I live in Vancouver, British Columbia but am originally from Calgary, Alberta. When I’m not at work, I love to be with friends and family, outside by the water, eating good food, listening to music, travelling, or scoring Facebook marketplace for vintage finds. I’m usually quieter when I first meet people and open up once I’m more comfortable. I love humor and believe it’s an important part of the therapeutic relationship. People have described me as kind, reliable, and non-judgmental.

My approach is relational and person-centered. I believe that it is important for people to feel comfortable and at ease for therapy to be most effective, and I believe that no two people require the same approach. I pride myself on being flexible in my approach; Sometimes people need a safe space and safe person to process things out loud, and sometimes they need to be redirected to focus on goals. I’m here to walk with you in whatever it is you might need.

My Therapy Style is Calm, Curious, Warm & Light Hearted

Claire McMillan (she/her)

Therapist, MSW BSW RSW

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De-Intellectualization
Internal Validation
Perfectionism
Self-Esteem

Specialities:

Adolescent Trauma
Anxiety
Boundaries
Burnout

Office Hours:

Monday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday & Thursday 7pm - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm

Location: Online sessions for BC and AB Residents

Licensed to serve in British Columbia & Alberta. Accepting new clients.

claire@kindredroots.ca

Other Ways To Get To Know Me:

Podcast

Blog

Instagram

@kindredrootsclaire

My “Go-To” Therapy Models

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Focuses on transforming negative thoughts and behaviors into positive outcomes for better emotional well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Encourages embracing your thoughts and feelings, focusing on the present, and taking meaningful action to improve your life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A skills-based approach that teaches you how to manage emotions, handle stress, and improve relationships through a balance of acceptance and change.
Mindfulness

A practice that focuses on being fully present in the moment, helping to reduce stress and increase emotional regulation.

I started my career at 18 years old as a support worker and job coach for adults with disabilities. I fell in love with the work, which led me to Community Rehab and Disability Studies. However, looking into jobs that I was interested in, I found Social Work and it felt like the perfect fit for me. Throughout my Bachelor of Social Work, I volunteered in a teen mentorship program with Hull Services, I worked as an education assistant in a classroom for students with disabilities, and I co-facilitated a women’s day program for women struggling with substance use or conflict with the legal system.

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I worked as a hospital social worker on various units including inpatient medicine, palliative, geriatric transitions, etc. Additionally, I worked for a not-for-profit organization in Calgary as a Youth Housing Worker/Youth Transitioning to Adulthood worker for youth aging out of the care system. In pursuit of a career doing more counselling, I decided to move to Vancouver to complete my Master’s degree. Since graduating, I have been working on the Assertive Youth Outreach Team with Vancouver Coastal Health: Child and Youth Mental Health (aka counselling on an outreach basis).

My Professional Background

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CBT FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, MINISTRY OF CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, 2023
DBT FOUNDATION TRAINING, MINISTRY OF CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, 2023
NEURODIVERSITY AND ANXIETY TRAINING, MINISTRY OF CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, 2023
DBT SKILLS, PSYCHWIRE, 2023
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING FOUNDATIONS, CCMI, 2023
RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING TO SUICIDE RISK (RRSR), MINISTRY OF CHILD AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, 2023
SPIRIT OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING, VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH, 2023
OVERDOSE RESPONSE TRAINING, VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH, 2021
DIVERSITY TRAININGS (LGBTQ2S+, INDIGENOUS/ANTI-RACISM, ETC.), TRELLIS SOCIETY, 2019 AND 2020
ASIST TRAINING, HULL SERVICES, 2019
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY, 2019
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT TRAINING, HULL SERVICES, 2019
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURES, CCASA, 2019
THERAPEUTIC CRISIS INTERVENTION, TRELLIS SOCIETY, 2019 AND 2020
SAFETALK TRAINING, HULL SERVICES, 2018
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (MINOR IN COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND DISABILITY STUDIES), UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Registered Social Worker, Alberta College of Social Workers
Registered Social Worker, British Columbia College of Social Workers

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I WAS BORN AND RAISED ON TREATY 7 TERRITORY AND AM CURRENTLY LIVING ON STOLEN LAND OF THE MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH, AND TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATIONS. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT I DO AND ABOUT THE SOCIAL WORK FIELD; HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARM THAT SOCIAL WORK HAS DONE HISTORICALLY AND CURRENTLY, SPECIFICALLY TO INDIGENOUS AND RACIALIZED COMMUNITIES. BEING A WHITE SOCIAL WORKER, IT HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT AND ONGOING JOURNEY TO UNDERSTAND MY PRIVILEGE AND TO ENSURE THAT I PRACTICE IN AN ANTI-OPPRESSIVE MANNER.