Trish White-McLean

My Approach to Therapy

As your therapist, I’ll work with you to identify patterns of behaviour, feelings, and thoughts that can influence how you relate to yourself and others.  As humans, we’re remarkable in our ability to adapt to survive. But our early adaptations often don’t fit us in later life. Our coping skills may no longer work, leaving us feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative journey that requires patience, care, and trust. As your therapist, I will work hard to listen deeply—not just to what’s said, but to what’s underneath—to help you make sense of your experience.  We’ll find out together what emerges from being listened to with that level of respect, open attention, and care.

Over time, our sessions can uncover valuable insights that support greater connection to your authentic self.  This process can hone your coping skills, nourish your strengths, and help you recognize and alter patterns that may no longer service you.

About Me

I’ve been engaged in psychotherapy—as a client, provider, and trainer—since 1998, alongside my work as a social worker in the education system. While completing my training at the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy in 2010, I developed a deep respect for the transformative potential of psychotherapy. I believe strongly in the unique, precious power of the therapeutic relationship.

There is always so much more to discover about ourselves and others, and about the patterns that shape us. This curiosity drives me to continually expand and enrich my practice through ongoing education, advanced training, peer consultation with seasoned colleagues, and my own personal therapy.

“There is a crack, a crack in everything…

That’s how the light gets in”

– Leonard Cohen, “Anthem”

This lyric from legendary poet and musician Leonard Cohen eloquently captures a belief at the heart of my work as a psychotherapist: as human beings we struggle, we are imperfect, we suffer—but our cracks hold our potential for healing and transformation.

Our vulnerabilities are our openings. Our weaknesses shed light on the possibilities of what more can be seen. And where the light gets in is where we’re enlightened. What greater gift is there than to sit with another person in this kind of presence? I look forward to the opportunity to come together, to reflect and allow what’s been hidden within you to come to light, to sit with you patiently to see what will be revealed.

As a psychodynamic therapist, I focus on medium- to long-term therapy. Typically, I meet with clients for weekly 50-minute sessions.

For those seeking to work in person, I offer therapy sessions at my office in midtown Toronto. Alternately, I am able meet virtually or by phone.

I offer an initial 30-minute consultation free of charge. This consultation can provide the opportunity to ask any questions about how I work or about psychotherapy. This consult also gives us an opportunity to see if we feel a fit is in the works.

To set up an initial consultation, please feel free to contact me by email at twhitemclean@gmail.com