Jocelan Ireland

About Me as a Human…

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

Travelling and immersing myself in new cultural experiences. I’ve visited many countries and lived in different provinces over the years. I enjoy camping and hiking in my Japanese camper van in the summer. I love a good laugh with friends and family over interesting conversations and am often told I have a wacky sense of humour. You might also find me at farmers’ markets, art exhibits, live music events, or enjoying concerts and plays. To recharge, I love reading, cooking, hiking, and diving into a great documentary or movie.

For Self Care:
Reading, meditation, taking long walks, a hot bath, and relaxing with a good documentary are my go-to activities for recharging.

For Fun:
I enjoy hiking, live music, and comedy shows that bring laughter into my life.

For Growth:
I’m continually deepening my knowledge of therapeutic techniques like EMDR, trauma therapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness, and meditation.

Something unique about me is:
I have ADHD, which gives me a personal understanding of neurodivergent experiences and how organization and daily routines make life smoother.

Before I was in the Mental Health Field…

I explored a variety of roles, from working in the Naval Reserve and freelance photography to retail and administrative roles. I’ve worked with Indigenous communities, the RCMP, individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and families navigating child services. My volunteer experience includes animal support organizations and community centers, which taught me the value of adaptability and compassion in working with diverse populations.

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. Learning EMDR Skills: I find EMDR fascinating for its ability to address trauma effectively, making a significant impact on clients' healing journeys.
2. Car Repair: Understanding mechanics and how things work is intriguing and helps me build practical problem-solving skills.
3. Staying Organized: As someone with ADHD, maintaining structure and routine has been transformative for navigating life smoothly and efficiently.

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life.

My biggest takeaway: This book sheds light on the shame women feel when they don’t meet societal expectations and provides valuable counseling techniques for addressing these struggles.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder.

Why it’s interesting: It offers a practical, step-by-step guide to teaching skills like interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness.

My Favorite Podcast Is:

Uncensored History of the Blues.

What I love about it: The detailed exploration of blues artists and their music is simply fantastic.

Specialty and Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:
I enjoy working with adults and teens aged 16–18 who are committed to regular therapy. I’m particularly drawn to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, as I love learning about their unique stories and experiences.

Clinical Concerns:
I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, workplace burnout, trauma, and PTSD. I’m passionate about helping clients with these issues because the outcomes are incredibly rewarding.

Non-Clinical Concerns:
I have a special interest in helping people navigate complex systems like child welfare, public support programs, and legal matters. These systems often create barriers, and I aim to support clients in advocating for their rights and accessing the resources they need.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study

Additional Certifications:

• EMDR Training

• Suicide Risk Assessment

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Levels 1 & 2

• CBT Advanced Practice Training

• San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

I Have Expertise and Experience Working With:

1. Adults with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions.
2. Indigenous populations and culturally diverse communities.
3. Individuals struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, and substance use.

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

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping clients challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns to foster healthier emotions and behaviors.
2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supporting clients in accepting their experiences while committing to actions aligned with their values.
3. EMDR: Assisting clients in processing and resolving trauma.

Additional approaches: Solution-Focused Therapy, DBT, mindfulness, cultural safety techniques, and trauma-informed practice.

People Like Working With Me Because…

I’m told that my genuine, open, and non-judgmental nature creates a safe space for sharing personal experiences. Clients appreciate my straightforward and empathetic approach, which makes exploring challenges feel less intimidating. My transparency and ability to incorporate humor help clients feel comfortable, and I’m deeply committed to helping them achieve meaningful and lasting change.

A Bit More About Me

I became independent at 14 and faced significant challenges, from poverty and stigma to undiagnosed ADHD and trauma. Meeting a social worker in my late teens transformed my life, helping me navigate my struggles and build self-confidence. This inspired me to pursue a career in social work and, eventually, therapy. I believe in the power of resilience and the ability of compassionate, understanding people to create transformative change. My lived experiences fuel my passion for supporting others as they navigate their own paths toward healing and growth.