by Andrew Hopkins
KIRKLAND LAKE, ON – Kaylee McKnight has a passion for helping people and truly understanding the brain.
She is a registered psychotherapist and the owner/operator of Northern Therapy Clinic, right here in Kirkland Lake.
Her journey began when she decided to become a therapist. From there, she completed her bachelor’s degree, followed by her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, while working in the social work field.
In 2021, she started her private practice, which was initially all virtual. A year later, she opened an in-person location and began creating a space where clients could feel comfortable and secure.
“The journey has taken around a decade, however, it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” McKnight expressed. “I feel incredibly honored that the community allows me to walk with them on this healing journey.”
She said she didn’t always know what she wanted to do in terms of a career path.
“The turning point was when I was in therapy as a client myself—that was when I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to become a therapist,” McKnight explained. “That, along with my entrepreneurial spirit, my need to constantly learn, and the fulfillment I get from helping clients understand themselves and change their lives for the better, let me know that this was exactly the path I needed to take.”
McKnight said her approach to therapy is unique.
“I believe that the client knows their brain and body best, and it is my job to help support them in finding skills that work, as well as help give an understanding of what is going on,” McKnight added. “That, along with the fact that we offer in-person support in our office as well as in schools, and put a huge emphasis on confidentiality, respect, and making sure the client is comfortable!”
McKnight works with individuals across the lifespan—children ages 6+, youth, and adults.
“I have a strong focus on trauma (which includes depression and dissociation), abuse survivors, grief, self-harm (including disordered eating, alcohol, and substance abuse), anxiety (including OCD, panic disorders, etc.), and self-esteem,” McKnight said.
The clinic also has a team member who works with couples, families, and children ages 2+.
“She works primarily with parenting concerns, family dynamics, communication, and healthy relationships,” McKnight explained.
In terms of the approach the clinic takes toward mental health care, McKnight said her goal is to create a very safe, respectful, and comfortable environment.
“This starts from the very first time I meet clients—from the intake forms to the soft lighting in my office, and my gentle yet curious approach to what they are facing,” McKnight explained.
McKnight said she takes an eclectic approach to therapy because each person is unique, and her goal is to meet them where they are at.
“For example, I use mindfulness, internal family systems (parts work), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and a few others sprinkled in,” McKnight explained. “What that means is that I take a relational approach—I help the client find skills that work for them, and give them the space to explore what is going on and implement the skills that make sense for their life.”
Kirkland Lake has supported McKnight’s clinic since its inception.
“I can honestly say that the community has responded so well,” McKnight expressed. “Whether I am meeting with a client, going into schools for appointments, or presenting with various community agencies, the support has been overwhelmingly positive.”
In terms of common mental health challenges observed in the area, McKnight explained she doesn’t think that it is necessarily common among our community, but more of a general observation—at the end of the day, we’re all humans, no matter where we live, and we all face challenges.
“That said, the most common areas are trauma, abuse survivors, grief, self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, workplace issues, anxiety, depression, and ADHD,” McKnight added.
For too long now, there has been a stigma around mental health.
“I think my approach to therapy helps normalize the experiences that all humans have. It’s like a physical ailment. There is no stigma around breaking a bone and having to get treatment for it. I’d love to see the same thing happen with the mental health space. It doesn’t have to be a shameful experience—it is part of who we are, and every single person needs support at one time or another,” McKnight explained. “That, along with the videos and posts I make on social media (@northerntherapyclinic), and my partnerships with various community agencies, my hope is that with the increase in education and conversation, we get more and more comfortable with normalizing mental health.”
McKnight explained she has four ways to make sure clients can easily access services.
“I have a physical office in Kirkland Lake, I go into schools to see kids, and I offer secure virtual and telephone appointments,” McKnight said. “I try to make the process as easy as possible.”
She has also partnered with several agencies to gain funding for clients, including: Non-Insured Health Benefits and Jordan’s Principle for eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples, Victim Services, WSIB, Northern College and OSAP for students, and extended health benefits from employers.
“In addition to that, I’ve partnered with a company that allows us to access psychiatric consultations (for diagnoses and medication recommendations),” McKnight explained. “This was a huge gap that we are proud to be covering. Now, instead of waiting 6-18+ months for a psychiatrist, we can cut that down to around 2 months.”
She said it is so important to her that everyone can access mental health care.
“If a client does not have coverage, I always connect them with community agencies, and once in a while, we do have Master’s level students on the team who can see clients at a much lower cost,” McKnight said.
She enjoys running her clinic.
“Hands down, the most rewarding part is when I get to witness a client’s growth,” McKnight expressed. “What I mean by this is when I get to watch them have an ‘aha’ moment, a reduction in troublesome symptoms, and when they start to have more compassion towards themselves. There is nothing quite like being able to witness that!”
Mental health is just as important as physical health.
“You are in control of your own care, and choosing the right therapist is one of the most important steps,” McKnight said. “Make sure you are able to connect with them and feel comfortable.”
Looking into the future, McKnight said she is currently working on a workbook for trauma survivors, full of coping skills.
“Along with that, I am always looking for new ways to connect with the community and bring more support to our small but mighty town!”
For more information, McKnight said her website is www.northerntherapyclinic.ca. People can click around and get to know her, or book an appointment right on the website. Alternatively, they can email [email protected] or call 705-535-1639 with any questions related to therapy, making an appointment, or accessing funding.