Hi, I’m Riley.
Riley McDonald, MC, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Founder
Info:
Accepting New Clients
Availability: Monday - Thursday
Sessions Offered: In Person and Virtual
Works With: Individuals (16+)
Email: riley@viewpointscounselling.ca
Areas of Focus:
Complex/ Relational Trauma & PTSD
Attachment/ Relationship Dynamics
Emotional Regulation
Anxiety/ Depression
Life Transitions
Approach
My approach to counselling is humanistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed, meaning I believe it is in our nature to move towards healing and personal growth within an authentic, non-judgemental, and empathic therapeutic relationship.
I also integrate various counselling approaches which fall under the umbrella of "experiential" psychotherapy. This means my theory of what leads to change involves accessing, experiencing, and ultimately updating or rewiring implicit (unconscious) beliefs and emotions. Put another way, I believe the emotionally impactful experiences from our past set the stage for how our brains automatically interpret the present and predict the future. These unconscious, automatic assumptions can lead to problematic emotional reactions, habits, and patterns in relationships, which in turn become the symptoms which bring us through the door for counselling.
An integrative style allows us to tailor the process to your individual needs and preferences, with a focus on helping you discover your internal strengths, while illuminating unconscious patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Studies have repeatedly found that the bond between client and therapist is the strongest determinant of progress in counselling, and the development of this alliance is my number one priority.
Experience
Prior to entering the counselling field, I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, where I majored in philosophy and minored in Hispanic studies. I spent time volunteering at a local treatment centre for underprivileged youth, as well as offering free counselling sessions at a local shelter for unhoused individuals.
I completed the Master of Counselling (MC) program at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. During this time I held a practicum position at a residential substance use treatment centre, where I facilitated both individual and group sessions. Upon returning to BC, I began working at a local clinic offering subzidised individual counselling.
After several years in private practice I have now ventured into the exciting area of expanding the Viewpoints Counselling team, with the goal of increasing the availability of quality mental health care in our community.
About Me
Since a young age I’ve had a keen interest in learning about others’ internal experiences. Growing up with a Dad who worked as a social worker and youth substance use counsellor meant my curiosity was always met with deep and meaningful conversations about the complexity of human nature.
I wavered between disciplines in my first year of university, eventually landing in philosophy where I felt a sense of familiarity in big questions and rationality. I learned that no idea is immune to being challenged, and that often when we hold onto a belief too strongly we restrict our own natural human tendency towards growth and actualization.
I primarily spend my free time either getting out into nature, staying physically active through running, rock climbing and surfing, or at home with my two cats. In keeping with my interest in human nature, I have developed a strong passion for travel, and continue to be an avid reader.