Hello there, my name is Ian. I am currently an outpatient clinician, licensed in Connecticut with nearly ten years’ experience working as a therapist/mental health counselor across a variety of settings: hospital, skilled nursing, assisted living and outpatient, as well as home and school-based services. I have worked with a variety of ages, splitting time between pediatric/adolescent and geriatric/family psychology. I specialize in life transitions, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also work/have worked with victims of physical/emotional trauma and find that having a strong connection with your therapist is crucial to treatment.
My counseling style adapts based on the needs of my client, but what is consistent is my approach to therapy in general: I believe in treating people with respect, meeting them where they are at and setting realistic and achievable goals. Often, therapists like myself like to discuss treatment modalities: cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, motivational interviewing, etc. While I certainly use those in my practice, I believe that interpersonal connection with your therapist and accountability are the drivers of success. Mental health takes work. It is a journey that does not end, but I am willing to walk that path with you until you feel you can walk it alone.
The fact that you are here looking for help, whether it be for you or a loved one is a great first step. I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CT LCSW 58.011394
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Ian MacDonald. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Great therapist, helped me through a difficult period of my life and kept me looking forward
Written on Aug 18, 2023 after therapy with Ian for 2 years and 2 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
10/10 I have recommended Ian to multiple people! I feel much better after each therapy session and appointments feel productive. Zero complaints
Written on May 08, 2023 after therapy with Ian for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Ian is a great therapist and has helped me through a difficult time.
Written on Feb 09, 2022 after therapy with Ian for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
The best therapist I have ever worked with.
Written on Oct 30, 2021 after therapy with Ian for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I can highly recommend Ian, he helped me even though I was most of the time tearful and was experiencing my life and everything I believed in falling apart, job, marriage, health etc. He exactly knew what and which techniques I needed to get my life back. I would have continued working with him, but unfortunately betterhelp had no medication services and that is why I needed to change the provider and therapist.
Thank you Ian for your time and your help and I hope you can "save" more souls who are seeking treatment.
Written on Oct 24, 2021 after therapy with Ian for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and career difficulties
I've been working with Ian for a while now. I can't say enough about how much he has helped me work through things. He's a great listener and always seems to find the right question to ask depending on the situation. His non-judgmental style makes me feel comfortable with sharing. He's very responsive to my messages and shares informational resources if needed. I couldn't ask for a better fit for a counselor.
Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with Ian for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem