Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
BSc(H), MEd

Reaching out and taking the step to start therapy can feel intimidating, even when it’s a step you feel ready to take. Sometimes, even the thought of talking about painful experiences can feel overwhelming and vulnerable.

I believe that you are the expert of your unique lived and felt experiences, and therapy is a brave space to safely explore your emotions, past experiences, identities, interpersonal relationships, spirituality, and values.

My goal is to make you feel safe, seen, and empowered in an environment of warmth, authenticity, shared moments of humour, and non-judgmental support. I believe in my clients’ capacity for growth and aim to support each individual as they deepen their emotional and self-awareness, build connections and resilience, and find healing.

Experience

Jennifer is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Trent University. Jennifer has long had a passion for person-centred care; over the past two decades, she has provided front line support in the developmental services field, mindfulness and yoga instruction, pastoral care, youth mentorship, and palliative, grief, and bereavement support.

Client Focus: Individuals, adolescents (16+), and adults of all ages.

Types of therapy: Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice, ACT, DBT

Issues: 

ADHD, Anxiety, body image issues, depression, emotion dysregulation, low-self esteem, parenting, perfectionism, spiritual wounds, trauma

Special focus: Grief, neurodiversity-affirming care, religious trauma, adult children of emotionally immature parents

More than just my work:

  1. “We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out—and we have only just begun”  —Neil Degrasse Tyson
  2. I feel most alive and at ease when I’m hiking, biking, exploring new places, chasing aurora, playing in big waves, cartwheeling on a freshly mowed lawn, reading a good book, or sharing food and laughter with the people I love.
  3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a movie that speaks to my soul every single time I watch it…10/10 recommend this one.

How I got started in therapy.

Being a therapist is one of my most treasured and gratifying experiences. Initially, I didn’t have a clear-cut path; I arrived at this profession by exploring many different experiences.

The education system and I were not friends; I struggled with the traditional classroom setting as I was not a “sit still” type of learner; I needed space and room to learn by doing or, as my one teacher commented, “Nicole is either talking or sleeping in class” (fitting that I am now a therapist, lol) I am a somatic learner I need to talk it out, attempt it and apply it.

Focusing on my strengths allowed me to seek opportunities that leveraged my skills and used them to my advantage. Some strengths came naturally, and some were developed through experience and practice.

My background

I hold a Masters’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, Child and Youth Care degree from the University of Victoria and a diploma in Early childhood education from Assiniboine Community College.

In addition to my formal education, I regularly engage in professional development and continuing education to stay informed about the latest research and therapeutic approaches. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and ensuring that my practice aligns with the current standards and best practices in the field.

When I am not in the therapy room, you can find me with my dogs, exploring what the area has to offers (I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks).
My own mental health and well-being are vital to me, and I commit myself to regular physical activity, well-being activities and self-care appointments (I love a good facial or yoga session). But let’s not joke ourselves. I love a good cappuccino, croissant and climbing into bed early to Netflix binge some reality tv. I am just as human as everyone else!

That’s important to remember. Social media skews our view of life; it doesn’t need to be done here too!

I know from experience of sitting in the other chair; the first session can feel daunting. If you have read this over and something feels right, I recommend you reach out.

Please feel free to book a time to chat with me below, and I can’t wait to start working with you.

If you’re ready to begin experiencing life better, I’m here to help.

I’m here to help you better.

Reach out below for a free 15m consultation.