Maija McLean, MA, RSW, CCC

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, seeking out my own therapy, and becoming a mother to two girls. 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 have completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and am in the process of completing advanced trainings in complex Trauma and Dissociation, and Internal Family Systems. Attachment theory, family systems, embodiment, and mindfulness are the pillars upon which my work is based. I am also deeply informed by interpersonal neurobiology, somatic experiencing, and sandtray therapy. My areas of expertise include trauma resolution, addictions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and life transitions.