Sheila McDonough is a Registered Social Worker and a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Ms. McDonough earned her undergraduate degree with a Major in Social Development Studies and a Certificate in Social Work from Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. Sheila has a Master of Social Work with a Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in the individual, couple and family stream.
Sheila is very passionate about her work and is thrilled when clients make steps toward their goals. She looks for opportunities to support clients in becoming kinder to themselves when they make mistakes or fall into dysfunctional patterns of behavior by cultivating compassion. Sheila has worked in several counselling settings and has 10+ years of experience working in a mental health clinic at a community hospital. She enjoys working with people who are looking to improve their mental health using a holistic approach. Sheila explores with clients, aspects of their lives that may need to change so that they may live a happier life.
Sheila works effectively with people who are diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and/or struggle with emotional dysregulation. She has training and has experience helping people to learn and apply DBT skills (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Sheila helps people gain insight and skills so that they can learn to surf the waves of life. She also helps people understand that we all have wipeouts sometimes and how to get back on the surf board and surf life more skillfully.
As a lifelong learner, Ms. McDonough has completed several mindfulness courses and finds this to be a strong component in her work with people and in her life. Sheila is currently learning about ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), which she finds to be effective in helping people to recognize who and what is important to them and when they are moving towards or away from their goals.
Sheila is warm and friendly and provides the opportunity for people to look at themselves in a non-judgmental environment. She believes her role is to provide guidance, support and encouragement to reach the goals set out by the person seeking counsel. Sheila also realizes that each person is the expert of their own life story. She works collaboratively and will ask clarifying questions and reflect back what has been said in session to ensure she understands the person’s perspective. She feels honoured to be present with people as they make meaningful changes to the way they greet and interpret their life.
Many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and extended health care plans will cover services rendered by a Registered Social Worker.
