Kristin Harris-McDonald Licensed Psychologist

We start out making sure that you have coping skills for use when you need them, such as self-soothing, distraction, and improving the moment. I use various techniques to help heal underlying issues of depression, including healing past wounds that contribute to depression.

Anxiety is a thief of hope and being in the present. Anxiety often makes it very difficult to focus on the here and now and be fully present in your life. I empower clients with coping skills, such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and accessible mindfulness exercises to manage anxiety. I also use various techniques to heal underlying wounds that drive anxiety symptoms.

I have a broad definition of trauma, which includes many negative influences that can happen in our lives. Whether your trauma is a big ,middle. or little T, I work with you to uncover and heal the issues that are keeping you stuck. I primarily use Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) for this important work, and I also use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT.) I am trauma informed and skilled at working with clients where they are, to make lasting change.

Have you ever been really mad, but found out it was really because you were hurt or sad? I work in part by helping people uncover the primary emotions underneath their secondary emotions. This allows a deeper understanding of emotions and enables deeper healing.

CPT is an evidence-based treatment for trauma. It is very structured, organized, and helpful for those who like to have a lot of logic and understanding of the process of their trauma treatment. I have been practicing CPT since 2018, and I have found it very helpful for many people with all kinds of trauma issues.

EMDR is a brain-based, evidence-based treatment that applies to a wide variety of issues. EMDR is know primarily for treating trauma, using bilateral stimulation (tapping, auditory, or eye movements) to assist reprocessing negative memories and storing them in a healthy way. You keep the memory, but lose the intense feeling associated with it. I am skilled in EMDR protocols for various issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues.