JILLIAN BAGAN: GROWING A QUEER-INFORMED PRACTICE | EP 143
Sometimes, the most successful path that someone can take is the one that comes organically.
By following your passions, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and taking your personal and professional preferences into account, you can make it easier for yourself to develop a balanced lifestyle that fulfills you both inside and outside the counselling room.
For my guest today, Jillian did (and is doing) just that. Jillian works closely with their values, knows how to structure the workday to align with their personal and professional goals, and structures private practice around their needs as well as the needs of their clients, to work and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
Listen in on our conversation today to find out more about marketing organically, incorporating your values into your private practice, and connecting with your client niche and your own professional needs.
Jane is an all-in-one health and wellness practice management platform designed to be helpful to you, no matter how or where you practice. Available online and on any device, Jane offers branded online booking, beautiful scheduling, insurance management, customizable charting, online intake forms, patient reminders, integrated payment processing, online appointments (telehealth) and more! Use the code FEARLESS at signup to receive your first month completely free!
MEET JILLIAN
Jillian Bagan (they/she) is a strong advocate for mental health and wellness, infusing their expertise in the field with a queer-identified perspective. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Masters in Art Therapy from Concordia University, they bring over 7 years of experience to their private practice in Vancouver. Jillian’s expertise extends to direct support for the LGBT2SQ+ community, addressing trauma and other mental health challenges across diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. Jillian offers individual and group art therapy counselling sessions, supervision, and conducts workshops with local organizations and non-profits.
Learn more about Jillian on their Instagram and Psychology Today pages, and their website.
In This Episode
- What motivated Jillian to become an art therapist
- Opening a private practice
- Incorporating values into private practice
- Advertising the practice
- Jillian’s goals for the future
What motivated Jillian to become an art therapist?
‘I really can see how art can be so healing. So I went back to my degree with the intention to finish it to go on and do my Masters and I didn’t think that was something I was going to do when I was younger, but when I went into the program, I just felt like this was the career for me.’ – Jillian Bagan
Jillian developed their understanding of art therapy by first applying its principles and practicing alone before she felt capable enough and ready to begin working with clients.
They graduated in 2019 and started working in a private clinic to work with children in the welfare system. When the pandemic hit in 2020, they had to go online, which allowed Jillian to learn how to use tools of art therapy online.
‘So much of art therapy is being a witness to the art being made, and it was a real struggle to have the kids … to be online and to ask them to move their camera around to see their art … So I developed my own way of working with that.’ – Jillian Bagan
Jillian’s solution to maintaining the artistic and therapeutic alliance with the children was to create art with them online during their sessions. Along with this method and others, Jillian decided that she wanted to open up a private practice since a large amount of upfront capital wasn’t necessary with a virtual practice – in most cases.
Opening a private practice
Jillian moved to Vancouver because it had a bigger queer population, which allowed Jillian to work more directly with her niche, which is art therapy with a queer-centered focus.
‘It took a while before I really decided, “Oh, I think now is a good time to do my private practice full-time.” I think I was dabbling in it … but now I am doing it full-time.’ – Jillian Bagan
While Jillian was working in their private practice, she was still taking up some contract work here and there, some virtual and some in-person. So in April of 2023, Jillian became her own boss!
These days, Jillian works with clients in their private practice both in-person and virtually. They share an office with other practitioners, allowing Jillian to work directly with clients.
Incorporating values into private practice
Creativity is a core value for Jillian, and it is utilized throughout the private practice. Jillian puts effort into the visual aspects of the private practice creatively, and then also practices creative problem-solving when coming to grips with the nuances of running a business.
Furthermore, they use collaboration as a guiding principle and value in their work.
‘I view therapy as a collaborative process. I view all the work that I do in private practice as collaboration and I’m always looking for opportunities!’ – Jillian Bagan
Lastly, safety and understanding is crucial for Jillian. They want their clients to feel both physically and emotionally safe, especially since their niche clients are often part of the queer community.
Advertising the practice
‘I just jump at every opportunity [that] comes my way!’ – Jillian Bagan
Jillian was approached by a local charity to do an interview. They organized the informed consent with their supervisor, made sure their clients consented, and then participated in the interview.
It was a great experience that happened organically and allowed them to get the word out about their practice.
At the moment, Jillian is using Instagram ads and Psychology Today. They’re also thinking about applying for Canada’s Grow Your Business Online grant – which you can also research and see if you’re eligible to apply for as well!
Jillian’s goals for the future
At the moment, Jillian wants to maintain the private practice as it is. There’s no big need yet for them to turn it into a group practice, so for now, she’s just enjoying the work and allowing it to grow organically.
As for their professional expertise, Jillian has a goal of becoming a supervisor in the next few years to support other therapists in their area.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 142: Flora Gerlai: Hiring the Right Fit for Your Practice | EP 142
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Learn more about Jillian on their Instagram and Psychology Today pages, and their website
Listen to the episode on the Canada Grow Your Business Online Grant!
Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
About Julia
Julia Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, she provides invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice. Julia’s wealth of knowledge also extends beyond the podcast, as she provides personalized one-on-one consulting to therapists who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with their solo or group private practices. With Julia’s expertise, therapists can confidently navigate the complexities of owning a private practice and find work life – balance.
Julia also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
