Practice information
I have a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with
the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I regularly update my skills by participating in professional development
workshops and programs. I am also an experienced family life educator and a group facilitator.
My theoretical orientation, while generally considered to be eclectic (borrowing from several
different theories), leans more towards a "psychodynamic" approach - which means I believe that our
early learned behaviours, experiences and feelings from childhood onwards have a critical effect on our lives
and relationships in the present time. Some of these continue to work well for us. Others we would do well to
discard - especially the ones which seem to get in the way of our ability to have satisfying relationships.
For some clients, other forms of therapy are more appropriate. For short-term problems, I practice
solution-focused therapy; for depression and anxiety, I borrow more from cognitive behavioural therapy. I
also like to try and introduce some element of mindfulness practice - just a more mindful way of living our
lives, something that is often missing given today's hectic pace. Remembering simply to breathe is the basis
of that.
In my private practice I have been assisting individual and couples with their relationship issues
for more than 15 years. While this forms the bulk of my practice, communication skills are often at the heart
of many difficulties we are having in our lives. This means I also see clients who are experiencing life
transitions of varied kinds: work, health, or adjusting to new cultures for example.
I also undertake contract work for Employee and Family Assistance Programs, covering a wide range of
issues - from workplace problems, such as harassment and bullying, to any relationship or family - centred
difficulties which interfere with work performance.
To contact me please call 604.722.3027, or e-mail me at
info@gillianmclean.com
. I look forward to assisting you soon.
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