Welcome to Trillium Psychological Services
Helping Children, Individuals and Families
Changes in mood and behavior can be a normal part of human growth. Other times, they may indicate more serious issues that need to be addressed. Whether you have an idea of what’s happening or you’re seeking more clarity, Trillium is here to help.
Get to Know Dr. McDonald, licensed clinical psychologist.
Having begun my career in education, it seemed natural that I would develop a specialty in pediatrics as a psychologist. While I love helping children and families grow, over time I became passionate about other seasons of the lifespan. Currently, it is an honor and pleasure to work with children, adolescents, young adults, and those entering middle age.
I offer therapy and support for both high and low-incidence referral concerns. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and various behavior issues are welcome. I am comfortable with bipolar disorder, personality disorders, impulse control disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders as well as intrusive thoughts, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. If you are unsure how your personal experience fits with my professional expertise, please reach out. The fit between person and therapist is important; I offer honesty in if/how I can help and will make a more appropriate referral if necessary.
The empirically-based therapeutic techniques I primary utilize include:
- Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)
- Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
In addition to my educational and professional experience, I am a military spouse and mother to three wonderful humans. I understand the urgency you may be feeling to get support for yourself and/or child and the challenges obtaining behavioral and mental health support.
I hope to give you a safe space to explore your concerns, and a partner to help navigate the next steps.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., School Psychology: APA Accredited Program
Clinical residency in therapeutic day treatment program for high-risk, low-incidence adolescents.
- M.S., School Psychology: NASP Approved Program
- B.A., Psychology
- B.A., Elementary Education
Professional Background
- Clinical Psychologist with Yokosuka Naval Hospital, Japan. 2022 - Present.
- Clinical Psychologist with Baptist Behavioral Health/Wolfson Children’s Hospital - Jacksonville, FL. 2017 - 2022
- Clinical Psychologist with Family First Psychological Services - Vienna, VA. 2020 - 2022
Featured appearances
Substance Use Change Strategies
*This piece was written during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the tone is outdated, the strategies are routed in empirically supported behavioral change principles and remain
Preventive Maintenance of Mental Health
Guidelines for Preventative Maintenance of Mental Health Maintaining a healthy emotional balance can be addressed in several ways. A good first line intervention is to
Homework Strategies
Motivating children to complete assignments is a challenge many families face. Child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Michelle McDonald provide six strategies parents can implement to
Fears and Phobias 101
Things that go bump in the night…….. T’is the season for all things spooky, creepy, crawly, and fierce! While this can be good fun during
Podcast Episode
Let’s Connect
Please reach out anytime. I look forward to hearing from you!