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The Counselling Team - Jessica

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Jessica 
Registered Social Worker

I have always been passionate about mental health and have felt immense appreciation that I can be a small part of someone’s journey through life’s most complicated moments. I have been practicing social work for nearly ten years and during my career, I have worked with children and youth in foster care and group care, individuals managing addictions (active or recovery), and developmental disabilities. I also have experience with navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment wounds, and trauma.

 

From a place of openness and curiosity, I value creating a nonjudgmental, unbiased, and safe space. I use an anti-oppressive lens and believe in empowering individuals through connection and collaboration. As a trauma informed and attachment focused therapist, I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment to explore unresolved issues, past experiences, and anything else that might be showing up in your life. I believe that many issues in our daily lives are influenced by our past. In sessions, you can feel at ease by knowing that I will meet you where you are at. Trust and comfort are an integral part of the therapeutic relationship, and it is important that you feel supported in a judgement-free way. Through counselling, we can reshape patterns of behaviour, transform restricting beliefs, and improve your emotional connection to yourself and others. 

 

My practice is grounded in empathy and curiosity, and I look for existing strengths to help you become more connected to your true self. Self-awareness and self-compassion are integrated throughout my practice, and we can explore ways to deepen your personal connections, manage emotional challenges, and strengthen your sense of self. I use a multi-modal approach, incorporating  techniques tailored to your unique needs. This could include EMDR, EFIT, solutions-focused, mindfulness, or CBT. 

Jessica at work

Training and Education

I am a Registered Social Worker and a candidate to the ACSW Clinical Registry. After completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Memorial University, I went on the complete a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University. Since then, I have continued to expand my education and sought professional development to further develop my practice. I am trained in Flash Technique, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga. I have also completed Level One and Level Two certification in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy for Traumatized Individuals.

 

Additionally, I am currently working towards completion of Complex Trauma Certification Training. I incorporate tools from Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with using a strengths-based approach. I value continuous learning and believe it is important to stay relevant as new research and developments are shared. 

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I have been a Registered Social Worker in Alberta for approximately ten years. During that time, I have worked in the public sector with children in foster care, adults with addictions, and navigating family and crises. 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Jessica at home

My History

I grew up in a very small town in Newfoundland and spent most of my school years on the East Coast. In early adulthood, I moved from my small town to the “big city” of St. John’s to attend post-secondary. The values of connection and community I felt in those years has carried with me into adult life and within my practice. Once I completed my undergraduate degree, like many other Newfoundlanders, I found myself in Alberta. I have since come to call this province my home and have found my community in and around the Edmonton area. When I moved to Alberta in 2015, it became my home, and I have been here since! 

 

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being active with my son and sharing in experiences with him. Being a mom has also taught me the importance of taking care of ourselves as parents, whether that’s finding some quiet time to pursue individual interests, or making an extra coffee stop on an outing! I also like to spend time being physically active by going for walks, running, yoga, or weightlifting – whether it’s a quick walk or a full yoga class, a little can go a long way! I am an avid coffee lover, love getting outside as much as possible, and enjoy reading a variety of books.  

This    or   That

SOCIAL WORKER EDITION

Introvert

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Team

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Ability to Fly

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Pool

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Book

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Organized

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Tea

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Country

Extrovert

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Individual

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Invisibility

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Beach

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Movie

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Creatively Messy

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Coffee

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City

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