Hello
My name is Jenna Braich McRae
I know firsthand how hard it can be to juggle everything expected of us with raging overwhelm & anxiety (among other things). I’ve been there. Life can be hard, relationships take effort, and our mental & physical health often go on the back burner, making our lives & day to day feel even more daunting. I also know firsthand how much therapy & an unbiased, listening ear can help and that is why I am here. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 13 years of experience working with a diverse population in various capacities, including private practice, education, and mental health. I now have my own practice in Chilliwack, B.C. I offer in-person, virtual and walk-&-talks, which I love as we take therapy outdoors to utilize bilateral stimulation, mindfulness, movement and talk therapy, all-in-one. Despite working with a range of individuals, I love supporting other women & families. When my clients share that they’re beginning to better understand themselves, they're feeling confident, or they’re able to recognize & challenge their unhelpful thoughts therefore reducing their anxiety, this is what I work for. When I hear parents say that they’re connecting better with their child or that their teen is beginning to open up to them (or vice versa), this is what I work for! MY WORK: It will not be unusual to have some laughs in session with me, I think humour can be healing when used appropriately. I work hard to make the process relatable and light when possible, and I do my best to work in a way that is fitting for each individual client. Therapy can be hard work, it is important work, often necessary work, but it's not something that you have to do alone. I love what I do and I am excited to continue to grow and feel empowered alongside my clients. MY TIME: When I'm not supporting my clients, I enjoy learning more about our minds & relationships, I love being outdoors, walking or riding a bike on the Vedder Trail, skiing, atv'ing, and I spend time with loved ones from the East to West Coast, eating delicious food and finding live music whenever possible. QUESTIONS? I am an open book, please reach out with any questions, concerns, or to begin working with me. Thank you being here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I expect in my first therapy session?   A: During your first therapy session, we will go over your intake form and the confidentiality agreement, I can answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, acknowledge if you have goals or preferred outcomes (although not necessary) and begin to allow you to feel comfortable in the space
Q: How can I prepare for my therapy session? Â Â A: You can prepare for your therapy session by thinking about what you would like to discuss and any questions or concerns you may have. It's also important to arrive on time and in a quiet, private location for your virtual session.
Q: I have insurance/do you direct bill? A: Some extended health plans offer coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors, please check with your provider to be sure. JBM takes e-transfers and a receipt will be emailed for you to submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement.
Q: What happens after a therapy session? A: After a therapy session, it's normal to feel tired and you may continue to process what came up in session. Clients are encouraged to take some time to reflect on what was discussed during the session. It is important to practice self-care and engage in activities that promote relaxation and positivity. Clients are welcome to schedule follow-up appointments to continue the work. Consistency can be extremely powerful.
Q: How do I know if counselling is for me? A: Counselling can be beneficial for anyone who is seeking support and guidance in their personal lives. If you are experiencing challenges or difficulties that are impacting your mental health or well-being, counselling can help provide clarity and perspective. We encourage you to reach out and schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore your options.
Q: How long does therapy usually take? Â Â A: The length of therapy will vary depending on individual needs and goals. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy, while others may need longer-term therapy. I will work with you to develop a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
It Can Work, If You Let It.
Why Therapy....
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Our relationship with our self is at the core of our relationship with others and I believe this guides and influences the way in which we see our world and make meaning of our experiences. When we begin to figure ourselves out a little better, we tend to find more clarity and meaning in other parts of our lives. I believe that everyone deserves to feel joy, happiness and genuine connection, although this will look different for each individual, I believe it should stem from within for it to authentically trickle out into our lives and relationships. If we are happy, content and confident then that is how we will show up for others, in our jobs, as we parent, and how we interpret our world. If we are unhappy, uneasy or anxious, then that is how we will feel in our lives and experiences.
When we care for our mind and our body, things begin to fall into place and therapy is a tool that helps us do just that. Therapy is a way to get to know yourself and others more clearly, improve your relationships, find more joy within your self, your job, your home, and/or in your daily life, and it can also offer you the tools and coping skills to improve mental health challenges.
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Who Is It For....
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Anyone can experience the benefits of therapy, it is here for us to feel our healthiest and happiest and it is a way to care for our mind health just as exercise is for our physical health. You shouldn't need to feel stuck or find yourself in a crisis to seek therapy, you are able to come to therapy as you are and find support while you head to where you're going.
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My clients come to therapy for a variety of reasons such as navigating a challenging relationship with family or a partner, longing for clarity and understanding, fears of the future/of the unknown, grief and loss of a loved one, divorce, parenting, processing past experiences, feeling disconnected from one's self or others, overwhelmed with daily life, feeling stuck, fears, trauma, self-esteem/confidence, disordered eating, executive functioning (organization/planning), anxiety, depression, and more. A commonality between all of my clients is the desire to feel loved for who they are and live a happier and more fulfilled life that aligns with their values and who they want to be.
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What To Expect....
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Therapy can be challenging and some may even find it uncomfortable at times. It can be difficult moving through the challenges we've had or are having, and taking a deeper look at our selves and our lives can feel vulnerable; it's important to know this is normal and part of the process. It is our role as the therapist to help you feel as comfortable as possible in a safe and calm environment in which you can explore your experiences, memories, relationships (& more) to gain deeper insight and clarity, leaving you feeling better understood, positive, motivated for change, and empowered. As a therapist, it is incredibly rewarding to see a client grow into a version of themselves they've been working towards, or have a breakthrough after the challenging work they've done, to then share that they feel happier, calmer, stronger, and more at peace.
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It is an integral part of the process to find a therapist that works well with you and meets your needs. It can feel frustrating as it may take a couple tries to find a good fit, but it is worth it. Many therapists offer a free consultation which is there for you to learn a bit more about each other prior to the first session and I would recommend this option for any therapist and new client.
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How Long Will It Take....
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The number of sessions will depend on personal goals, lived experiences, the type of challenge/issue present, and the therapeutic method used. This can be a part of the therapeutic plan created together by client and therapist. Some clients choose to have a single session or schedule as needed, some choose weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions; the choice is up to the client. I believe making a few month commitment can be the best way to experience both immediate and long-term benefits, especially for those clients working through long-term challenges. Therapy does not have to be a life-long endeavor, although many clients do find it helpful having consistency and the comfort in knowing they have a regularly scheduled appointment.
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My Personal Experience....
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Through my own experience with therapy and increasing self-awareness, my overall happiness, ability to feel more grounded, have self-compassion, find more meaning in my experiences and better understand my self and my relationships, has flourished. Love for and connection with our self and others is the foundation of who we are. I know first hand that this process of self-exploration, self-love and growth is not easy, it takes consistency, effort and patience, but it works if you let it. My hope for my clients is that they believe in themselves, trust the process, and experience the powerful strength and rewards that come from embracing vulnerability and showing up for yourself.
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With Kindness,
Jenna