Tara MacGillivray Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP

Welcome!

For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in helping people. For over 17 years, I have been working with individuals, couples, and families, walking beside them through challenging times and helping them to make positive changes in their lives. I believe strongly in helping clients identify and build upon their already-existing strengths, and I focus on empowering my clients as I help to heal their wounds.

Coming to therapy can be difficult for many people, but you are not alone! With my empathetic and nonjudgmental approach, I will support you along the way. The relationship between client and therapist is one that I place high value on, and you can expect that you will be treated respectfully and as an equal during our sessions.

For many years, I was employed in the child welfare field, working with children and adult survivors and perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and trauma. This experience has helped build a strong foundation for my psychotherapy work with both children and adults. My areas of interest include helping people who have experienced all sorts of life challenges including but not limited to trauma, anxiety, separation/divorce, relationship difficulties, grief, depression, self-esteem, and intimate partner violence. I focus on building a foundation of trust with my clients and work with them at their own individual pace to help them move forward in managing life’s hardships, tailoring my services to each client’s unique needs.

I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches to psychotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for trauma, and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT). I also use a trauma-informed and client-centered approach with clients.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. I am also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I am supervised by Heidi Hanson- Thompson, MA, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist.

I have been an active community member for many years, as a former director on the board of directors for a sexual assault counselling clinic, as well as a representative on a community network against abuse, and a representative at the Situation Table in SD&G in past years. I am also an accredited practitioner of five different Triple P positive parenting programs and I bring the experience and knowledge that I have gained through these opportunities into my therapy practice.

To learn more about my services or to set up a free 15-minute telephone consultation, please email me or visit my website at www.newheightspsychotherapy.com.