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 Registered Psychotherapist and Counsellor, my evidence-based services will help you examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours more holistically, and realistically. In addition, you will learn specific strategies for coping and self-reflection that allow you to change whatever no longer serves you.

Ready to discuss further? Email joelle@kernelofwisdom.com or you can text/call Joelle at 647-880-7118.

As a Registered Psychotherapist and Counsellor, as well as a trained mindfulness coach, my therapeutic practice combines evidence-based psychotherapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural therapy with mindfulness-based techniques and a dynamic, client-centred therapeutic style.

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. See individual or group options.

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.

Online / e-Counselling

So many Canadians have difficulty accessing quality care in their area. Online (sometimes called “e-counselling”) options can be an incredibly effective way to bridge the divide.

Being tech-savvy and having engaged in specific, cybercounselling training, I am well-qualified to deliver counselling online. This is generally through video conferencing; however, other options can be made available as well.

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 you 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 and Canadian Certified Counsellor in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, respectively. 

I have training and certification in the following areas:

• Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy training from Credo-Oxford

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Fundamental Skills from OISE at the University of Toronto

• Introduction to DBT from Broadview Psychology

• Cybercounselling: Level 1 from Therapy Online

• 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 also have training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (for trauma) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, from ECHO OCD.

I have been working in mental health and therapeutic fields for over five years. This includes work as an Eating Disorder Counsellor at Bellwood Health Services, a Counsellor at Georgian College, experience with Catholic Children’s Aid Society, and other therapeutic work I have done teaching mindfulness meditation for over three years or through a number of not-for-profit organizations.

Prior to engaging in psychotherapy, I received my Bachelor of Education from York University, which now helps to support my ability to teach individuals and groups, as well as my ability to work with adolescents. I also have 8+ years of experience working in marketing and digital media, giving me a sound understanding of what work looks like for most of my clients, and the types of challenges that come up in the average workplace.

Meet Peanut…

Peanut is a small, hypoallergenic cockapoo who also attends sessions with Joelle. Peanut is friendly and welcoming and helps to welcome clients and give them a big dose of unrestrained, unconditional love when they arrive for their session. Sometimes it’s hard to come to therapy - but Peanut can often be the thing that gets clients through the door.

Don’t like dogs? No problem, Peanut loves her crate and is happy to sit quietly, crated, so that you can have your space.

For more about the therapeutic benefits of having a dog present in sessions, click here.

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:

Clients Looking for the Online Portal

Clients can book session, review session history and finances, or send secure messages to Joelle through the online portal. To access the client portal, click here, or the button below.

Locations:

Toronto Office (Tuesdays + Thursdays)
235 Broadview Ave., Unit 4 (Rear Office),
Toronto, ON, M4M 2G3

Less than 5 minutes off the DVP.
Accessible via the 505 - Dundas or 504 - King Streetcars from Broadview Station or Downtown, as well as the 501 - Queen or 503 - College/Carlton/Gerrard Streetcars from downtown.

York Region Office (Mondays)
The Trauma Centre
18642 Leslie Street
Sharon, ON, L0G 1V0

Call 905-478-8826 for intake.

Durham Office (Wednesdays + Fridays)
81 Planks Lane, Rear Office
Uxbridge, ON, L9P 1K4