Meet Kate McDermott

M.A., RP, CCC

ASSOCIATE THERAPIST (she/her)

Kate McDermott is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor who provides online counselling at Cherry Tree Counselling and Psychotherapy Services. Kate works with folks of all genders, non-binary, gender non-conforming, trans masculine, trans feminine, Two-Spirit and intersex individuals and anyone who is questioning or wants to explore their gender identity and expression.

 

My goal is to instill hope and self-confidence in everyone that I work with.”

 

Kate is accepting new clients with no wait times and is available Mondays until 7pm, Tuesdays until 5:30pm, and Wednesdays until 4:30pm.

“ It’s okay to be unsure, it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to feel the way you feel.”

 

Have you ever felt like you needed someone to truly hear and understand you? That's where my story begins.


I've always wanted to help people who are hurting. Mental illness impacted my family when I was quite young, and at the time, I found it hard to imagine how someone could feel so low and hopeless. As I grew up, I realized I could learn the skills to help people who feel this way while trying to navigate all the challenges of life.

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

I think the biggest misconception about mental health is that talking about our mental health and having emotions is somehow weak or wrong or taboo in some way. Having emotions, internal conflict and challenges we need to overcome is quintessentially human.

Unfortunately, our world has painted these human necessities as bad for generations and people are only recently realizing that taking care of your mental health is an essential part of your overall health.

To me, mental health is how we internally feel about ourselves, our place in the world, our yearnings, and how we manage challenges in these areas. Getting support can help clarify your internal feelings and thoughts and teach you how to cope when things feel overwhelming.


My Approach to Therapy

I have no agenda other than supporting you. I will meet you where you are at and follow your lead. My first goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, safe and supported. My second goal is to help you achieve whatever change or shift you are trying to make in your life.

I am here to listen, help you reflect, allow you to be heard and at times, challenge and push you to grow. I am gentle and will never push you in ways you’re uncomfortable with. I want your time with me to be effective and I always want you to take a new thought, perspective or tool away from our sessions.

I am easygoing, use metaphors from time to time and make jokes when appropriate. I use a variety of approaches and a mixture of talk therapy, structured activities, and play therapy.


2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have experience and training in supporting common challenges and minority stressors. As a queer woman with a young family, I understand how it can be important to have a counsellor who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community.

I have my own personal experiences, along with training and education but I will never be able to understand all of the specific needs of our vast and unique community. I recognize that you are the expert in your own life and I am here to help you overcome whatever challenges you are facing.


What You Can Expect

We will begin our journey by getting to know one another. I will ask you to share about your hopes and successes, what is working well and what you hope to improve. I recognize that this process requires some vulnerability and I want you to know that I will always meet you with warmth, kindness and my genuine self. I will listen and make sure that you feel heard. I'll also give you tools to try and exercises to practice.

As our comfort grows, I will offer new perspectives while challenging you to think differently and try new strategies. Most importantly of all, I will support you and celebrate with you every step of the way. Because all progress should be celebrated (no matter how small) and believe me, I will celebrate it with you. From "I felt more energy today" to "I asked that person on a date" to "My family didn't argue about this issue." I love hearing it all!


Let’s Begin Your Journey

I know counselling can be challenging and we often have to push ourselves to be vulnerable and self-reflect. I am forever honoured that people trust me to be kind and hold space for their most vulnerable parts, and if that’s what you need right now, I’d be honoured to share that support with you.

Ready to take the first step towards feeling heard and supported? Book a session using the button below. Together, we can navigate your journey towards better mental health and personal growth.

Kate is accepting new clients with no wait times and is available Mondays until 7pm, Tuesdays until 5:30pm, and Wednesdays until 4:30pm.

 

Presenting Concerns and Needs

Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation Strategies
Stress Management and Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Relationship and Attachment Support
Communication and Boundary Setting
Parenting Support
Self-Esteem
Body Positivity
Sex Positivity
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Grief and Loss

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
    Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
    Gottman Method Couples Therapy
    Internal Family Systems (IFS)
    Mindfulness
    Narrative Therapy
    Play Therapy
    Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy
    Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, 2018

    Registered Psychotherapist

    Canadian Certified Counsellor


Interested in working with Kate?

Kate is accepting new clients with no wait times and is available Mondays until 7pm, Tuesdays until 5:30pm, and Wednesdays until 4:30pm.