About Jessica Parker
I am a psychologist working with children and youth aged newborn to young adulthood, and their families. I see clients working through a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, emotion regulation/dysregulation, and grief. I also work collaboratively with parents of young children dealing with various difficulties.
In every therapeutic relationship, I work with my clients to find an approach that will best suit their particular needs. I aim to create a space where my clients feel comfortable, safe, and empowered. Much of my training has been in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and EMDR and I am comfortable guiding my clients through how their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences can influence their life. I also use narrative therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, relaxation, guided imagery, story telling, writing, and other strategies or modalities based on what works well for my clients. I am EMDR Certified and have additionally completed EMDR child specialist trainings to support a variety of clients and their needs, particularly those who have experienced trauma.
I completed my B.A. (Honours) from St. Francis Xavier University, and my M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia. My dissertation research focused on the relationships between families and schools, particularly when it comes to helping support vulnerable children. My education has been in School and Applied Child Psychology, and I have a great deal of experience working within schools, and with children and youth that have learning difficulties and developmental disabilities. Throughout the years, I have spent time expanding my experiences in a variety of therapeutic areas. I have worked with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families to create behaviour support plans to help them improve positive behaviours. I have also worked in community mental health with children, youth, and families.
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I love this work and I am passionate about providing the evidence-based treatment that suits my clients best. I love working with diverse groups of people and will do what I can to make you feel comfortable and supported. I feel honoured and privileged to be able to join people on their journeys towards healing and wellness.