Claudia McLean

What is your name?

Hello and welcome! Thank you for stopping by my profile. My name is Claudia McLean and I’m a registered provisional psychologist. I have a range of experience working with individuals of all ages (3+), gender identities, and ethnicity. I am a huge advocate for the well-being of my clients and want to ensure that everyone who steps into my therapy room feels seen and heard throughout their therapeutic journey. I strongly believe that everyone has strengths that can harnessed towards their healing and self-discovery. I believe that therapy should be a welcoming and safe space where clients are free to express all ranges of emotions, from sitting with the uncomfortable to sharing a laugh.

I have gained valuable experience, knowledge, and insights through my past work as an Intern Therapist at both Saffron Centre and Paul Band School. I also have extensive experience supporting children in various roles including teaching dance and case work! I am so excited to be a part of the Shift team!

What do you do at Shift?

At Shift, it’s my goal to offer compassion, empathy, and a dose of humour while utilizing a pattern theory approach throughout therapy. It’s a gift to have the ability to empower clients by helping them recognize their strengths and interrupting their limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns. I approach my therapy with a person-centred, strengths-based approach and integrate several modalities including Narrative Therapy, DBT, and Play Therapy when appropriate.

What are your academic credentials?

I graduated from MacEwan University with a BA; major in Criminology and minor in Psychology in 2020. Following this I worked within the WCB Psychology department for several years to gain further insights into the inner workings of the Psychology world. I applied and was accepted into my Masters in Counselling in 2021 at City University of Seattle. I have recently graduated in September 2024. I am a registered member of the College of Alberta Psychologists.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

I became a therapist because I have a deep passion for helping others navigate their challenges and find healing. I believe in the power of connection and support, and I want to create a safe space for individuals to explore their thoughts and emotions. Witnessing personal growth and resilience in my clients is incredibly fulfilling, and it inspires me everyday.

I grew up in a low socio-economic household and faced many challenged such as living with a parent with addiction, poverty, racism towards my Indigenous background, and many others. These challenges really inspired me to grow and give back to communities, populations, and especially children who are in similar circumstances to what I was. I believe if I had had access to therapy at a young age, it would have made a world of difference! I became a therapist because I want to provide a space for my clients to grow and shine, beyond the circumstances that they feel may be tying them down.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

I bring empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental approach to my therapy sessions- think of me as a cozy couch with a degree. My main goal is to create a safe space where clients can express themselves openly, and if we can sprinkle in some humour alone the way, even better!

Some specific goals might include helping clients understand their emotions and thought patterns, developing coping strategies, and improving their boundaries and relationships. Whether it’s tackling anxiety, figuring out why their cat seems to judge them, or simply learning to enjoy their own company, I’m here to help navigate those challenges. Ultimately, I want to empower clients to achieve their personal goals, even if it’s just to leave the session feeling a little lighter.

Some clinical concerns include:

• Anxiety / Stress
• Depression
• Self-Esteem
• ADHD
• Sexual Trauma/Violence
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Trauma and Attachment Concerns
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder

Who do you work with? (adults, children over x)

I work with Adults, Children and Adolescents. I do not offer family therapy or couples therapy.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

I’m passionate about therapy because I believe in the transformative power of human connection. Working with children and teens is especially meaningful to me; I love helping them navigate their unique challenges and find their voices-plus, they often have the most creative perspectives! It’s inspiring to see clients’ resilience and growth, and I enjoy creating a safe space where they can explore their emotions, even if it sometimes involves a discussion about their favourite tv show. I love helping everyone discover that it’s okay to be a little goofy while learning to tackle life’s challenges-after all, laughter is one of the best coping mechanisms! Being part of someone’s journey is incredibly rewarding, and I’m dedicated to supporting you as you develop the tools you need for a brighter future.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending time with friends and family! Whether that is having a coffee with my friends or exploring the world with my sister. I’m a huge reader and love to soak up anything and everything I can through a variety of genres (my favourite is horror and thriller novels though!). I spend countless evenings on the couch with a good book, some snacks, and my four cats. Their names are Fish, Chips, Cheese, and Toast! I’m a big animal lover so I definitely want to hear about your furry friends! Finally, I really enjoy making art. Whether that is painting, sketching, or crafting something onto a canvas. If there is something you love and want to incorporate it into session, please let me know and we can try and make that a reality!

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I’m starting my preparations for my EPPP! Studying, reading, and repeat is currently my jam as I work my way closer and closer to achieving my dream of becoming a fully registered Psychologist! I’m also always taking a new course online to further my knowledge in the Psychology world. I think it is vital to not only continue education to become more knowledgeable in your field but also stay up to date with the most current protocols, modalities, and approaches that will best serve our clients!

What motivates or inspires you?

I am truly inspired by my clients every single day. I have witnessed countless individuals who have overcome struggles that have consumed them for so long, and their triumphs make them absolutely glow! Seeing someone bloom into themselves again is such a beautiful experience and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I understand how difficult it is to seek help and am beyond proud of everyone who reaches out. Your resilience and dedication will continue to inspire me and better myself each and every day.

Do you have any lived or personal experiences that can be utilized in therapy with you?

As mentioned above, I have been through the therapeutic journey myself (truly life changing !). As well, I have dealt with grief and loss, parental addiction issues, racism, poverty, toxic relationships, and anxiety/depression.

What's one podcast that you like and why?

I haven't gotten into podcasts but if there is one you recommend, let me know!

What's one book that you like and why?

I absolutely loved The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog by Dr. Bruce D. Perry. It is very insightful and relevant to working with children with trauma and ADHD. A beautiful read for not only clinicians but everyone!

What's one quote that you like and why?

“I hope there are days when your coffee tastes like magic, your playlist makes you dance, strangers make you smile, and the night sky touches your soul. I hope there are days when you fall in love with being alive.” ― Brooke Hampton. This quote makes me smile as I feel that it showcases how small things can be triumphs and make us happy. It is so important to know that a small win is just as important as a big win.

Additional Certifications

• EMDR – EMDR Institute (2024)
• Grief Therapy Advanced Certification Course: The Latest in Neuroscience, Somatics, Unresolved Grief, and Identity Reclamation (2024)
• Personality Disorders Certification Training: Advanced Diagnosis, Treatment & Management (2024)
• ADHD Certification Course: What’s New & What’s Next in Supporting Neurodiverse Clients (2024)
• Janina Fisher's Trauma Treatment Certification Training (CCTP): The Latest Advances and Proven Techniques to Resolve Deeply Held Trauma (2024)
• Certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Professional (C-DBT) Training: An Advanced Online Skills Training for Adapting Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Everyday Clinical Needs (2024)
• 2-Day Conference: Play Therapy: Engaging Powerful Techniques for the Treatment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders and Trauma (2024)
• Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop: EMDR, CBT and Somatic-Based Interventions to Move Clients from Surviving to Thriving (2023)
  TCPS-2 Ethics Certificate (2020)

---

Available for:

Stress and Burnout | Anxiety-related symptoms (GAD, Phobia, Panic, Social, etc.) | OCD | Depression | Exposure Therapy | Inter-generational trauma | Grief and Loss | Building boundaries | Attachment concerns | PTSD | Self Esteem | Boundary Adherence | Life Changes | Grief | Abandonment | and much more...