Matt McGillvray, CD, MSW, RSW

I'm a registered social worker and psychotherapist, and the founder and Clinical Director of Nipissing Counselling Solutions.

My work is shaped by experience across military, correctional, educational, and healthcare systems. I bring a practical, systems-informed approach to therapy, grounded in both frontline experience and clinical training.

Who I Work With

I work with clients across the lifespan, including children, youth, adults, couples, and families navigating ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, and occupational stress injuries. 

I work best with people who are insightful, capable, and tired of repeating the same patterns. My work with clients is structured, honest, and focused on real progress, especially for trauma, ADHD, burnout, emotional regulation, relationship strain, and occupational stress injuries.

Many of the clients I see are:

• first responders, military members, and veterans
• professionals dealing with burnout or high-pressure environments
• individuals navigating ADHD, trauma, or emotional regulation challenges
• couples and families working through conflict, disconnection, or communication breakdown

They are often capable, self-aware, and used to functioning at a high level, but feel stuck in patterns that aren't working anymore. They're looking for clarity, structure, and meaningful change, not just short-term relief.

My Approach

My approach is direct, practical, and grounded in evidence-based care.

I draw from trauma-informed, cognitive, and skills-based approaches to help you understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what to do about it.

This typically includes:

• identifying patterns that are keeping you stuck
• building concrete skills for emotional regulation and communication
• addressing trauma and underlying drivers of behaviour
• developing a clearer sense of direction and control

I balance insight with action; therapy should lead somewhere.

Training & Modalities

I draw from a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches, integrating methods based on your goals, presentation, and stage of change.

My holistic work includes applications of:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Narrative Therapy

I also integrate elements from other modalities where clinically appropriate, with a focus on practical, skills-based, and systems-informed care.

My approach is flexible, but structured. The goal is not to apply a single model, but to use the right tools at the right time to help you move forward.

Role at NCS

As founder and Clinical Director, I oversee clinical standards, support the practice of associate clinicians, and ensure that care across the NCS is consistent, ethical, and effective.