a little about me
Hello! I'm Courtney
I’m so glad you’re here. Let me tell you a bit more about myself and about my practice…
TL;DR:
My name is Courtney McLaughlin (she/her) and I hold a MA in Counselling Psychology and am a Canadian Certified Counsellor. I have more than a decade of experience working in the non-profit sector and believe that people in this industry deserve top tier mental health support to be healthy and effective in their vital work. While I love working with people in the non-profit world, my practice is open to all.
My Background
Like most of my professional adventures, I came to the world of counselling psychology through some roundabouts (my favourite way to get anywhere! Take the scenic route!). After completing an undergrad in Communication Studies, I had the great fortune of studying and working in Europe for several years, where I made wonderful friends and found the industry that would change my perspective on the world…the non-profit sector. I’ve worked in the non-profit space for more than ten years; from the most junior roles to leading teams. I love the charitable industry because of the people it attracts: hardworking, dedicated, purpose-driven, and talented.
It is because of my love for non-profit folks that I decided to pursue a next phase career in Counselling Psychology. The pandemic made something glaringly obvious: the work that charities fulfill is vital and it’s piling on. We have a growing population with growing complexities—and we’re very fortunate to have a talented workforce in the sector to support us. But we cannot take this talent for granted. Burnout, compassion fatigue, keeping up with rapid workplace changes, dealing with a life that feels both over and underwhelming…if you know, you know. I believe that in order to be a supportive industry, we need to be supported. As the saying goes, you must put on your own oxygen mask first. But that’s easier said than done, and I’m here to help you with it.
My Practice
Joyride Counselling is a place where your needs come first. I know you have a busy life both at work and outside of it and I believe that carving out time for yourself is vital. We can talk about workplace pressures (I might not be in the thick of it with you everyday but I’ll know where you’re coming from!) or we can chat about anything else going on in your big, beautiful life.
Some people come to therapy with a specific issue or goal in mind, others simply want to explore. I take a person-centred approach to being your therapist and I know that you are the expert in your own life. I’ve got a toolbox of skills drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and more…but above all, I’m interested in getting to know you for you. We’ll take it from there.
My path to this career has been a joyful, meandering, challenging, and rewarding ride. I believe that you deserve a joyride, too and I’m hoping we can work together to get you there.
But enough about me
Who are you?
Starting therapy, or starting therapy with someone new, can feel all sorts of things — daunting, exciting, hopeful — but I hope that above all, you feel curious. Curiosity is one of my favourite sensations because it carries so much possibility.
Given my background, you might have found this page because you are employed in the non-profit sector. If so — thank you! You’re doing amazing work for all of us and I know the work is as challenging as it can be rewarding.
Perhaps some of the following questions have crossed your mind:
- How do I find balance in my life?
- Why don’t I feel as excited about work as I used to?
- What’s my next step?
- If I leave this job, what will happen to (the people, that person, the animals, etc. etc. etc.)?
- Why do I feel so exhausted all the time?
- How do I make my life feel meaningful again?
While I’m not in your workplace day-in and day-out, I do have an understanding of the pressure you might feel. I’d be honoured to explore some of these feelings and questions with you.
Or perhaps you don’t work in the non-profit sector at all! I work with a diverse group of clients from many walks of life who have come to therapy to explore all sorts of questions and reach all sorts of goals. You’re very welcome here.
I work with individual adult clients (18+) only.
How I can help you
I have specialized knowledge in the following areas:
- Career and Life Transitions
- Workplace Dynamics
- Burnout
- Compassion Fatigue
- Self-Esteem/Self-Compassion
ADDITIONALLY, you can seek support from me with:
- Anxiety, Depression and everything in between
- Thriving with ADHD
- Emotional Regulation
- Trauma
- Grief/Loss
- Relationship Issues (friends, family, partners, colleagues)