Jackie is a dedicated Registered Social Worker who completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario in Criminology. She began her career working with at risk youth between custody and group home settings, which sparked her interest and passion for working with a vulnerable population. To continue growing in that capacity, she returned to school to complete her Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.  

 

Jackie has experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient substance use, community-based services, acute mental health and hospital settings. She currently works in hospital in a mental health crisis role alongside her community clinical and supportive counselling. She is eclectic in her approach and uses a blend of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused, Acceptance and Commitment, and psycho-education in her work with individuals ages 14 and up. Jackie uses a strengths-based, client-centred, and trauma-informed approach in treatment planning and psychotherapy approach. Her areas of specialty include depression and anxiety, self-esteem, substance use, trauma and personality/mood disorders.  

Jackie is a strong believer in individuals being the experts of their own lives. She believes that everyone has their own resilience and has strengths within them to succeed and overcome the obstacles that life may has thrown their way. She recognizes the decision to seek help can be difficult, and uses an approach that is compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental tailored to the unique needs of the individual to help create an environment where you feel supported in your counselling journey. Jackie also integrates traditional therapy with animal assistance with her dog, Gibson.