Dr. Kelly McShane
PhD, CPsych, Registered Clinical and Organization Psychologist
License #4710
Client Focus: Adults, Leaders, Executives, Organizations, Executive Coaching
Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Self-Compassion, and Motivational Interviewing.
Common Concerns: Workplace Trauma and Discrimination, Depression, Anxiety and Stress/burn-out, Leadership Development, Interpersonal Conflict Management, Self Development, Resilience.
Area of Practice: Coaching, Performance, Depression, Workplace Stress.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy or mental performance coaching?
I wish more people knew that therapy and coaching aren’t only about addressing personal challenges—they are also powerful tools for navigating the complexities of the workplace. Issues like stress, burnout, or unresolved conflicts don’t just affect individuals; they ripple across teams and organizations. Investing in your mental well-being is not only about feeling better—it’s about building resilience, improving leadership, and creating psychological safety that allows people and organizations to thrive.
Who are you and what led you to this work?
I’m an organizational and clinical psychologist, and I focus on both individuals and the systems they are embedded in. Early in my career, I worked as a child and adolescent clinical psychologist with a focus on community-engaged partnerships. Over the last decade, I’ve expanded my focus to organizational and industry partnerships, with the goal of supporting employees, leaders, and executives in their day-to-day interactions and long-term professional development.
My passion lies in helping people and organizations address complex challenges that are often avoided but have lasting consequences—such as trauma, harassment, bullying, and incivility in the workplace. I also have a deep commitment to supporting professionals in healthcare, social services, higher education, and law enforcement—sectors where stress and burnout are particularly high.
What is your approach to therapy or mental performance coaching?
I draw from my expertise in behavior change and systems theory, integrating clinical approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). My approach is collaborative and insight-driven, designed to help clients increase awareness, build resilience, and align their actions with their values. This not only supports personal well-being but also enhances leadership capacity, workplace effectiveness, and team cohesion.
What areas do you focus on?
• Leadership wellness and development
• Stress, burnout, and resilience building
• Trauma recovery, harassment, bullying, and incivility
• Psychological safety in the workplace
• Recruitment, retention, and organizational health
• Mental health awareness in professional sectors
What types of clients do you typically work with?
I work with employees, leaders, and executives across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, social services, higher education, and law enforcement. Many of my clients are high performers navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and organizational pressures, and they seek strategies to manage these challenges while staying aligned with their personal and professional values.
How do you help clients overcome mental roadblocks and perform at their best?
I help clients develop the awareness and tools to manage stressors and interpersonal challenges in high-pressure environments. This includes teaching strategies for resilience, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, as well as tools to recover from trauma or negative workplace experiences. By fostering alignment between actions and values, clients gain clarity, confidence, and purpose—allowing them to perform at their best while also contributing to healthier, more effective workplaces.
What evidence-based methods or strategies do you use?
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and systems-based approaches. These methods allow me to tailor interventions to each client’s needs, whether that means addressing individual stress and burnout, or supporting leaders and teams in building psychological safety and organizational well-being.
What can a client expect in their first session with you?
In our first session, I’ll work to understand both your individual goals and the broader systems or contexts that shape your experience. Together, we’ll clarify your challenges and explore the values that will guide our work. The session is collaborative and practical, aimed at helping you feel supported while also beginning to identify actionable steps for change.
What makes your work at The Mental Game unique?
What makes my work at The Mental Game unique is the integration of individual therapy with organizational psychology. I bring deep clinical expertise alongside extensive experience working with industries and workplaces. This allows me to help clients not only address personal challenges but also develop leadership presence, manage conflict, and foster resilience in the workplace. I support both individuals and organizations in creating environments where people can succeed with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Performance Interests
As a teenager, I competed as a national-level athlete in Canada, and sports continue to be an important part of my life through my children’s competitive athletics. I’m an avid supporter and informal performance coach, and I strongly believe in the role of organized sports in developing perseverance, grit, and conflict resolution skills.
As adults, I believe performance takes on new dimensions. In my work, I support individuals in addressing burnout, managing difficult people, and aligning actions with values. This focus on alignment and purpose helps clients achieve sustainable success both in the workplace and in life.
