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 who supports teens, young adults, and adults exploring identity, religious trauma, and neurodivergence in a world that often misunderstands these experiences. Shaped by both lived and clinical insight—including her own journey through queer identity, religious deconstruction, and a later Autism diagnosis—she understands the exhaustion of masking and the relief of being truly seen.

Her approach is compassionate, curious, and affirming, grounded in the belief that healing isn’t about fixing yourself, but about creating a life that honours your needs, values, and authentic self. If you’ve spent years masking who you are or questioning where you belong, you don’t have to navigate that alone.

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.

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.

Articles by Jena MacDonald

Jena regularly writes about masking, rejection sensitivity, identity, and the emotional experiences of neurodivergent women navigating connection and belonging.

Masking, Identity & Rejection Sensitivity

What is Rejection Sensitivity?

Masking in Women: The Hidden Cost of High-Functioning Coping

High-Functioning Anxiety in Women: When Success Hides Chronic Stress

Back-to-School Support for Parents of Autistic Teens and Young Adults