Meet Jessica

BA, BSW, MSW, RSW

Hello! I’m Jess (she/her) and I am committed to psychotherapy services that are rooted in the values of  authenticity, empathy and connection.

I have a Masters of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development from Queen’s University. I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Outside of my practice, I am a true animal lover and almost always have a four-legged within reach. I feel the happiest when I’m outdoors and spend as much time as I can outside (preferably in the sunshine!)

My Specialties

My Focus

I work with adults living in Ontario struggling with a variety of life’s challenges. I have a special interest in supporting the mental health of young adults who are affected by chronic pain/illness, anxiety or emotional abuse.

My other areas of focus include cancer, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, overwhelm, and difficult life transitions.

Not sure if this describes you? Reach out and we can discuss it together.

My Approach

My approach is relational, person-centred and theoretically eclectic, drawing on a variety of evidence-based approaches. Our time together may include problem-solving, debriefing and processing difficult emotional experiences, and exploring/reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

At the heart of my practice is relational therapy, which focuses on developing a strong therapeutic relationship. I also draw on narrative therapy, strength-based therapy, solution-oriented therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I approach my work from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive perspective, and strive to  create a non-judgmental environment.

Have a question about my approach? Get in touch!

Publications

Ward, J., Hovey, A., & Brownlee, K. (2022). Mental health benefts of mounted equine-assisted therapies: A scoping review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e4920–e4935. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13904

Ward, J., Hovey, A., & Brownlee, K. (2025). Equine-assisted therapy programs on the ground versus programs in the saddle: How do you choose? In Y. Neria, P.W. Fisher & A.J. Hamilton (Eds.), Guide to equine assisted therapy (pp. 53-74). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-74426-6