Jennifer Leong
Jennifer Leong, MSW, RSW (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
Provinces: Ontario Only
Our emotions are a wonderful compass that can help us navigate life.
As a therapist, part of what I do is help people tune into their emotions, to listen to their hearts, and to build trust in themselves anew. I am a registered social worker with my Masters in Social Work. I have over 10 years of experience working in the field of mental health. People come to me with anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, relationship issues, difficulties in life, prenatal and maternal mental health concerns.
During my education, I found myself drawn to the more humanistic forms of therapy.
The idea of personal growth through reflecting on our life experiences helped me with my own healing journey. I believe everyone has the potential to grow, to make changes and transform themselves so that they are able to live a meaningful life through their own agency. It is also important for me to learn about the reasons for people's actions and behaviours. For almost everyone, these actions are forms of protection, coping, and strategies of survival, often based on their childhood, or unfortunate circumstances and traumas. Through my education, training, and work experiences I see the people who reach out for therapy as brave, because they are willing to take charge of their own lives and create a more authentic relationship with themselves. This is something that resonates with me on a personal level.
I immigrated to Canada when I was 11 years old. My parents both worked long hours to provide for my siblings and I, which meant my siblings and I grew up as latch-key kids. As a teen and young adult, I struggled to find my identity and tried to blend in with whatever group I was a part of. I followed and did what others enjoyed doing, so I would be accepted and well-liked. I spent a lot of time worrying about my relationships with people and if how much they accepted or simply tolerated me. I struggled with imposter syndrome for a long time.
After I experienced a deep personal loss, I decided I needed to work on myself and find a new perspective on life. To focus less on what others thought of me, and start getting to know who I was, without the influence of anyone else.
With this shift in mindset, I began to do some much needed internal work. A big part of my healing journey started when I attended a 10-day silent meditation retreat. From that experience, and many other moments of self-reflection and continuous accountability, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone to try new things. I started to believe in myself and to trust my ability to handle any situation that came my way. I learned to manage my worries and fears, as well as explore, examine, reject, and cultivate my values as an independent adult. I reflected on what was truly important to me. I did things that I wanted to do for myself alone, and slowly gained the confidence to find new forms of self expression.
Part of this internal work was realizing that I wanted to become a mental health professional. If I had realized that seeing a therapist was an option when I was younger (at the time I thought it was only for those who had severe mental illness) I feel like I would have been able to do the work with myself much sooner. I’ve learned so much through my education as a therapist, and also as a person dedicated to growth, and one of the most important lessons I’ve had is that we can only go so far in life if we are always trying to avoid unpleasant feelings and emotions. The real magic happens when we are able to sit with the feelings and use them as an opportunity to learn something about ourselves.
Our emotions are actually a wonderful compass that can help us navigate life. As a therapist, part of my job is often to help people to turn into their emotions, to listen to their hearts, and to build trust in themselves anew.
I look forward to learning what your inner compass has to say, and seeing you find your way in life. One of my greatest joys as a counsellor is watching my clients build the most important relationship they will ever have, the one with themselves.
I am so happy you found your way here. Whatever has motivated you to seek help, I am glad you have taken this bold first step in starting your journey.
I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental and supportive space for you to share your personal story, struggles and reflections. I want to ensure that you feel validated, heard, and valued. You are not alone.
Areas of Practice and Approach
Individual Counselling
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Brief Narrative Therapy
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT)
Support For
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
- Childhood/Developmental Trauma
- Attachment Injuries
- Relationship Challenges
- Communication Challenges
- Emotion Regulation
- Life Transitions
- Stress
- Work Related Challenges
- Anger
- Perfectionism
- Grief & Loss
- Women's Issues & Identity
- Survivors & Victims of Abuse/Domestic Violence
Age Group I Work With
- 16 and older
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Masters of Social Work, Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts, Specialized Honours B.A. Psychology, York University
Ontario Social Work Certification of Registration, OCSWSSW
Professional Fees
Consultations
- Initial consultations are FREE
- All consultations are 20 minutes long
Individual Counselling
- $160
- 50 minute session
Couples Counselling
- I’m not accepting couples at this time
Crypto Payments
- Are available
- Email us for more information
