Claudia McLean

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

When I'm not in session, I love spending time with friends and family—whether that’s having a coffee date, exploring the world with my sister, or enjoying a quiet evening with a book. I'm a huge reader (horror and thriller novels are my favourite!), and I spend countless nights curled up on the couch with snacks and my four cats: Fish, Chips, Cheese, and Toast. I’m a big animal lover, so I’d love to hear about your furry friends too!

I also have a passion for art, whether it’s painting, sketching, or crafting something onto a canvas. If there’s something creative you love, let me know—we can incorporate it into our sessions!

For Self-Care:

For self-care, I love anything artistic—art therapy is an amazing way to express emotions in a new outlet. A cuddle session with one of my many cats always helps too! I also love a good spa night with bubble baths, meditation, and face masks to decompress after a long day.

For Fun:

I’m always up for an adventure! I have a huge passion for traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. I also love dancing—it has been a passion of mine since childhood, and I believe expressing yourself through movement is incredibly powerful. On quieter days, you’ll find me at home painting, watching horror movies, or exploring farmers’ and craft markets.

For Growth:

I am always learning! I strive to gain new knowledge every day because learning is never finished. I take ongoing psychology courses, read research, and stay up to date with the latest modalities and approaches to best serve my clients. I also challenge myself outside of work, stepping out of my comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally.

Something unique about me is:

I love bringing humour into therapy sessions—yes, you can cry in therapy, but you can also laugh! Therapy is about being real, and sometimes being a little silly is exactly what we need to reconnect with joy.

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.

Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…

I was working in:

• Teaching dance both in the city and on a military base outside of Edmonton, which fueled my passion for working with kids.
• A group home for high-risk Indigenous youth, which gave me insight into the mental health challenges faced by underserved populations.
• The WCB Psychology department, where I helped match clients with psychologists and built connections within the mental health field.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

Seeing firsthand how much of a difference mental health support can make in someone’s life. It reinforced my passion for this field and my belief that therapy should be accessible, welcoming, and empowering.

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. Organization: I love finding new ways to stay organized—it helps me stay on track and reduces stress. Extra points if it’s cute and comes in pink!
2. Dinosaurs: I’ve been fascinated by dinosaurs since I was young! I love learning new facts about them and keeping up with the latest discoveries.
3. Horror & Thriller Films: I’m a total movie buff, especially when it comes to horror and thriller genres. They’re my go-to for weekend self-care!

Books & Podcasts

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Biggest Takeaway: Mind and body are deeply connected—trauma is stored physically, and true healing requires addressing both the mental and physical aspects.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce Perry & Maia Szalavitz
Why: It highlights the link between trauma and behaviour in children, challenging common misconceptions about ADHD and emotional dysregulation.

Favorite Podcast:

I haven't gotten into podcasts yet, but if you have any recommendations, let me know!

Specialty & Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:

I have a special interest in working with children (ages 3+), adults, and seniors.

Clinical Concerns:

• Trauma & PTSD
• Sexual violence
• Anxiety & Depression
• Emotional dysregulation
• ADHD
• Personality disorders (BPD, BP)/li>

Non-Clinical Concerns:

• Self-esteem struggles
• Personal growth
• Routine building

Expertise & Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• EMDR Weekend 1 & 2 – EMDR Institute (2024)
• Certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Professional (2024)
• Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification (EMDR, CBT, Somatic-Based Interventions) (2023)
• Grief Therapy Advanced Certification (2024)
• ADHD Certification: Supporting Neurodiverse Clients (2024)
• Play Therapy for Disruptive Behaviour & Trauma (2024)

Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Therapy Protocol:

1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) – Effective for processing trauma and distressing memories.
2. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Helps clients with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
3. Narrative Therapy – Encourages clients to rewrite unhelpful life stories and take control of their personal narratives.

Other Approaches I Use:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Family Systems Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Sandplay Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

People Like Working with Me Because…

I create a down-to-earth, caring, and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to heal. I value authenticity, and I make sure therapy feels like a place where we can be real—whether that means crying, laughing, or just sitting in the moment together.

A Bit More About Me...

Favourite Quote:
“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 reminds me that even the smallest wins matter. Happiness isn’t just about the big milestones—it’s about the little things that make each day special.