Hi! My name is Evelyn McLean.
I guide people through big life transitions by offering emotional support and practical guidance. My goal is to help you navigate times of change with clarity and intentionality.
Whether you’re grieving a loss, navigating the ups-and-downs of pregnancy and parenting, or going through another major life shift, I provide a compassionate space where you can reflect on the changes you’re experiencing and decide where you want to go next.
About me
I have a Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University, where I focused on medical social work and life transitions.
I trained as a hospice social worker and I currently work in home health, helping guide individuals and families through some of life’s most significant transitions. I have also worked as a family advocate, working with young parents from underserved communities.
At the center of my practice is a deep reverence for, and acceptance of, change. Change, good and bad, is inevitable. Everything in life changes. In fact, everything is changing all the time! I believe that turning towards the feelings that arise during periods of change is a necessary part of a life well-lived.
Moments of crisis can be opportunities for self-discovery, transformation, and growth, even when they are deeply painful, confusing, and lonely. The bitterness (and sweetness!) of these experiences can add depth and meaning to our lives, if we can accept them as they are happening.
My approach blends humor, authenticity, mindfulness, and a deep respect for the existential questions that arise during times of transition. I draw from my training and experience working with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (a therapeutic modality that combines aspects of Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Buddhism), Motivational Interviewing, and from my own Zen practice.
I hope our time together helps you feel supported, empowered, and clear as you navigate whatever life has thrown your way.
We might be a good fit if you…
- are a new parent or grandparent
- recently switched jobs or careers
- want to move or recently moved
- recently received a new diagnosis
- are supporting someone with a significant illness
- are experiencing a shift in your relationship to religion or spirituality
- are processing the loss of a significant relationship
What I can help with
I can help with a wide range of problems, from the practical (filling out paperwork, navigating bureaucracy), to the emotional (working with difficult emotions, navigating stuck points in relationships), to the existential (making major life decisions, grappling with spiritual questions).
I am especially good at pointing out strengths, reframing, and picking up on subtle patterns that might be showing up in different areas of your life.
Testimonials
“When I first started coaching with Evelyn, I was impressed with how she knew nearly all of the esoteric spiritual/psychological stuff I threw her way, and she would occasionally threw back some that I didn’t. Over time, this turned out to translate into a remarkable ability to keep track of the complicated web of problems that is my life, both internal and external. She is good at finding the parts of me that need to be given support in a given moment and then providing them with that support, and at the same time isn’t afraid to interject with her own opinion or let me know if I’m making a terrible mistake either. Also, she is actually fun to talk to.”
Offerings
I offer 60 or 90 minute one-on-one coaching sessions which can be booked through my calendly page.
My rate is $80-$200/hour sliding scale.
Evelyn C. McLean 