Lindsey MacDonald, originally from Cape Breton Island, has called Halifax home for the last two decades. During her 20+ year career in education, Lindsey has held roles such as Learning Centre Teacher, Student Support Teacher, Transition Teacher, Department Head for Student Services, and is also currently working as a School Counsellor with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. With an impressive educational background that spans across diverse fields of mental health and education, Lindsey holds three Masters of Education degrees in: Counselling from Acadia University; Leadership and Administration with a focus on Mental Health from St. Francis Xavier University; and Curriculum Studies with a focus on Supporting Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities from Mount Saint Vincent University. She also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of New Brunswick as well as a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Psychology, from Saint Mary's University.
As a Registered Counselling Therapist-Candidate (RCT-C) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.), Lindsey’s approach is all about connection, understanding, empathy, and supporting growth. She has a special knack for helping people discover their strengths, skills, and talents. Lindsey believes in the power of hope, resilience, and the unique potential in everyone, striving to make her therapy sessions a place where clients of all ages feel relaxed, supported, and empowered to tackle life’s challenges.
Lindsey has a vast amount of knowledge and experience in navigating and accessing supports within the education system. She is a strong advocate for marginalized and/or vulnerable populations and has a solid understanding of the various barriers that often exist within the complex systems in our society. Lindsey also has both a personal and professional passion for working with clients who are impacted by social justice issues, particularly those who have experienced acts of sexual harm/violence and domestic abuse. She is deeply committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non judgmental space to help individuals find peace and purpose through their healing journey.
Lindsey welcomes clients seeking support and change in a variety of areas, and has a special interest in the following: working with individuals with neurodiversities (e.g. autism, ADHD, learning and cognitive disabilities, etc.); grief counselling; obsessive compulsive disorder; anxiety disorder; career exploration and work/life balance; navigating life transitions (e.g. divorce, career changes, illness, etc.); family systems and dynamics; school-related issues (e.g., school avoidance, peer relationships, etc.); sexual wellness (e.g. intimacy, sexuality, infidelity, etc.); and positive interpersonal skills (e.g. conflict resolution, boundary setting, self advocacy, etc).
Lindsey also volunteers with Hospice Halifax as a Group Bereavement Facilitator. This role underscores her dedication to providing compassionate support to those navigating grief and loss. She is also connected with Inclusion Nova Scotia, an organization dedicated to promoting inclusion and accessibility, and looks forward to collaborating and contributing to their mission of creating supportive and equitable spaces for Nova Scotians.
When not working, Lindsey loves travelling, going to restaurants, checking out local markets, watching live music and theatre, going to football games, trying new hobbies (most recently ballroom dancing), quiet walks in nature, and summers filled with road trips and beach days. Her heart is happiest when spending time with her friends and family, two very special Boston Terriers (Clem and Ringo), and her much loved nephew.
At Wholetherapy, Lindsey is currently accepting new patients, offering her expertise in counselling to both children, adolescents, and adults. She also enjoys working with couples and families. Her approach to therapy is integrative, drawing from her extensive background in education and mental health to provide tailored support that meets the unique needs of each individual and family.
At the current moment, Lindsey is booking clients at Wholetherapy's new satellite office, located in Spryfield at Coral Shared-Care Health Center, on Monday and Wednesday evenings and at our main Wholetherapy Dartmouth location on Saturdays. Should you be interested in an appointment outside of that time, please email Lindsey herself at lindsey@wholetherapy.ca and she will try her best to accommodate your scheduling needs whenever possible.
