T. A. (Tempest) McDonald (she/they)

PHD, MS, LPC-MHSP
Accepting Clients

Multicultural, LGBTQIAP+, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Mental Health Counseling. Trauma-informed for all approaches. I am neurodiv. & queer

Licensed Professional Counselor in Nashville, TN

About My Clients

I work with clients who are struggling with anxiety and depression, learning to unmask, encountering marginalization, struggling in relationships, managing co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, and more. I work with clients to tailor approaches to their needs. I am well aware of ways that therapies have been historically weaponized against marginalized and divergent people. I will discuss these concerns and, together, we will create a unique approach tailored just for you.

My Background and Approach

I am Dr. T. A. Meridian McDonald, PhD, MS, LPC, Counselor and Director of Spectrum For Life Counseling. I am a multiply neurodivergent therapist and published researcher who is passionate about helping all clients, including those with neurodivergent conditions (diagnosed or self-identified), achieve personal growth. As a scientist and educator on neurodivergent conditions for over 20 years, I have helped individuals, families, and community members better understand the value of neurodivergent people and the challenges they face. My work on co-occurring conditions (mental and physical health) experienced by neurodivergent people compelled me to bring my knowledge and skills from research settings to directly working with individuals in the community. As part of my practice, I support clients in self-empowerment which can take many forms. I tailor my practice to help clients identify and meet challenges, leverage their strengths and develop skills to increase life fulfillment.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Divergent people are often blamed (by others or by themselves) for their past and current challenges, road blocks, and negative experiences. However, it is essential to take a holistic approach to mental health and deeply understand contributing factors. Many parts of one's life are interconnected with all parts impacting mental health. I use my extensive interdisciplinary training and broad experience to my client's situations. Together, we identify imbalances in power structures (past and present), co-occurring conditions that drain energy and mental and bodily resources, relationship conflicts and patterns, internal parts and internal conflict, and more to locate core reasons the client is experiencing diminished wellbeing. I believe that clients gain self-empowerment from support that fosters new perspectives and helps them gain new skills. I work with clients to identify their core values and sense of life purpose(s).

At A Glance

  • Experience: 4 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $200/session

Reach out to T. A. (Tempest)