Brent McKay
BScN, Registered Nurse Psychotherapist
I 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, I believe I can help. I am dedicated to building a therapeutic alliance with my clients 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.
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, psychodynamic techniques, 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.
My nursing experience has led me to become interested in becoming a psychotherapist with an emphasis on psychological interventions which promote social contributions, connectedness, lifestyle, and directionality. I work with people to understand the biological, psychological, and sociological factors which create problems in their lives and keep them going. I have over 8 years of experience working in acute psychiatry, community mental health, developmental disability support, assertive treatment, crisis teams, forensic and correctional psychiatry. I have also worked as a clinical instructor in mental health nursing for the “registered practical nurse” program at St. Lawrence College. I am a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in nursing at Laurentian University in Sudbury Ontario. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University in New Brunswick, with plans to graduate in December of 2023.
When I work with you, I will emphasize the importance of the therapeutic alliance and I will teach you to utilize emotional regulation strategies, mindfulness strategies, cognitive behavioral principles, and psychodynamic methods. I will be dedicated to working with you on an individual basis to help you recognize destructive patterns, realize your strengths, and find the courage to keep trying in the face of adversity.