McKinley Nelson
Counselling Intern
Session Availability:
In-person in Calgary, Alberta: $150 per 50-minute session
Virtual throughout Alberta: $150 per 50-minute session
Hi, my name is McKinley, and I am currently completing my Master of Counselling Psychology. I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate emotional challenges, major life transitions, and experiences that may feel difficult to manage alone.
My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves. I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, and I strive to help each client recognize their strengths, build resilience, and develop practical tools that support meaningful change.
About McKinley
My professional experience has focused on supporting children and adolescents experiencing complex mental health concerns in both residential and community settings. I have worked with youth navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, and the effects of adverse childhood experiences.
I have also supported Indigenous youth and individuals involved in the youth justice system. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that recognizes each person’s unique background, identity, and lived experience.
I have a particular interest in helping clients heal from complex trauma, navigate life transitions, strengthen their coping skills, and develop a greater sense of confidence and resilience.
As a former competitive athlete, I am also passionate about supporting athletes with concerns related to performance pressure, injury recovery, burnout, confidence, identity beyond sport, and the transition into or out of competitive athletics. I understand that athletes are more than their performance, and I work to create a space where they feel supported both as competitors and as individuals.
My Approach
My counselling approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in empathy. I believe each client is the expert on their own life, and I work alongside them to better understand their experiences, identify existing strengths, and develop healthier ways of coping.
My training includes evidence-based approaches such as:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Strengths-Based Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Clients can expect a supportive space where they are encouraged to explore their experiences at a pace that feels comfortable. Whether you are working through past experiences, coping with current challenges, or preparing for an important transition, we can work together to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change.
Appointments Beginning September 2026
McKinley will begin seeing clients in September 2026. Her appointment availability will be added to our secure online booking system closer to her start date.