stuck in the past and find it difficult to move on, we believe we can help you.
Offered Services
Anxiety
Addictions
Anger
Relationship Issues
Life Transitions
Depression
Family Conflict
Mens Issues
Self-Esteem
Chronic Pain
Greif
PTSD
Trauma
Stress
Mood Disorders
Psychotherapists
Brent McKay, BScN, RN, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Hello and welcome! I want you to know that building a strong therapeutic alliance is my top priority as a therapist. In my practice, I utilize several evidence-based approaches, including Adlerian psychotherapy, CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, somatic and mindfulness techniques. All of which are tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am dedicated to understanding you from you’re own experiences and working on an individual basis to help each, and every person realize their strengths to find their own solutions.
I provide psychological services to individuals 18 and over who are experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, anger management, self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, and stress. I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and I approach each client with kindness, acceptance, and a desire to learn.
During my tenure as a registered nurse, I have worked with people who suffer from addictions, trauma, major mental illness, depression, and anxiety. I have years of practice utilizing CBT techniques, Adlerian techniques, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and person-centred modalities. In a situation where emotions have overtaken rationale, I strive to reorient people by validating how they feel, helping them find options, and giving them the opportunity to make choices.
McKay Psychotherapy is supervised by a Clinical Psychologist.
Counselling Services
I use an individual based, eclectic approach that utilizes aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, Adlerian psychotherapy, psychodynamics, and mindfulness. I work with clients to understand how certain past experiences have influenced the way they see themselves, the world, and their future. I help people understand the connections between their thoughts, behaviors and emotions. I also teach mindfulness skills.
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a regulated practice in Ontario that is designed to help a person change their behaviors, overcome problems, and increase happiness. This process happens through the use of scientifically based psychological methods. Psychotherapy has been shown to be as effective, or more so, when compared to pharmaceutical interventions like antidepressants. But every individual is different and may require a combined therapy approach. While psychotherapy can be used to treat nearly all mental health problems, some of the most common include:
Mood disorders like depression, personality disorders (bipolar, borderline), and bipolar disorders.
Anxiety disorders like avoidance, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders, and phobias.
Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia.
Major mental illnesses like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Psychotherapy can also help individuals who may not have a psychiatric diagnosis but are looking for help to deal with life stress and conflicts. Some common examples of these situations include:
Conflict resolution with friends, associates, family, and partners.
Loss of a loved one, divorce, or loss of career.
Direction of life, school, or career.
Recovery from physical and sexual abuse.
Reducing stress related to work, family, or any situation.
Managing unhealthy behaviors such as anger, avoidance, and lifestyle choices.
Improving sleep
Dynamics of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process that begins with the development of the therapeutic alliance between the counsellor and client. To improve outcomes in counselling and psychotherapy, you can take a few steps during the process to get the best results. These include:
Honesty. The psychodynamic process requires that a client does not hold back and explores the nuanced thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs; despite how difficult or embarrassing it may seem.
Comfortability. To explore the uncomfortable and painful experiences that are a part of your story, you need to feel comfortable with the counsellor that you have. If you are not comfortable with something, be sure to speak candidly with your therapist so it can be resolved.
Participation. As stated before, the process of psychotherapy is designed to be a partnership between the client and the therapist. A piece of this partnership is an effort on your part to be active with your therapy, complete homework that may be given, do journaling, and attend your sessions.
Expectations. There is no such thing as a “magic pill” in mental health treatment, it takes time and a continual effort to make changes in your life. Therapy can be painful and it may take a few sessions before you are able to get through your story and describe what your issues are and how you would like to approach treating them.
“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.”
— Alfred Adler
Contact Information
Brent Mckay
22 Courthouse Ave. unit 200, Brockville On.
phone: 613-519-7948
email: brent@mckaypsychotherapy.ca