A woman with curly brown hair sitting on a beige couch, smiling and holding a white mug, in a cozy room with a brick wall and wooden ladder in the background.

Krystal McDonald,
LPCC

Trauma Specialist

A woman with curly hair smiling while sitting on a couch, with a plant and brick wall in the background, and a coffee mug and laptop on a table in front of her.

“Helping you heal what talk therapy couldn’t reach.”

Many of my clients have already spent years in therapy, developed insight, and understand why they feel the way they do — yet still feel stuck in the same emotional patterns, anxiety cycles, relationship dynamics, or nervous system overwhelm. My work is designed for people who are ready to heal the wounds that insight alone hasn't resolved.

I specialize in trauma therapy and complex trauma treatment, helping clients move beyond survival mode and create lasting internal change. Rather than stopping at coping skills or symptom management, my approach focuses on helping things shift in a more integrated and lasting way.

I began my career at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center working with survivors of sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and trafficking. Now in private practice, I work extensively with adults navigating complex trauma, chronic anxiety, perfectionism, self-worth wounds, emotional burnout, and relationship struggles.

I am an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist with advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and parts work.

With more than a decade of experience in the trauma field, I integrate EMDR, parts work/IFS-informed therapy, attachment-focused work, and nervous system-based approaches to help clients process trauma at the root — not just intellectually understand it.

Clients often describe my style as warm, grounded, and deeply attuned while also bringing clarity, direction, and depth to the therapy process. I believe therapy should do more than help you understand your patterns — it should help you finally change them.

Education & Training

  • EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist

  • Advanced Training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Parts Work

  • Advanced Training in EMDR for disordered eating, addiction, complex trauma, PTSD, grief and attachment trauma

  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Ashland Theological Seminary

  • B.A. — The Ohio State University

  • Ohio License: LPCC (E.1901526)

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My office

670 Meridian Way

Suite 102

Westerville, OH 43082

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step one

Brief inquiry
Complete a brief inquiry form so I can understand what support you need.

step two

Brief consultation
We’ll schedule a brief 10-15 minute phone conversation to explore fit and next steps.

step three

Begin therapy
If it feels aligned, we’ll schedule your first session and begin at a steady, supported pace.

Get started: