About Jessica

Jessica White

Registered Psychotherapist , MA (Counselling Psychology), CRPO

My Therapeutic Goals:

I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental presence for clients to explore personal challenges. Being in midlife, I bring many years of lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. I am committed to helping my clients feel seen and heard and prioritize a trauma-informed approach that puts their sense of security at the forefront of our work. I work collaboratively with clients to identify goals and understand experiences from their perspective. When we are in a relationship with someone compassionate and accepting of all that we are, we can explore deeper parts of ourselves. I am here as a guide to support you on your journey. In this light, we will work together to gain a clearer understanding of the issue and how to approach it, in a manageable way. Looking at challenges holistically, I believe we are most successful when we have the knowledge, support and tools needed to make lasting changes.

Jessica works at Suite 201, 126 Hurontario Street, Collingwood.  There is an elevator to the 2nd floor.  If you live out of town, or need to be home for caregiving responsibilities, please let us know and I can do virtual sessions.

Collingwood Psychotherapy & Yoga Center
My Path So Far:

I am arriving at a career in psychotherapy after working in education and sleep consulting for a combined total of over 30 years. I grew up teaching swimming lessons and lifeguarding at a variety of summer camps, outdoor pools and YMCAs in Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. After completing my undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Victoria, I moved to Japan and taught English for 2 years. From there, I travelled through Thailand and New Zealand, where I took part in the Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program. In 2000, I returned to British Columbia and began a diploma in Horticulture Technology. After a summer of working alone on organic farms in the lower mainland, I realized I was meant to work with people and returned to my roots as an educator. In 2001, I began an International Teaching Certificate at Simon Fraser University. This took me to Oaxaca, Mexico, where I lived with a Mexican family for two months while completing my teaching practicum.

I moved back to Ontario in 2002 and taught middle school math and science at Crestwood Preparatory College in Toronto for 6 years before moving to Collingwood with my family in 2008. Until 2020, I was a long-term occasional teacher at Collingwood Collegiate Institute and Collingwood’s Alternative School. Alongside teaching, I have been providing sleep education and support for families and individuals struggling with sleep challenges since 2015. I have presented seminars on infant sleep foundations and healthy family sleep habits to perinatal support groups and EarlyON parenting groups. Guest speaking opportunities at numerous organizations across Ontario, including municipalities, colleges and high schools, have allowed me to help employees and students understand the importance of sleep in improving their mood and productivity. I have also worked at Chigamik Community Health Centre, offering individual and group sleep counselling.

During the pandemic, I went back to school to complete a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I was motivated to move into a role where more clients could access sleep support services that would help to improve their mental health and well-being. I am a lifelong learner and am driven to continue to expand my knowledge and skills so I can provide the best form of care for my clients. 

Education Relevant to Psychotherapy:
  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University, 2024
  • International Teaching Certificate, Simon Fraser University, 2002
  • Bachelor of Science, Biology & Environmental Science, University of Victoria, 1997
  • Menopause Mental Health Provider Certification, BRIA, 2024
  • Advanced Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Dr. Colleen Carney, 2018
  • Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training, Postpartum Society International, 2018
  • Integrative Adult Sleep Coach Certificate, International Parenting & Health Institute, 2016
  • Maternity & Child Sleep Consultant Certificate, International Parenting & Health Institute, 2015
  • 5 Rhythms 3-day Workshops facilitated by Lucia Horan (Little Warrior – 2016, The Path of the Wounded Healer – 2023), Adam Barley (Evolution – 2018, Surrender – 2023), Alex Mackay (God, Sex, & the Body – 2022), Anne Marie Hogya (Listen – 2019), Evangelos Diavolitsis (Resource – 2019), Bettina Rothe (Dancing Through Gateways – 2017), Amber Ryan (Connection – 2016). 
Other Education:
  • Horticulture Technology, 1 yr. of a 2 yr. Diploma, Kwantlen College, 2000
Therapeutic Theories I Work With:

I work with adult individuals, families and seniors: 

  • Relational Psychotherapy
  • Neurobiologically-Informed Trauma Treatment
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Attachment Theories
  • Solutions Focused Therapy
  • Mindfulness

 

 

Our Mission

To provide clients with an accepting, friendly space to discover their healing path and to develop therapeutic relationships that sustain, inspire and guide them.

To provide clients with highly skilled, self responsible and self aware psychotherapists and yoga therapists who are always striving to learn about advancements in their fields and to continually develop themselves.

To create psychoeducational opportunities for clients to empower them to learn about their symptoms and how they can move towards healing and growth.

To provide innovative training programs that develop highly competent, self aware, self responsible, and inspiring psychotherapists and yoga therapists.