Hi, I’m Paula Mackay
Paula is a Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker based in Kelowna, BC, with over a decade of experience working in non-profit and healthcare settings. In completing her Bachelor of Social Work from of Manitoba, Paula worked for 8 years in various leadership roles, with people who use substances and had additional vulnerabilities in downtown Calgary. With a passion to dig deeper, Paula made the move to Kelowna in 2022 to complete her Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
Counselling with a person-centered, trauma-informed framework
Paula practices with an understanding that each person knows themselves and their circumstances best, therefore utilizes a person-centered and trauma-informed framework in her care plans. Paula specializes in both trauma and anxiety. Low-level trauma can cause just as much distress and disruption in your everyday life. Subtle emotional wounds, or repeated experiences, can result in a trauma response such as emotional numbness, low self-worth, or ongoing anxiety.
A special area of interest is also reproductive mental health. Whether you’re starting your family planning, struggling with infertility, pregnant, postpartum, navigating loss, or choosing not to have children, Paula will help you move through the challenges, and explore your reproductive story. In addition to this, Paula is equipped to help you navigate life transitions such as retirement or parenthood, or lifestyle changes.
Paula is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She often uses an integrated approach, meaning your needs will be assessed, and collaboratively you will work together to develop a treatment plan.
When not in session, you may spot Paula at one of Kelowna’s local bakeries grabbing a matcha and a sweet treat, or at one of the local fitness studios.
When Paula made the move the Kelowna she continued to carry out her love of the mountains; hiking and snowshoeing in particular.
She loves every and all farm animals, especially goats and chickens.
Fun facts about Paula Mackay
🍌
Her favourite flavour is banana
🎄
Her favourite day of the year is Christmas Eve
⛸️
She used to competitively figure skate
Paula is passionate about helping people with trauma, anxiety, reproductive health, and life transitions.
Does this sound like the right fit for you?
Book a discovery call to get started!