Life's Tough.
we all need help, sometimes

None of us knows what to do all of the time. Yet, seeking help is often the hardest step toward change. It's normal to have mixed feelings about it - but if your current strategies aren't working or getting you results, and you're not sure how to change, it might be time to seek some support so you can break into something new.

As a Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and Meditation Coach I offer a wide variety of services that will help you examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours more holistically and then learn strategies for coping that allow you to change what no longer serves you.

As a Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), and trained Mindfulness Coach my therapeutic practice combines evidence-based mindfulness with common therapeutic techniques.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Do you find yourself struggling to grapple with an emotional relationship to food and/or concerns about your weight and shape? Eating disorders are highly personal and symptoms take many forms including: restricting, binging, compensating for eating (i.e., purging or excessive exercising), obsessive thoughts and worries about food or shape, and many more. Stepping out of these cycles can be very difficult on your own, but I can help.

Individual Therapy

It is so common to have stages in life where we feel stopped, stuck, or even all-out distressed. I can help. I offer treatment for a wide variety of symptoms and life-challenges, including: anxiety, stress management, depression or other mood disorders, substance use/abuse, trauma (past or recent incidents), relationship issues, loss and grief, self-acceptance or self-worth issues, or help with life decisions/coping. Whatever it is, you do not need to face it alone.

Mindfulness Coaching

Mindfulness meditation is an amazing tool proven to help people in a number of ways, including: attention and focus, stress management, increasing self-awareness, addressing and changing negative thought or behaviour patterns, regulating emotions, enhancing compassion toward the self and others, and improving self-acceptance, self-love or self-care. However, starting a practice and feeling confident in it can take support.

My Model

I use evidence-based mindfulness, acceptance-and-commitment techniques to help you notice and acknowledge your thinking, feeling, and behaviour patterns. Depending on your particular goals, this process is paired with other evidence-based therapeutic practices, especially those from: 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)/Enhanced-CBT (CBT-E; for eating disorders), which focuses on thoughts/behaviours
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotions/behaviours
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Acceptance-and-Commitment Therapy, which helps enhance self-awareness, self-compassion, and the ability to love and “be” with yourself
• Psychodynamic Therapy, which takes a broad look at the dynamic patterns connecting it all

Combined these tools, and the skills each helps you develop, will allow you to recognize and change the patterns that may be sustaining aspects of your life you don’t like or causing you to feel stuck. However, they also help you develop tools and skills to change those patterns, maintain those changes, and let go into a new life that you decide how to craft in a way that is best for you.

learn to listen and heal YOURSELF, one step at a time

When you’re looking for a therapist, “fit” is key. Talking with someone whose personality and approach resonates with you will make all the difference, so I am really glad are reading this. Bravo!

My approach is backed by credentials and experience. 

I received my Master of Counselling Psychology (MA) from Yorkville University and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. That means I am a qualified psychotherapist but I am waiting to complete my qualifying exam, 100 hours of supervision, and 450 direct client contact hours under the new Ontario legislation so that I may call myself a fully registered practitioner (hence the “qualifying" bit). As such I currently engage in supervised practice, meaning I meet regularly with a highly experienced Psychotherapist who oversees my work as a Psychotherapist.

I am a Professional Member with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and I am currently finalizing my Canadian Certified Counsellor accreditation. 

I also have training and certification in the following areas:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Fundamental Skills from OISE at the University of Toronto
• Basic Introduction to DBT from Broadview Psychology
• Foundations of Mindfulness and Applied Specialization in Mindfulness certifications from the University of Toronto
• MBCT 8-Week Group Participation and MBCT Basics from the Centre for Mindfulness Studies
• ASIST Suicide Intervention from LivingWorks
• Mental Health First Aid from The Mental Health Commission of Canada

I have been working in mental health and therapeutic fields for over four years. This includes working as a Counsellor at Georgian College, experience with Catholic Children’s Aid Society, the therapeutic work I have done teaching mindfulness meditation for over three years, and the work I did for a number of not-for-profit organizations over the years.

I also have a Bachelor of Education from York University, supporting my ability to teach individuals and groups.

Reaching out is the hardest step on the path to healing or change. That's why I offer a number of ways to reach me, and I invite you to get in touch in whatever way works best for you so that we can arrange an initial conversation:

Text/Call My Business # to Schedule a Convo: 647-880-7118
Email: joelle@kernelofwisdom.com

Or, submit your information below:

Location:

Kernel of Wisdom - Counselling & Psychotherapy
151 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 1H1
Canada