School psychology
As a result of working for many years as a school psychologist in the Waterloo region, Dr. McHugh has a thorough understanding of the challenges today’s students face. Dr. McHugh works with older teens and young adults who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling with attention or motivation, or trying to better understand their learning and thinking styles. Treatment focusses on building practical skills for managing school demands, strengthening executive functioning, improving communication skills, and developing greater confidence. Students consistently find Dr. McHugh quite approachable, supportive and collaborative (please note that Dr. McHugh’s practice is focused on supporting students directly; she does not provide psychoeducational assessments or parent consultation).
Health psychology
Dr. McHugh has over 15 years of experience working in a variety of inpatient and outpatient departments at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, St. Mary’s and Stratford General Hospitals. As a health psychologist her extensive knowledge assists clients to adjust to a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, chronic/progressive/terminal illnesses, surgeries, injuries, concussions, the impact of stress on the body. Treatment focusses on supporting client’s mental health and physical recovery (when recovery is possible). Dr. McHugh also has many years of experience, in both treatment and multi-disciplinary roles, on an in-patient palliative care unit.
Clinical psychology
Dr. McHugh provides shorter-term, focused, goal-oriented therapy to help clients address specific concerns efficiently. This typically involves identifying key issues early, developing practical coping strategies, and working collaboratively to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatment is evidence-based and tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on building skills clients can continue to use independently after therapy ends.
Dr. McHugh has over 30 years of experience treating the following problems:
- work/personal stress, burnout and life balance
- anxiety
- depression
- infertility
- grief and bereavement
- health issues, including acute, chronic and terminal illness
- self-esteem, self-confidence, and assertiveness issues
- the unique stress and challenges experienced by first responders
Dr. McHugh is also qualified to provide treatment to seniors. Seniors often face life transitions, changes to their health and relationships, and challenges maintaining their independence. When treating seniors Dr. McHugh can suggest strategies and provide support related to emotional, cognitive and daily life challenges.
Within the area of clinical psychology Dr. McHugh has over thirty years of special interest in the areas of grief and infertility therapy. Her interest in grief began and grew as a psychologist on a hospital palliative care unit and has continued throughout her career. Dr. McHugh supports individuals and their families as they navigate the emotional, cognitive, and practical impact of loss. This work often includes helping clients process complex feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness; making sense of their loss; and adjusting to life changes that follow. The general goal of grief therapy is to learn to carry the loss in a way that allows for continued connection, meaning, and engagement in life. Therapy may address losses related to death, health, relationships, or major life transitions, with a focus on fostering resilience, self-compassion, and increased emotional stability over time.
Dr. McHugh also specializes in supporting individuals and couples experiencing infertility and who may be undergoing infertility treatment. She provides compassionate, specialized care during what is often a highly stressful and emotionally complex time. Therapy may include helping clients cope with the uncertainty, grief, and sense of loss that often accompanies infertility, as well as managing the high levels of stress associated with treatments such as IVF or other assisted reproductive procedures. Therapy may focus on reducing anxiety, navigating decision-making, strengthening communication and connection within couples, and providing support and coping strategies through cycles of hope and disappointment. Therapy also addresses the impact on identity, relationships, and overall wellbeing, with a goal of helping clients feel more grounded, supported, and resilient as they move through treatment and consider next steps.
Fees & Payment
For more information about fees, payment view the frequent questions page.