JANA MCCALL EXPRESSIVE THERAPY
I am currently doing teletherapy only. I work with individuals, families, friendships, and partnerships/couples/polycules through a holistic, trauma informed lens. I am neurodivergent affirming and informed (Autism, ADHD, ADD, Sensory Processing, OCD, PDA, Rejection Sensitivity, BPD), LGBTQIA + affirming, disability affirming, sex and BDSM/kink positive, body positive, and affirming of all gender expressions/identities.
Just where you are, that's the place to start- Pema Chodron
We live in a world that encourages us to tune out our feelings, our intuition, and our creativity. We might look for connection in ways that are unfulfilling and find we are asked to compromise our truths in order to maintain these connections. Our truths can get muddled because how we show up in the world might not align with who we feel we are on the inside. Sometimes we feel stuck in our lives, our jobs, or our relationships, and sometimes we experience transitions that feel overwhelming; we might be looking to make changes but feel confused as to how to make that happen. Many of us have been wounded through loss, relationships, family of origin issues, school or work settings, or merely by existing in an increasingly complex world. Recognizing you want something different for yourself is a courageous first step toward changing your life. Therapy can provide the support, safe space, and tools needed for individuals, couples/partners, and families to explore ways to have healthier communication and more positive and meaningful connection. We are all deserving of opportunities to love wholly, and to live our best lives as our best selves.
I’m passionate about helping you find the right blend of approaches and interventions that are a good fit for the unique experiences and stories you bring. I will collaborate with you to get to the root of your suffering, disruptive patterns and obstacles, and find ways to have healthier communication and more meaningful connections, and help you thrive rather than just get by. Some of the issues, conditions and lived experiences I work with are anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, ADHD/ADD, OCD, sensory processing, Autism, auto immune and neuropsychiatric disorders and other physiological and health conditions, Complex PTSD, BPD, career and life goal issues, gender identity and sexual orientation, sex health, and attachment issues. As a neurodivergence affirming therapist with lived experience, I understand the ways different neurotypes communicate, and the various needs of different neurotypes. Many individual and relationship therapies lack a comprehensive understanding of and experience with the full spectrum of neurodiversity. I try to offer a space and the kind of therapy that does.
I offer sessions and ongoing therapy as a provider licensed in the state of Washington, or as a Relational and personal coach/consultant outside of Washington state. Scroll down for more information about me, my approach, fees, and location.
“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
― Paul Coelho
ABOUT
Many of my approaches to therapy are rooted in my own life experiences. I'm a white Latina with a complex and very rich generational history Growing up in a family of divorce, substance abuse, and inter-generational trauma, creative expression was one of the most effective ways to express my experiences and process my feelings. I have been an artist and musician since I was very young, with art and music shows all over the United States. I moved to Seattle from Arizona in 1989 and was fortunate enough to be part of the exploding Seattle music scene, which led me to working with such bands as Nirvana and Modest Mouse. Yoga and meditation have also played important roles in my life, which I've been studying for over 30 years.
That last section probably makes me sound way cooler than the actual neurodivergent dork that I am. I'm not out playing rock shows anymore, but I do putz around on the piano or accoustic guitar. I'm in love the Pacific Northwest and being out in all the surrounding nature. I have two older neurodivergent kids, a Formosan Mountain dog, a partner, and family and friends that I enjoy spending time with. I love being a therapist and I value connection with others above all else.
I enjoy working with groups and have developed and facilitated groups/wokshops for neurodivergent adults, songwriting workshops creating through shadow and inner child parts, art therapy for people who are HIV+, yoga/meditation groups and workshops, grief groups, and LGBTQIA+ groups and workshops.
Trainings and Education:
Montana State University- BFA
Antioch University Seattle- Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy
Brainspotting Level 1 and 2
Gottman Level 1
EFT Level 1
PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy) Level 1
Yoga Teacher Certification 200
Adaptive Yoga Therapy
Yoga Nidra
EMDR for Neurodivergent Clients
IFS
Polyvagal Theory
APPROACH
My approach to therapy is eclectic and integrative. I work through a culturally responsive framework that includes tools and theory from Humanistic, Attachment, Existential, Art therapy, Brainspotting, Polyvagal Theory, PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), Eco therapy, Narrative, Sensorimotor, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other approaches to individuals, relationships, and families.
I also work through a trauma and resilience informed lens. This means acknowledging that trauma can exist not only in individuals, but in generations of families, historically with ancestors and within greater systems. We each carry not only the less desirable stories and parts of our ancestors, but also their strengths, and we alone hold the key to tell these stories to honor them and to heal from them.
Expressive Arts Therapy with me can look many different ways depending on what works best for you. We might work together doing purely traditional talk therapy, or if it's something you're interested in exploring, we could integrate modalities such as making art, writing or journaling, incorporating music, whether listening to or writing, doing yoga and movement that fits your needs and abilities, meditation, finding ways to incorporate the natural world, or creating ritual together that is relevant to your needs and/or cultural background.
Many people are embarrassed or ashamed of their creative process, and might feel they are terrible artists. You do not have to be an 'artist' to be creative or participate in Expressive Arts Therapy. There is no judgement in what we do together; this is not about making perfect art or excelling at being creative. Expressive Arts Therapy is about finding ways to help you achieve more balance and peace, to find your own unique voice, to allow your truths to come through, to tap into something bigger than yourself, to heal, or to even have fun. I'm excited for you to start this journey, and to share it with you.
If therapy doesn't feel right for you at this time, but you're interested in working with me, I offer sessions for focusing on career goals, creative goals such as visual arts and songwriting, mindfulness and meditation, yoga therapy. I'm passionate about helping people discover their own passions and cultivate fulfilling lives. I want to help you tune into your truths, your stories, and your unique creative voice, and overcome blocks if they are getting in your way. Together we can also explore ways to find more meaning in your life and to be more present.
Contact and Info
170 for individuals for 55 minutes
200-225 for couples or families for 55 minutes
90 minute and 2 hr sessions are available upon request. I see clients on a weekly basis or every other week. Sliding scale spots may be available
Presently I am private pay/out of network but can provide a superbill for you to submit to your provider who can then reimburse you. Please contact your insurance company to find out what is covered under your policy.
Contact to schedule a free 30 minute session to see if we're a good fit to work together.
jana@janamccallexpressivetherapy.com
(206) 485-1552
Licensed in Washington state as a Mental Health Counselor.
Lic # 61496004
