Lisa MacDonald, LICSW
For over 25 years I have helped people make positive changes and improve their quality of life. I specialize in the treatment of first responders as well as military connected individuals and their families. Those in public service often face stigma and other challenges when seeking treatment. My experience and understanding of emergency response and military culture have been important when building trust and realistic expectations in therapeutic relationships.
Complex trauma is a very common mental health challenge especially for those in public service. Trauma can result from the experience of a distressing event or an accumulation of disturbing events over time. The experience of trauma can sometimes have a destructive impact and there is no guarantee that therapy will eliminate the impact of these experiences. However, finding and participating in meaningful therapy can make you stronger. It can improve your ability to think more clearly and tolerate complicated emotions, make better and more informed decisions, and improve the overall quality of important relationships.
Professional Affiliations:
- Team Clinician for Bristol Norfolk Critical Incident Team since 2015
- Member: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation since 2016
- Member: American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress since 2018
- Star Behavioral Health Provider since 2022
Certifications:
- Critical Incident Stress Management Certification 2015
- Crisis Intervention Certification 2016
- Acute Traumatic Stress Management Certification 2016
- EMDR fully trained in 2020
- Certificate of Specialized Training in Emergency Services 2024