Renee MacDonald, LCSW

You know that it’s time to talk to someone.

You’re overthinking – you’ve thought about it from every angle possible.  You’re good at analyzing things – but it doesn’t feel crystal clear.  You’re afraid of making mistakes.

You know how to get stuff done and end up feeling responsible for everything and everyone.  Lately, juggling the day to day tasks can feel exhausting.  

Maybe you’re a parent dealing with overwhelm.  

The to-do list never ends.  Day in and day out, you have to figure out where the kids are going, how they get there, what they are going to eat, what they are going to wear, and how to keep the house from looking like a hurricane hit.  Does it feel like the pressure is starting to take a toll on your relationships?  Maybe you feel like your partner has no idea all the things you take care of and you wish they could appreciate everything you do.  If you’re really honest with yourself, you don’t feel seen or heard.  Most nights you feel invisible or completely alone.  You want so desperately to slow down and reconnect with yourself and your spouse.  But you’re not sure how.  It feels like if you stop, everything will come teetering down.

Maybe you are facing some big life decisions and not sure which way to go… 

You’ve been thinking and overthinking things but it still feels unclear.  You want to know what your next steps should be: Should you move for that job?  Stay in that relationship?  Take time to focus on yourself? Leave your job?  You’re asking some big questions and you know whichever decision you make will change your life in one way or another.  It can be scary to ask these questions and to not know the answers.  You might be wondering, Is it only me? Or do other people feel this way?  You might feel like you’re running out of time to get things right.  If you don’t know where to turn or you’re feeling stuck, not knowing what your next step should be – I’m here.  Not to tell you what to do, but to help you discover your unique path forward.

Let’s talk

Hi, I’m Renee.  I’ve been a therapist for over 20 years, so you could say I’ve learned a thing over two.  I am passionate about helping  people who are overwhelmed with life and feel lost in unfulfilling relationships (with their partner, parents, friends, or in their career).  Many of my clients have had challenging childhoods, even if outward appearances doesn’t reveal that.  If you’re looking for someone to help you to feel more calm, connection and enjoyment in life – I’m ready to link arms and walk alongside you. 

What’s a Session Like with Me?

Sessions with me are very practical.  I want you to truly understand what is happening in your brain and your body when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. 

In order to get out of “analysis paralysis” or the overwhelm of overthinking, I will invite you to shift your attention to the body and learn how to be truly present.  This doesn’t always come naturally so we can try different ways to help you know what works best for you.  If you feel like the world is moving too fast, and life is passing you by – then returning to the body will help you return to the present moment and to the joy that is waiting for you.

In the beginning we talk about the brain and the nervous system.  I believe that it’s important that you have knowledge about how they work and how you can work with them to experience more calm and connectedness in your life.

Many clients come in saying, I’ve read this book or I listened to this podcast and I need to take it a step further.  So that’s what we do together.   I can help you take what you’ve learned and actually put it into action so that it can change your life. 

As you learn and these practices become a part of your life, you can begin to feel less stressed, more at peace, and a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others.

My hope is to help you to trust yourself more, to quiet  the worry & anxiety, so you can feel more expansive and joyful in your life.  

Couples Therapy

Does it feel like life has been pulling you in different directions?  Or like life has become a series of tasks to complete instead of an adventure full of fun and excitement?  

You want to feel more connected to your partner – like you’re in it together.  But some days you’re not totally convinced that your person could still be interested in you after all this time.  

You know that by the end of the day, you are both exhausted.  There isn’t much in the way of romance happening and arguments get ignited over small things that don’t feel so small in the moment.

I get it! In my practice, I have helped couples learn practical ways to work through those moments, to communicate better, and feel more connected. We can dive into what an argument looks like and feels like to you. We can look at the patterns of conflict in your relationship and I will help you to see what’s happening underneath the surface.  I’ll give you homework to try out and experiment with to bring new dynamics and experiences into your relationship.  If you are ready to feel like you’re on the same team again – reach out for a free consultation.  I am ready to guide you to a relationship that is refreshed and deeply fulfilling.