Jessica’s Bio

Career Bio

My interest in psychology began after reading “M Scott Peck’s” popular book, The road less travelled. I was particularly interested in the themes of ‘love’, and ‘responsibility’, and learning more about how some people are able to find ways to break away from deeply ingrained automatic responses which hinder inner and or outer connection.
I grew up in South Africa during the apartheid and post-apartheid time periods, where people were discriminated against at a state and institutional level. The history of South Africa sensitized me to social issues, and shaped my interest in social justice and activist work that have become essential to my practice today.
While in South Africa, I completed a BA Psychology (hons) at Rhodes University, and gained a foundational background in traditional psychology. I spent time working with neuro-diverse children and also facilitated ‘The Buddy Program’, at Fort England Hospital (a recreational program) for people in long term psychiatric care. I completed an internship at the Knysna Drug and Alcohol Centre in 2012, which included providing programming in the Knysna penitentiary. I felt the effect of the oppressive environment on many, and witnessed how people were able to find expression and lightness in harsh circumstances.
In 2013 I relocated to Canada. In Canada I completed a Master’s in Counselling program and became particularly interested in systemic, collaborative, integrative, post-modern, and process-oriented methods of supporting people, which facilitate wholeness.
My counselling style is tailored to help people learn more about their troubling experiences, so that these experiences can become doorways to personal transformation.

Personal Bio

I practice social activism through promoting non-pathologizing and decolonizing approaches and practices which support the ‘whole’ and psyche (soul), and which offer an incremental approach to learning. Along side this, I am passionate about promoting non-violent discourses around important social issues.
I enjoy learning from and with indigenous cultures and elders. In early 2022 I was given the name ‘ Mi Sin Skyaki’ (Long time Badger) from Blackfoot elder, Naatoopii Lee Breaker.
In my free time I enjoy pursuing my life-long passion for horses, and working with equine practitioners that teach riding skills through feel and not force. Other interests include music, dance, yoga, outdoor adventure and cooking healthy meals.

Mentors and teachers

I am committed to ongoing learning, and am fortunate to have had numerous impactful teachers in my life. I would especially like to acknowledge,

Dr. Alan Parry, Dr Kelly Fredell, Dr Larry Green, Dr Avraham Cohen, Dr Christopher Kinman, Dr Michael Guilfoyle, and Dr Maria Stella have all been important teachers of the art of psychotherapy for me, and facilitated my journey of finding my inner compass.
The process work community, especially Dr Amy Mindell & Dr Arny Mindell, and process work online small and big group meetings whose work and or mentorship has provided creative direction and insight.
Spiritual teachers/teachings from a variety of spiritual and religious systems, from all over the world. I am grateful to belong to the Catholic faith, and Fr Sergious Wroblewski, Sister Madge Karecki, and Fr Marino Infante are special spiritual teachers to me.
Yoga, dance, equitation and physical fitness teachers whose values and principles have facilitated the felt sense of embodiment and flow.
Horses, animals, trees, and water.
All my clients.
And my family and friends who have challenged, taught and loved me in my personal life.