Psychologist in treatment with Individual Adult treating depression, Vancouver BC
Counsellor in treatment with Couple treating marital conflict and relationship issues, Vancouver B.C.
Young adult woman in treatment for grief, Vancouver BC
Psychologist in treatment with Individual Adult Woman treating anxiety, Vancouver B.C.

Psychological Clinical Services

  • Individual Psychotherapy
  • Couples & Family Therapy

Types of Concerns

Individuals: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, dealing with death and dying, guilt, challenges in knowing oneself, a sense of dissatisfaction with life, post traumatic stress, adjustment issues, personality related issues, unhealthy patterns of relating, family issues, elder care, trust, life transitions, workplace stress, communication issues, eating disorders, and intimacy issues.

Couples: communication, managing conflict, altering unhealthy patterns, increasing emotional connection, developing and maintaining intimacy, developing a vision for your relationship, developing understanding & compassion for each other.

Families: dynamics between members, separation and divorce, stepfamily adjustment, increasing communication, establishing boundaries, & encouraging healthy interaction.


Therapeutic Goals & Approach

Goals are developed between therapist and clients in the initial telephone consultation and first appointment, and subsequently refined throughout the counselling process as new understandings develop.

For example, initially someone may wish to learn ways of reducing their anxiety. When the anxiety is less intense, it may become clear that there are situations, or ways of being which are at the root of the anxiety. The client, in discussion with the therapist, may begin to explore and unravel the sources of anxiety in order to establish longer lasting relief from anxiety, or increase fulfillment, better relationships, or healthier ways of being in the world. Throughout the process, new skills or strategies are developed.

At other times, clients may be looking for a quick method of dealing with a particular situation or problem. It may be clear that this is the only type of intervention that is required at that time. After all, there are different types of human problems, and these require different kind of solutions.

When couples seek therapy, the process is a bit more complex as each partner may have a different goal for the process. One person may wish to improve the relationship while the other wishes to end the relationship. In this case, the counselling process may simply help couples articulate their differing positions and evaluate alternatives for the future. When couples have goals that are compatible or are willing to engage in an exploratory process to discover what is possible given their differing desires, therapeutic intervention can be of assistance. The therapeutic process develops as couples identify their challenges, past solutions which have not been effective, and engage in trying new ways of interacting with each other. Often the achievement of understanding and compassion for the partner assists couples in finding solutions which are satisfactory to both of them. In the event that partners or couples require specialized help, appropriate referrals with be made, with the consent of the clients.

Dr. McCulloch has been trained in a variety of theoretical approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems. The theoretical approaches optimally provide a framework for understanding human events, but also can interfere in the observation of other important information. Thus she believes that it is essential to listen deeply to those who seek her help, to share her own thoughts and observations, and to develop a strong working alliance. Dr. McCulloch attempts to co-create solutions, strategies, or responses for each client’s particular needs in the context of their current life circumstances.

Dr. McCulloch has extensive experience with specialized populations such as persons with disabilities, those suffering historical or current trauma, persons working in the medical health field, youth, and those providing social services. She has had provided treatment to physicians through the Physician Support Program for many years.