Jena MacDonald

Jena MacDonald – Canadian Certified Counsellor (Qualifying)

Neuro-Affirming & LGBTQ+ Therapist | Virtual Therapy for Teens & Adults across Canada

Specializing in Religious Trauma, Queer-Affirming Care & Adult Autism/ADHD

Jena is a neuro-affirming and LGBTQ+ therapist offering specialized online therapy for teens, young adults, and adults across most Canadian provinces. She specializes in supporting those navigating identity exploration, religious trauma, and neurodivergence in a world that often misunderstands these lived experiences.

The Lived Experience Connection: Her therapeutic approach is deeply shaped by her own path—navigating queer identity, religious deconstruction, and receiving an Autism (ASD) diagnosis in young adulthood. Jena understands the exhaustion of "masking" and the profound relief that comes with being truly seen and radically affirmed.

A Grounded Human Approach: With specialized training in neuro-affirming practice for high-masking autism and burnout, Jena brings a curious and compassionate lens to the therapeutic space. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing isn't about "fixing" who you are, but about rebuilding a life that honors your sensory needs, your values, and your authentic self.

Who Jena Supports

Jena creates a secure space for individuals who feel marginalized or misunderstood to explore their history and identity. Her clients often include:

• Neurodivergent Teens & Adults: Supporting those with Autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities in navigating burnout, masking, and executive dysfunction.
• LGBTQ+ & Gender-Expansive Individuals: Providing inclusive, affirming care for those exploring gender identity, sexuality, and queer-specific life transitions.
• Survivors of Religious Trauma: Supporting individuals through the process of spiritual deconstruction, healing from religious shame, and reclaiming personal autonomy.
• Young Adults in Transition: Navigating the "overwhelm" of early adulthood, academic pressure, and the search for authentic purpose.
• Women & Non-Binary Folks: Addressing the intersections of self-doubt, body image challenges, and the weight of systemic expectations.

Whether you’re processing grief, unpacking internalized shame, or rebuilding after disconnection, Jena creates a safe space to explore what healing looks like for you.

The Frameworks That Shape Her Therapy Style

• Humanistic Therapy: A client-centered approach that prioritizes your inherent worth and radical authenticity as the foundation for all healing.
• Somatic Processing: Helping you tune into your body’s unique language to regulate the nervous system and release stored tension or sensory overload.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Developing psychological flexibility to help you move toward a values-aligned life while making room for difficult thoughts and feelings.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Focusing on the emotional core of your experiences to understand attachment needs and build deeper connection with yourself and others.

Behind the Bio: The Human Behind the Therapist

(Because yes, therapists are humans too—coffee-loving, podcast-bingeing, deep-feeling humans!)

Comfort Food Favourite: Nothing beats Mom’s homemade chicken soup.

A Highly Recommended Read: The Giver stands out as a timeless favourite. It explores memories, grief, forgiveness, connection, and the profound importance of emotions.

A Go-To Way to Unwind: Crochet, knitting, and curling up with a good book and a big cup of herbal tea are top choices for relaxation. Creative outlets like Lego building, diamond painting, and other hands-on crafts also help soothe the nervous system.