Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 143

Fearless Practice

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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Advertising the practice

Jillian was approached by a local charity to do an 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. 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:

Instagram

Website

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

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

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#Fitness #Entrepreneur #Business #Mental Health #Julia Smith