My Approach

Life’s greatest challenges are hard enough without judgement. My approach to therapy starts with a client-centered, non-judgmental stance and is supported by my own life experience and knowledge of evidence-based practices and information. I believe that healing requires a holistic approach; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being are interconnected and equally important.

Having an empathetic listener who can hear your story and where you want things to be different is often the most powerful “help” I can offer. I can provide resources where necessary, and together we’ll develop a path to where you want to be as well as how to monitor improvements. Based in Sarnia, Lambton County, my sessions are offered virtually and accessible throughout Ontario.

Did you know? Social work services are covered by most extended healthcare benefit plans.

About Jessica Barnes

Parental mental health and family well-being is my passion. As a mother of three young children, I know first hand the challenges that can come with starting and raising a family. I have been in private practise for five years, and have specialized trainings in maternal mental health, pregnancy and infant loss, and birth trauma. I am also passionate about how having children impacts marriages and family relationships, respectful parenting practises, and evidenced based information on normal infant and child sleep.

I have been in the social work field for over a decade, working mostly with parents and families during times of difficulty. Prior to starting my practise I worked in Child Welfare for six years, and completed custody and access assessments for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.

In 2011, I completed my Master of Social work from the University of Toronto.

I am a passionate learner and have taken many trainings on topics including maternal mental health, trauma, custody and access, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, and Mindfulness, to name a few.

I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and am a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers