Educational and Professional Background:
Jill Newman received her Master of Social Work degree in 2007 from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Jill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a WA State Approved Clinical Supervisor. Jill has worked as a therapist with teens, adults and families in a variety of settings from private practice, crisis response and outpatient psychiatry clinics to her work as a mental health therapist in WA middle and high schools. Jill held a clinical faculty appointment at the University of British Columbia from 2013 – 2019 as an instructor in an adolescent outpatient psychiatry clinic. Jill has extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ youth and she has a strong interest in diversity and social justice issues.
Treatment Philosophy:
Jill grew up on Vancouver Island, BC in a family of teachers and therapists. After spending some time playing the electric guitar professionally, Jill pursued clinical training in social work and counseling. Jill values creativity and works collaboratively with her clients to find creative solutions to the challenges in their lives. Jill is a client-centered therapist and views her clients as the experts on their own lives. She uses a narrative therapy framework to support her clients to see themselves as separate from any problem they may face. Her focus is on creating a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their concerns. Jill focuses on the strengths of her clients and believes that positive change is always possible.
Areas of Specialty:
Jill enjoys working with adolescents, young adults and families and has experience in the following areas:
- Anxiety and OCD
- Mood Disorders
- LGBTQ+ and gender identity
- School problems and life transitions
- Identity exploration
- Self esteem
- Trauma and PTSD
- EMDR
- Grief and loss
- Relationship concerns
- Family conflict and parenting