JENNIFER O'CONNOR WELCOMES YOU
I am a Registered Social Worker in the Waterloo Region and I’m here to support you on your journey towards wellness. I specialize in supporting individuals with grief and loss, healing from trauma, managing anxiety and depression.
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JENNIFER O'CONNOR MSW, RSW
I completed my Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. Since 2001, I have enjoyed working with children, youth, adults and families in a variety of settings. I have a specialized focus on supporting individuals in healing from trauma and am a Certified EMDR Therapist. Through my position as a School Social Worker I have learned to engage children and youth in creative and playful ways to maximize therapeutic goals. Areas of focus have been grief and loss, trauma, mental health and crisis. In counselling, I work to help individuals to identify, strengthen and develop their coping skills by creating an empathic space to explore feelings. I have training in CBT, EMDR, trauma, play therapy, DBT, attachment and mindfulness. I am passionate about offering strength-based counselling to help individuals work towards well-being and finding ways to maintain connections with what is important to them.
APPROACHES TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
THERAPY FOR ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND LIFE CHALLENGES
I draw on a number of modalities to individualize counselling for your needs. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy are especially effective in helping individuals to identify and strengthen their existing coping skills and learn new ways to challenge difficult thoughts and challenges.
EMDR TRAUMA PROCESSING
Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create an overwhelming feeling of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” Often unconscious reminders of the disturbing event continues to weigh on us. EMDR therapy uses evidence based techniques to give your brain the ability to process these memories, and allows normal healing to resume.
FAQS
WILL INSURANCE COVER THE COST?
Most workplace insurance providers will cover the cost of counselling provided by a registered social worker. If you do not have coverage than you will have to pay through your own means as social work services are not covered by OHIP.
WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION POLICIES?
I require 24 hours notice for cancellation, otherwise a $50 fee will be billed to you.
HOW DO YOU ENGAGE CHILDREN IN VIRTUAL COUNSELLING?
I have adapted games and have a wide range of activities in my virtual playroom which focus on helping children to express their feelings. I have found this to be an effective way to engage children ages 7 and up.
WHAT IS EMDR AND WILL IT HELP ME?
EMDR is an evidence-based, clinician led, psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as other mental health problems. Through EMDR, resolution of traumatic and disturbing adverse life experiences is accomplished with a standardized set of procedures which incorporates dual focus of attention and alternating bilateral visual, auditory and/or tactile stimulation. This process activates the components of the memory of disturbing life events and facilitates the resumption of adaptive information processing and integration.
For more information visit emdria.org or set up a free initial phone consult.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS?
I am available for sessions Monday-Wednesday evenings virtually and Thursdays in person.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
Etransfer and cheque are the only forms of payment available.