Jess McLachlan, PhD

Hello! I’m Jess,

I’m glad you’re here. Navigating this human life isn’t always easy; we feel stuck, our hearts break, we get caught in self-criticism and stories about who we think we are. Moments of contentment and connection can feel distant, fleeting, or precarious. Sometimes we feel lost and unsure about where we’re headed. Other times we know what we want but can’t shake behaviors or beliefs that no longer seem to serve us.

I see therapy as a collaborative and active process; one where you’ll bring a willingness to explore what matters to you and an openness to reflect on what gets in the way. I’ll bring curiosity, kindness, and an individualized roadmap for change that’s based on science.

In this co-created space, we can explore your needs, strengths, and challenges. Here, mixed feelings (about change and even therapy!) and all aspects of your identity are welcome. I know what it feels like to be seen, supported, and guided by thoughtful and skilled therapists, and I aim to bring this same level of dedication and attentiveness to the people I work with. This means, in part, examining the harm caused by oppressive systems as well as my own privilege.

Ultimately, my hope is that you’ll find new ways of understanding and relating to your struggles, and a path towards living more freely and fully. I hope you feel welcome here, just as you are. LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent affirming. 

Specialties

I specialize in co-occurring concerns (e.g., the impact of substance misuse on mental health), family addiction support, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. I’ve gained experience through graduate training, ongoing continuing education, and 15 years of working as a licensed psychologist in Canada.

Orientation: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including training specific to treating substance use disorders
Modalities: Individuals

Harm Reduction & Psychedelic Integration 

I’m passionate about the application of harm reduction principles to therapy and I’m certified in Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy (IHRP). For me, this approach means not making assumptions about your needs or imposing treatment goals. It also means seeing value in small changes, acknowledging the impact of stigma, and understanding that people have relationships with substances for valid reasons.

I also have an interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelics and offer psychedelic preparation and integration. My aim, in line with harm reduction, is to help minimize potential harms and make the most of any benefits. Together we can talk about your psychedelic experience, explore its meaning, and work towards integrating insights into your daily life. My work in this area is supported by comprehensive training (e.g., certifications in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration), extensive experience at a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy program, and research involvement (i.e., being a therapist in two psilocybin clinical trials for alcohol use disorder).