"To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage"
- Georgia O'Keeffe
Jillian Bagan
RCC, RCAT, CCC, MA,
About Jillian Bagan
Located in Vancouver, BC, Jillian (they/she) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors), a Registered Canadian Art Therapist with CATA (Canadian Art Therapy Association), Certified Canadian Counsellor with the CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association) with a Masters in Art Therapy from Concordia University. Jillian’s training and expertise has focused on trauma informed practices, attachment, brain development and the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC). They have received multiple awards in 2018 and 2022 for their promotion of community-building, queer visibility and advocation for change towards greater inclusivity in the Art Therapy field.
With 10 years of combined experience, Jillian has focused on developing and facilitating non-traditional and innovative programs to help individuals who have had difficulties with complex trauma, identity and social issues, relationship challenges, neurodevelopment differences, anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, behavioural issues, life transitions and other mental health factors. They have worked with children, adolescents and adults from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in community, educational, clinical and virtual settings across Canada.
Jillian provides online Art Therapy and counselling sessions that can help clients understand the dynamic factors that shape their behaviour, by providing a safe space to process difficult feelings, life transitions, and daily struggles. They have a person-centred and goal-oriented approach that can provide clients a sense of relief, create real change, improve psychological health and increase emotional well-being.
Using creative, exploratory and experimental processes, backed by neuroscience, Jillian guides clients to explore deeper meaning. They also offer a visual means of expression when thoughts cannot be verbally articulated. The art in therapy is used as a tool for providing opportunities for healing, catharsis, meaning-making and communication. Jillian believes that we do not need to be artists, dancers, musicians, or actors to enjoy the benefits of playing with the arts.
Learn more about Art Therapy, counselling, and LGBTQ+ issues on our blog:
EDUCATION, CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Concordia University, Masters of Arts: Creative Art Therapies
University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Registered Clinical Counsellor #19386
Registered Canadian Art Therapist #309-R-22
Certified Canadian Counsellor #10006165
Decolonizing Healing Practice Certificate
Preventing Suicide in Emergency Department Patients Certificate
Pet Loss and Bereavement Counselling Certifcate
Un Stage Intensif D’Immersion en Français 105 Heures Attestation
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCES
Oct. 2022
“Queer Youth, Families and Trauma” - Art Therapy with the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, Winnipeg Holistic Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Virtual presentation.
Oct. 2022
“Counselling and Physio Grant Helps Vancouver Girl Thrive” - Variety Week 2022, Global News Hour at 6 BC.
Mar. 2020
“Building Communities by Making Art” - Recreation: Where You Want to Live 24th Annual Provincial Recreation Conference, Recreation Connections Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
Oct. 2019
“Promoting Community and Creative Expression in Care Homes and Hospitals” - Reignite Your Fire: The Annual Therapeutic Recreation Professional Development Day Conference, Recreation Connections Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB.
Dec. 2019
“What is Art Therapy” - M Programme, Career Trek, Winnipeg, MB.
Oct. 2019
“What is Art Therapy” - Youth Initiatives, Career Trek, Winnipeg, MB.
May 2019
“Personal In-Queery” - The Versatile Therapist: Filling Your Toolkit Conference, Ontario Art Therapy Association (OATA), Stratford, ON.
Oct. 2018
“Personal In-Queery” - Art Therapy: Mending What is Broken Between Us Conference, Canadian Art Therapy Association, Montreal, QC.
