Jennifer McDermott, M.A., R.S.W.
(Counselling Psychology, Registered Social Worker)
Jennifer McDermott is an experienced therapist providing counselling services for over 15 years. She is a Registered Social Worker who holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology. She has worked with children, youths & adults in various roles providing individual, couple, family & group therapy. Jennifer takes great pleasure in supporting & assisting her clients to achieve their goals related to mental health & well-being. Since 2003, she has worked in Barrie Ontario in her private practice, as well as a number of community agencies, such as Simcoe Outreach Services (SOS) & the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Through these experiences, Jennifer has gained extensive experience in the areas of family & marriage therapy, depression & anxiety, addictions, & concurrent disorders (which refers to the presence of both a mental health issue(s) plus substance misuse). |
Early on in her career Jennifer had the pleasure of working with her father-in -law Dr. George McDermott. Jennifer worked in a limited capacity supporting George in his weekly “Breaking Free Groups” to help members recover from trauma, addictions, & codependency using a psychodrama approach. This was an invaluable experience & she learned many wonderful techniques.
She has also obtained experience working as a Mental Health Counsellor on the Barrie Family Health Team supporting a broad range of clients on a variety of mental health topics. Jennifer has also provided support & therapy to troubled youth & their families in a private school setting. In addition to this experience, she has and continues to work with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide solution-focused, goal-oriented, short-term counselling for their clients.
While working in private practice, Jennifer assists couples & families to cope with their relationship issues, establish healthy boundaries & build effective communication skills. Jennifer believes strongly in Imago Therapy & integrates concepts into her practice. Her marriage & family counselling services are aimed to help clients improve communication, resolve conflicts, & build positive, mutually respectful relationships.
Jennifer McDermott also has a special interest in supporting individuals & families to cope with infertility as she has personally experienced this challenge & understands the emotional impact. A portion of Jennifer’s practice is dedicated to assisting this client base. Jennifer was fortunate to give birth to twin girls and a boy. She now enjoys spending any spare time being active with her beautiful family.
To achieve optimal outcomes, Jennifer uses a client-centered & holistic approach while working with her clients. She is trained in various modalities, such as cognitive behaviour therapy & motivational interviewing, to help individuals reach their goals & enrich their lives with positive change.
Through continuous professional development, which has included training in narrative & brief solution focused therapy, she strives to meet her client’s needs with sensitivity & compassion. Jennifer adheres to a professional code of ethics & standard of practice. Jennifer McDermott is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), as well as a member of the Ontario Association of Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists, & Psychotherapists (OACCPP).
She has also obtained experience working as a Mental Health Counsellor on the Barrie Family Health Team supporting a broad range of clients on a variety of mental health topics. Jennifer has also provided support & therapy to troubled youth & their families in a private school setting. In addition to this experience, she has and continues to work with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide solution-focused, goal-oriented, short-term counselling for their clients.
While working in private practice, Jennifer assists couples & families to cope with their relationship issues, establish healthy boundaries & build effective communication skills. Jennifer believes strongly in Imago Therapy & integrates concepts into her practice. Her marriage & family counselling services are aimed to help clients improve communication, resolve conflicts, & build positive, mutually respectful relationships.
Jennifer McDermott also has a special interest in supporting individuals & families to cope with infertility as she has personally experienced this challenge & understands the emotional impact. A portion of Jennifer’s practice is dedicated to assisting this client base. Jennifer was fortunate to give birth to twin girls and a boy. She now enjoys spending any spare time being active with her beautiful family.
To achieve optimal outcomes, Jennifer uses a client-centered & holistic approach while working with her clients. She is trained in various modalities, such as cognitive behaviour therapy & motivational interviewing, to help individuals reach their goals & enrich their lives with positive change.
Through continuous professional development, which has included training in narrative & brief solution focused therapy, she strives to meet her client’s needs with sensitivity & compassion. Jennifer adheres to a professional code of ethics & standard of practice. Jennifer McDermott is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), as well as a member of the Ontario Association of Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists, & Psychotherapists (OACCPP).
Jennifer McDermott, M.A., R.S.W. Counselling Services would like to support you with any issues you may be struggling with in your life.