Andrea McLaren

Thank you for checking out my counselling profile. I appreciate and know how hard it can be to reach out for help.

I support individuals to feel better in their lives. Are you having anxious thoughts, depressed mood, relationship struggles, emotional overload or low self confidence? Maybe you are experiencing loss? Maybe you are just at a stage in life where you are feeling lost?

Sometimes life can get pretty overwhelming. Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint where things began, perhaps you've have had an event that has triggered you or maybe it has been a while, or as far back as you can remember. 

You are not alone. Let me assist you in leaning into yourself and the life you want.

I believe in each person's capacity for growth to improve their lives.  Together we can do this work. 

I bring a wealth of compassion to my clients. My work is grounded in a blend of diverse theoretical study of approaches that have been proven effective and are tailored to your needs.

I have experience and success with a variety of people:

• exploring and finding solutions to challenges such as with identity, anxiety, burnout, depression, trauma and grief and loss
• improving the lives and relationships of adults with ADHD/ADD
• assisting people with their choices around technology use
• supporting seniors and their loved ones coping with issues of aging (eg. dementia)
• providing compassion and understanding for adults struggling with disability or injury (eg. concussion) and role/ability changes
• educating & learning with women who are struggling with peri menopause/menopause and subsequent life changes

I am particularly interested in approaches that meet individuals emotionally where they want to be met. I lean towards helping clients explore the roots of their emotional and/or physical pain from a perspective that includes our whole self: mind, body and soul. However, I work with many clients who just want skills to cope - that is effective too.

I have a strong ethical, anti-racist anti-oppression stance with respect for the uniqueness of others. I understand the importance of offering safe accepting space for clients with diverse intersectional contexts. I am 2SLGBTQAI+ affirming. I am honoured to work with my clients and value the trust they put in me. I hold a strong social justice value and strive to be an ally for marginalized people through listening and using my voice to assist with systemic change. I believe it is my responsibility to educate myself as a white woman on my biases and the impacts of systemic cultural and racial oppression while leaning into and being open to the experience of the individual.

I am committed to ongoing research,  learning and applying new skills such as training in managing anxiety, working with the body, dream work and understanding the impacts of the greater contexts of our world (from systemic racism to climate change to COVID). I am an avid reader and enjoy the arts as a reflection of our human experience.