About Jessica Hughes
Hi, Iโm Jessica! Throughout my life Iโve continued to navigate the path to my own healing and know the strength it takes to reach out and begin or re-enter therapy. Growing up, I was always told I was an intuitive and sensitive person. I was drawn to understanding others as well as myself and listening to everyoneโs unique story.
When I was young, I experienced the loss of a parent and how grief can feel like itโs overtaking oneโs soul and life. In seeking my own grief counselling, my interests shifted to learning about peopleโs narratives and emotions; feelings that shape our beliefs and who we are. I spent time as primary care paramedic and worked with many people who struggled with substance abuse and their mental health. It opened my eyes to the depth of issues faced by a wide range of people. These interactions drew me to pursue my masterโs in counselling psychology. During this period, I worked in sleep medicine as a polysomnographic technologist and grew to understand the effects of sleep on mental health and our ability to cope with daily life. My therapeutic style is a reflection of my history and grants me insights into the modalities I employ. When not working as a counsellor I enjoy swimming, reading, and the company of friends and family. I hope that this little window into my life helps me resonate with you.
When I was young, I experienced the loss of a parent and how grief can feel like itโs overtaking oneโs soul and life. In seeking my own grief counselling, my interests shifted to learning about peopleโs narratives and emotions; feelings that shape our beliefs and who we are. I spent time as primary care paramedic and worked with many people who struggled with substance abuse and their mental health. It opened my eyes to the depth of issues faced by a wide range of people. These interactions drew me to pursue my masterโs in counselling psychology. During this period, I worked in sleep medicine as a polysomnographic technologist and grew to understand the effects of sleep on mental health and our ability to cope with daily life. My therapeutic style is a reflection of my history and grants me insights into the modalities I employ. When not working as a counsellor I enjoy swimming, reading, and the company of friends and family. I hope that this little window into my life helps me resonate with you.
Education
Yorkville University
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Honours)
Ontario College of Health and Technology
Diploma in Paramedicine (Honours)
Brock University
Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours)
Associations
BCACC RCC# 23829
My Approach
I continuously endeavour to create a safe and secure environment and work to develop and maintain the trust of my clients. As no two individuals are the same, Iโll work collaboratively with you to determine which therapeutic approach works best. You are the expert in your own lived experiences, and I am here to meet you where you are. I draw from a wide variety of techniques/modalities and specialize in approaches that incorporate dual awareness of both thought processes and emotions. The mind can be particularly tricky, so often when a person experiences trauma and or grief the lower part of the brain which is responsible for our emotional reactions and defense system can become disconnected from the upper brain which controls our thinking. This can leave you feeling intense emotions with no clear insight as to why, as it occurs unconsciously in the brain. Through counselling, I focus on making a safe and secure space where I will help guide you in regulating your uncomfortable bodily sensations and then observing how these sensations are reflected in your emotions. These approaches will aid in directing us to the root cause and resolving it.
Modalities
- Trauma Informed Care
- Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Relational and Attachment Therapy
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Mindfulness
- Somatic Experiencing
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Specializations
- Trauma
- Grief
- Sleep Issues
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relational issues
- Low Self-Esteem
- PTSD
- CPTSD
Services
- Individual virtual counselling for adult BC residents I offer virtual and over the phone sessions.
- All counselling sessions are personalized to the individual.
- Individual counselling is a confidential and non-judgmental setting where we will work one-on-one to address your mental health concerns, emotional issues, and personal challenges as well as developing your strengths and pursuing your personal goals.
- Book an appointment for a free 20-minute consultation.
Fees/Sliding Scale
- Individual Counselling - $150 + GST for 50 minutes (Virtual or by phone)
- Individual Counselling - $225 + GST for 90 minutes (Virtual or by phone)
- Please contact me about sliding scale options.
- Payment is accepted by Debit Visa/Mastercard, Interac e-transfer or credit card.
- Payment is taken before the start of the session.
- In the event payment is not received, the credit card on file will be charged for that session.
Insurance
- Some employee benefit insurance programs cover the costs associated with seeing a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I always suggest clients to check with your insurance company and group plan as eligibility may vary depending on who your provider is.
- Please note I do not offer direct billing but will provide you with a receipt which you will be able to submit to your insurance provider.
FAQs
You have the right to confidentiality. Confidentiality continues after the end of the counselling relationship. This means your counsellor will not speak with anyone but you about your story and situation. Information revealed by you during counselling will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed to any other person or agency without your written permission, with the following exceptions: To provide the highest quality care, counsellors occasionally consult with other licensed professionals. This allows your counsellor to receive insight and feedback regarding their work. The information shared is for consultation purposes only and remains confidential within this context. Additionally, your counsellor will only disclose information relevant to receiving clinical support.
There are limits to maintaining confidentiality all counsellors must follow. According to provincial law, confidentiality has some legal limits. There are some situations where a counsellor is required to reveal information obtained during therapy to other persons or agencies without your permission.
- There is risk of harm or neglect (suspected or confirmed) to a child or vulnerable/dependent adult
- If a counsellor believes you are at risk of harming yourself or another person.
- For the purposes of complying with a legal requirement. Such as a subpoena in a court of law.
What you choose to discuss and explore in counselling is all up to you. Informed consent is the process of getting permission from you to participate before you begin therapy. It is ensuring you having enough information about what to expect when participating in therapy to choose whether you want to proceed. Your participation in the counselling process is completely voluntary, and you have the ongoing right to refuse or rescind your consent at any time without explanation or question.
Your appointment time is reserved just for you. Therefore, 24 hours notice is required for cancellation or any change to your appointment. Clients who provide less than 24 hours notice, who change, cancel, or miss an appointment, will be charged a cancellation fee of 100% of the session rate. In case of emergency/sickness, it is your responsibility to make contact as soon as possible.
Resources
- Interior Crisis Line: 1-888-353-2273 (C.A.R.E.)
- BC Crisis Line: 1-800-784-2433
- 310Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (no area code)
- 1800SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- Online Services for Adults: www.crisiscentrechat.ca
- Online Services for Youth: www.youthinbc.com
- Kidโs Help Phone: 1-800-668 -6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 or chat online at www.kidshelpphone.ca
- Insight Timer has a wealth of free audio meditation and grounding tools. https://insighttimer.com/robyngray
Contact Me
Please feel free to contact me, I look forward to hearing from you!
Book an appointment for a free 20 minute consultation.
Please note: I operate in MDT / UTC-6 time zone. You can see my current time through the ‘Book an Appointment’ button or CLICK HERE
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