Kim Jaggers, MSW, RSW
Founder & Clinical Director
Adjunct Lecturer, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Over my ten years of practice, I have witnessed the staggering number of barriers people face in seeking the mental health support that they need – finances, childcare, transportation, stigma, racism, sexism, ageism, systemic oppression, discrimination, shame, guilt, confusion of where to turn…the list goes on.
We all have a part to play in breaking down these barriers. The development of my practice, Guide Mental Health, was born out of a need to try to address some of these barriers. Myself, along with some like-minded practitioners, have joined together to provide culturally competent, accessible, flexible and targeted mental health services to those in need. By breaking away from the more traditional model of in-office therapy, Guide Mental Health focuses on providing service directly in the life space.
Working from a relational, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed framework, I use a combination of therapeutic modalities including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Trauma and Attachment based therapies to customize individual treatment plans that address the client’s unique needs and goals. I specialize in working with couples, families with young children, and adults struggling with depression, relationship issues, and childhood trauma. I also provide clinical supervision to therapists in private practice, deliver training on providing therapy in the life space, and offer consultations to private companies looking to promote mental health education and awareness in the work place.
Harpreet Banwait-Bhela, MSW, RSW
Practice Partner
Fostering resiliency; encouraging introspection; highlighting strengths; and, creating a space for shared empathy are what I believe are pillars of successful therapy.
My work spans across various therapeutic settings and my knowledge of my practice is reflective of this diverse range of experiences. I have worked in community-based mental health and addictions programs; in tertiary care hospitals; in adult corrections; and most recently, in a supervisory role within the children and families’ sector. I have worked with clients across the life span, and am sensitive to the varying issues encountered in different age groups.
Understanding one’s identity (including cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, age, and other identities) is at the forefront when building a strong therapeutic alliance. I work from an anti-oppressive, anti-racism framework and encourage my clients to narrate their stories and present their most authentic selves. It is my hope to continue to raise awareness about mental health and addiction issues, as well as reduce the stigma related to it, especially in racialized communities.
I provide services in English and Punjabi.
Amy Paul, MSW, RSW
Are you feeling stuck? Unsure how to achieve your highest goals in life? Feeling that no matter how hard you try to change, things seem to always remain the same? If so, there is hope. I have been in practice for over fifteen years and my focus is with adults, parents, children, youth, and families experiencing a range of issues such as anxiety, trauma, depression, relationships, grief & loss, violence and abuse, anti-black racism and oppression, and (complex) post-traumatic stress syndrome (C-PTSD).
I focus on family of origin, and how past issues may be showing up today in ways that don’t align with the life you want and the person you want to be. I also believe in solution focused therapies that allow us to make concrete changes, TODAY, regardless of what we have been through.
My approaches include trauma informed therapies, motivational interviewing, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), attachment therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic, and mindfulness based therapies. I believe we are all trying our best and deserve to live in ways that align with our highest values. Through exploration of what is getting in the way of what you desire and highlighting your strengths and resiliency, we can decide on goals and actionable steps that will bring you closer to the life you want. My passions lie in children’s mental health, social justice, travelling, and creative endeavours such as photography, writing, and cooking. I look forward to walking with you along your journey to your best life
Jaclyn Kerr, MSW, RSW
Building on existing strengths and developing resiliency is the focus of every session with my clients. Having spent many years working with Indigenous, multicultural, and refugee communities both nationally and internationally, I am aware of the stigma, oppression, and systemic barriers these communities experience daily. That is why I strongly believe in providing comprehensive case management services, in addition to therapeutic interventions. These services may include identifying resources, providing referrals, offering assistance in filling out forms and applications, and helping clients to navigate between multiple government systems. Working from an anti-oppressive and cultural humility perspective, I utilize aspects of multiple therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I practice from a trauma-informed lens, and have worked with children and adult survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, helping these individuals and their families to understand the impact of trauma and to develop strategies to improve social-emotional health and overall quality of life
Sarah Crocker, MSW, RSW
Having begun my journey in the field of Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, I believe whole heartedly in a family-centred, anti-oppressive, strength-based approach, in which there is an exploration of the Family of Origin. I have experience working in a number of therapeutic environments, including residential treatment, school-based support and in-home intervention. I believe strongly in a circle of care approach and making connections with other service providers, when permitted by clients, to ensure they are receiving cohesive and well-rounded care. I am a strong advocate for service users, particularly within other large systems such as schools and child welfare. The right to self-determination for all clients is at the forefront of my approach with individual and families.
My approach is Relational, and always with a trauma and attachment informed lens. I have extensive experience in behaviour management and crisis intervention and safety planning. More recently I have been utilizing a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) approach with caregivers and their children. Additional therapeutic models that inform my practice are CBT, EFFT and Solution-Focused therapy.
I believe very strongly in the in-home therapeutic model. By providing service within a client/family’s environment, I am able to promote the highest level of comfortability and gain a true insight into their experience(s). Providing service in the home or community gives me the ability to break down the barriers to service access that so many individuals and families face. This also allows for realistic and direct implementation of explored strategies and tools within the client/family’s everyday living situation.
No matter the therapeutic modality, the client/family’s self-determination and autonomy is at the heart of everything, as they are the experts of their own lives and lived experiences. I am there as a guide to assist individuals and families as they build on their existing strengths and abilities to bring about positive change.
Meghan Shaver MSW, RSW
As a passionate mental health clinician, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families. I additionally have experience working with adults and seniors within the mental health and health sectors. Rooted in a strengths-based and trauma-informed practice, I believe that our family of origin and attachment histories significantly influence who we are and how we navigate the world. I support individuals and families in exploring how these have shaped our perspectives and behaviours and aim to help people find their way through life’s up and downs, twists and turns. Various therapeutic modalities guide my practice, including but not limited to Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we will explore what it is you want for yourself/your family and collaborate together on the goals and steps to take you where you want to be.
At the heart of working with people, relationship is vital. I believe in creating a safe and trusting space to meet people where they are at. In addition, I appreciate the value of humour and playfulness in the therapeutic process, infusing sessions with genuine joy and appreciation of the people that I work with. I am looking forward to connecting with you/your family to start this journey together towards creating positive change, resilience, and growth.
Emily O’Connor, BA, MSW (c.)
Clinician in Training
I strongly believe in the transformative power of genuine connection. Grounded in attachment theory and a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection, I approach therapy with a trauma-informed perspective. Together, we will explore the narratives we construct that may no longer serve us. Taking an anti-oppressive stance, I aim to provide holistic treatment that acknowledges the context in which we exist. My previous work has centred around children and youth who have experienced trauma, and I recognize the importance of individual, family, and community roles in fostering healing and growth. With passion and humility, I am dedicated to continuously expanding my knowledge of mental health, embracing both traditional and innovative approaches seeking to honour your uniqueness. It is a privilege for me to join you on your journey, aiming to provide a collaborative space for healing, growth, and transformation.
Emily is currently offering services at a reduced rate.