Devin MacGillivray
Howdy! I'm Devin - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent ten plus years specializing in OCD, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, and depression. I'm passionate about genuine, human connection. I tend to be more informal and conversational in my practice, so no need for any first session jitters (though they're normal!!)
Life is hard; let's figure out how we can make yours a little easier
All are welcome! I look forward to getting to know you so that we can figure out how to get you to wherever you want to be in life. Take care and talk soon.
First session
In our first session, we'll spend a majority of the time getting to know one another, as connection between therapist and client is the most important part of the work. I'll ask you some questions about who you are, what brings you in, give you a bit of information on myself, and we'll begin to formulate a plan of attack for whatever it is you are experiencing.
Strengths
I find most folks come to therapy because they are unhappy with the status quo and, on some level, are looking to be challenged or held accountable. These are some of the most important parts of my approach. I balance challenging my clients with a fair amount of humor and authenticity, because I believe in the healing power of levity, laughter, and humanness.
Ideal clients
I work best with folks who are wanting to make a change in their life. Perhaps you were brought to therapy from something challenging you're going through, the harsh state of the world, or that pesky anxiety that's followed you around for your whole life. If your goal is to get unstuck, I believe that you have found yourself in the right place!
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is focused on finding peace in the things that we cannot change, accepting all parts of the human experience as normal.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is similar to CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in which we try to identify what are the unhelpful narratives that play in your mind, and how can we try to find alternative perceptions that may serve you better.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is focused on regulate your nervous system by teaching it that the things that it identifies as threats don't have to be as threatening. I.e. if you're afraid of the water, we practice jumping into the ocean so that your nervous system can learn that water is safe.
Location
Virtual sessions