JILLIAN BAGAN: GROWING A QUEER-INFORMED PRACTICE | EP 143

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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.

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.