Maija McLean

It has been my experience in the world that change is always possible, and that human beings have an inherent ability to heal and transform when they feel safe, heard, and connected; it is my goal to create this space and to walk alongside people on their healing path.

My background has been as a Registered Social Worker (#11774) and Counsellor (CCC, #1844) in the fields of mental health, addictions, and housing advocacy in both the interior of BC, and Vancouver’s Dowtown Eastside. As a long-time social justice advocate, I believe that walking the healing path is a radical act; one that requires us to challenge the status quo and be open to experiencing ourselves, our relationships, and the world in new ways.

My interest in becoming a therapist came from my own struggles with anxiety, low self-esteem, and not knowing how to have healthy boundaries in my relationships. My healing path has included practicing and teaching Yoga and meditation, dancing and theater performance, and seeking out my own therapy.
It is through connecting with the body that I have experienced and witnessed the most healing in myself and others. As a result, this is a touchstone of my work with people and its exciting that all the neuroscience research is backing it up! I am passionate about learning, synthesizing, and applying the latest research on how to help people tune into their existing resources and inherent capacities to heal and transform.

I am a trained Satir therapist, and integrate aspects of somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, family systems, attachment theory, and mindfulness into my work with people. As well as Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma Level 1 (currently working on Level 2), EMDR Basic Training and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1: Affect Regulation, Attachment, and Trauma (Completion date is April 2020).

My areas of expertise include trauma resolution, addictions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life transitions.