Lisa McLellan

Two for one deal!  You get to see me and my canine companion co-therapist, Esme.

When you're struggling in life, whether that be with depression, anxiety, past or current trauma, workplace issues, life transitions, grief, or infidelity the thought of starting counselling can increase anxiety, and feel really overwhelming. My first priority with you as my client is to ease your anxiety about the process, and make you comfortable as we build a relationship based on trust and non-judgement, working together to figure out how I can best help you. How I help, and how things move forward, differs for every client.  A client grieving the loss of a child or sibling has  different needs than a client dealing with social anxiety, workplace harassment, infidelity or an acute trauma incident. 

I've worked for 35 + years in the trenches - starting with community youth work, then street youth work, working with pregnant and parenting teens, 9 years in addiction services, then starting my own private practice, accumulating a hoard of education and training, and lived experiences along the way. I'm trauma informed, and have trained in EMDR, hypnosis, CBT, critical incident stress debriefing, first responder counselling, specialized grief therapy, mindfulness, etc. (There's limited space here). 

If you want a counsellor who is warm, down to earth, will give you tools and strategies, will be able to sit and witness pain, is encouraging and patient, checks in to see things are working for you...that's me. And if you like dogs and the extra blood pressure drop that petting one provides, along  with some snuggles and cuddles - we may be a good fit. 

Client safety and professional ethics are of primary importance to me in the counselling relationship. 

I am a registered service provider for the BCEHS, WorkSafe BC, and  the  BC SPCA. Past contracts have included Air Canada, Morneau Shepell, and Fraser Health CISM.

I look forward to hearing from you and am happy to answer any questions you may have about the counselling experience.