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
I have spent my entire social work career working with individuals and families during times of conflict and hardship. Combined with my experience 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 practice for seven years, and specialize in maternal mental health, separation and divorce, and overall mental health. I am passionate about how having children impacts marriages and family relationships, respectful parenting practices, and evidenced based information on normal infant and child sleep. I often reflect with clients on how Society at large and systems such as patriarchy and capitalism impact us day to day, and get in the way of us meeting our needs and the needs of our families.
I have been in the social work field for over 15 years. Prior to starting my practice 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 and the Association of Family & Conciliatory Courts.