About Me
Hi, my name is Wesley Mclachlan, MA. I am a doctoral psychology extern and qualified mental health professional. I’m currently in my third year of a doctoral psychology program at George Fox University. I was born and raised in South Africa where my passion for mental health really began. I’ve lived in the States for 12 years now and during my career as a chaplain, discovered my love for patient care and psychology which led me to pursue a doctorate in psychology. I specialize in working with grief, spiritual and religious issues, trauma, immigration, anxiety and depression.

I draw from a relational psychodynamic approach, which emphasizes how our earliest relationships and cultural contexts shape the way we experience ourselves and others. I pay close attention to the emotional patterns that emerge in therapy—not just as symptoms to fix, but as meaningful expressions of lived history, attachment, and identity. I believe the therapeutic relationship can offer a new kind of experience: one grounded in curiosity, trust, and emotional honesty. For me, therapy is not about interpretation from a distance, but about showing up fully—engaged, responsive, and open to what unfolds between us.

I have a masters in psychology and also a masters in theology. I worked as a chaplain in a trauma 1 hospital where I responded to severe trauma cases. I have also worked as a hospice chaplain where I focused on providing longer term care to families and patients facing end of life challenges. More recently I worked at the George Fox Health and Counseling Center helping students navigate anxiety, depression, eating disorders, identity development and transitions.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and two year old daughter. I’m a city person at heart, and I love reading, cycling and playing soccer (I’m a big Manchester United fan). I’m really passionate about being involved in my community and believe healthy supportive local communities play a big role in a person’s mental health.