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Jessica Portelli

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Registered Social Worker
she/her
Sessions start at
$180

Jessica is here to support you with life transitions, imposter syndrome, burnout, and parenting.

Headshot of Jessica Portelli from waist up smiling in a business casual top.

Jessica supports students, young adults, and adults to navigate imposter syndrome and burnout. Jessica can help you understand and manage your emotions, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies to overcome challenges. She’ll help you build greater confidence, self-acceptance, and self-compassion.

Jessica supports those who are going through personal and professional life transitions (i.e., academic, career, family, and relationships). Jessica will hear your story and help you confidently navigate these changes. Jessica also specializes in helping individuals and families strengthen their role as parents. She can help you navigate the transition to parenthood, understand your parenting perspective, strengthen your relationship with your children, and develop a healthy career/family life balance. Jessica specializes in supporting those who experience mood and anxiety challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.

Jessica is a registered social worker with over 11 years of experience in adult and children’s mental health. Jessica provides a friendly, collaborative, and non-judgmental space to share your experiences and build on your strengths. She recognizes the importance of building trust with you. She will listen to and help you understand who you are, your hopes, and your aspirations in life. She’ll encourage you in your journey with authenticity, warmth, and at times, humour. Jessica draws from her own experiences and uses various modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, brief narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Outside of therapy, Jessica enjoys spending time with her partner and children who help her to be more adventurous. Jessica values self-care and spending time doing things that bring her joy, including reading a good book, going for bike rides, catching up with friends, or having date nights with her partner.

Right for you if:

You're looking to navigate stressors in your life.
You're looking for support with changes or transitions in your life.
You're looking for support with parenting-related stressors.
You're looking for support to build confidence in your career.

More about

Jessica

Master of Social Work, University of Toronto (2011)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours), University of Windsor (2008)

Essentials of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Beck Institute)

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (Centre for Addictions and Mental Health —Windsor-Essex)

Short-Term Interventions (Safeguards)

Level 1 & 2 Motivational Interviewing (Monarch Systems)

Brief Narrative Therapy—Single session and Walk-In (Karen Young)

Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator Training (Circle of Security International)

Collaborative Problem Solving—Tier 1 & 2 Certificate (Think:Kids)

Solution Focused Therapy: Basic Skills (TAPE Studies)

Solution Focused Therapy with Children and Adolescents (TAPE Studies)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Childhood Traumatic Grief (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care (Postpartum Support International)

Perinatal Mental Health Advanced Psychotherapy Training (Postpartum Support International)

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

Ontario Association of Social Workers

Jessica Portelli standing and smiling in front of tall wetland plants

Q&A

What is a motto or idea that gives you reassurance when you’re having a difficult time?
There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen
What does good mental health look like to you?
Good mental health is being able to acknowledge all the parts of our stories, understand our emotions, and create positive change in our lives.
How do you describe therapy?
Therapy is sharing our stories, struggles, and triumphs in a place where you are heard, understood, and supported.

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