LYNN MCDONALD, MS, CAS, LMHC
Monroe County/Brighton
I am a NYS licensed Mental Health Counselor with a post-graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mental Health Counseling. I was trained in family therapy and continue to work with clients ranging from young children through adults. After 30 years in practice, I remain passionate in my desire to assist individuals in identifying needs and reaching their desired goals.
My work in health care, both as a contractor in school systems and at various facilities revealed that I am skilled at working with individuals coping with a variety of intellectual/developmental disabilities. I have found these experiences to be very rewarding. I’ve also had the privilege to work with a wide variety of issues and currently carry a case load of individuals coping with Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, learning disabilities, epilepsy and visual impairments. Understanding the special needs of individuals with disabilities allows me to be a strong advocate for them. I am experienced at supporting people facing the challenges associated with hospital admissions, academic environments, work place, or transitioning out of facilities. I also educate professionals (attorneys, school staff, physicians and others) to understand the emotional, behavioral and cognitive consequences of physical disabilities and developmental conditions.
Each person and family I work with arrives with concerns as unique as each individual and there is no one “ready-made” therapy that works for everyone. The common thread among all, however, is the belief that there are obstacles that stand in the way of a more fulfilled life. The specific therapeutic approach used depends upon issues to be resolved and the needs of each individual or family. My focus is always to acknowledge existing strengths, resources, personal choice and past solutions. Together we begin to transform ineffective thoughts, behaviors and emotions to create the desired change. I utilize creative interventions to accommodate various learning styles and individual differences. Impact therapy for example, has been instrumental in working with various learning styles and individuals with disabilities as it utilizes movement, props, writing, drawing, fantasy, visuals, music, and sand play.
Other specialized areas of experience and training are treating individuals who are coping with alcohol or substance abuse, individuals with dual diagnoses, emotional and behavioral regulation concerns, anxiety, depression, OCD, cognitive dysfunction, anger management, family conflict, parenting challenges, job-related issues, serious and persistent mental illness and phobias.
Some of the therapeutic approaches I utilize are: CBT, TF-CBT, Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Functional Behavioral Analysis, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Family Systems, Cognitive and Somatic Relaxation Training, Solution Focused Treatment and Impact Therapy.
Areas of focus: Behavioral change
Emotional and behavioral regulation Change for patterns no longer servicing an individual well Reconstructing irrational thought patterns Reducing worry and rumination Adjusting to transitions Parent/child challenges Family conflict Social skills training Assertiveness training Increasing social support Reduction in anxiety, depression and OCD symptoms Instilling hope and skills for families coping with intellectual disabilities
Meeting Locations: Services are primarily provided in an office setting in Brighton, NY and under certain circumstances, services can be provided in the home or community.