The Counselling Team - Jessica

Jessica
Registered Social Worker
I have felt immense appreciation that I can be a small part of someone’s journey through life’s most complicated moments. From a place of openness and curiosity, I value creating a nonjudgmental, unbiased, and safe space for you to process and navigate whatever you are experiencing. Therapy can include daily life demands and stressors or exploring topics that can take up more space in your life.
I use an anti-oppressive lens and believe in empowering individuals to live their best lives and make choices for themselves with dignity. As a trauma informed and attachment focused therapist, I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment to explore unresolved issues, past experiences, and current patterns of behavior. I am dedicated to looking past the behavior to find what lies beneath, whether that’s navigating anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, self-esteem, and more. This can also include healing attachment wounds and breaking intergenerational cycles through trauma therapy.
I am passionate about personal growth and development, and together we can explore what this means for you. The therapeutic journey is unique to each individual and what is happening in their life. Finding a place of emotional safety to unpack and problem-solve can be a source of strength, balance, and stability.
Through collaboration, I look for existing strengths and use psychoeducation to help you become more connected to your true self. My practice is grounded in empathy, compassion, and curiosity. Self-compassion and self-awareness are integrated throughout my practice, and we can explore ways to cultivate love for oneself and nurturing your inner self. I utilize 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