Jennifer McDermott, MA

With over 20 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, I offer a compassionate, safe, and entirely non-judgmental space where you can explore life’s challenges. I understand that life is complex and demanding, a reality I know as a member of the sandwich generation, balancing the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while guiding my three children into adulthood. This lived experience grounds my practice in empathy, practical understanding, and authenticity. In my practice, I support adults navigating a wide range of personal struggles, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and eating disorders. I also walk alongside clients experiencing burnout, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, as well as substance misuse and other addictions. No matter what brings you to therapy, your unique story will be met with respect, warmth, and validation. My therapeutic approach blends evidence based clinical frameworks with real world application. I specialize in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma recovery, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help reshape unhelpful thought patterns, and mindfulness practices to foster grounded awareness. While exploring root causes is valuable, I strongly believe in equipping you with tangible, effective techniques to help you cope in the moment so you can find immediate relief and resilience in your day-to-day life. Together, we will collaborate to build a path forward that honors your goals and helps you reclaim your well-being. Clinician competencies: • ADHD • Adjustment Disorder • Alcohol Abuse • Anger • Anxiety/Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Behavioural Management for Children • Bipolar Disorder • Body Image/ Body Dysmorphia • Borderline Personality Disorder • Burnout • Depression/Major Depressive Disorder/Dysthymia • Eating Disorders • Emotion Regulation • Grief/Loss • Health Anxiety • Hypertension • Insomnia/Sleep Problems • Internet Addiction • Non-Substance/Behavioural Addictions • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder •Pain Management • Panic Disorder • Parental Coaching/Support • Perfectionism • Performance Anxiety • Phobias • Pre-natal and Post-partum related issues • Procrastination • Religious/Spiritual Concerns • Relationship issues • Return to Work/WSIB • Seasonal Affective Disorder • Self-Esteem • Self-Harm • Sensory Sensitivity • Separation Anxiety for Children • Smoking Cessation • Social Anxiety • Somatoform Disorders • Stress • Substance Use • Suicidality • Test Anxiety • Trauma/PTSD • Weight management • Anxiety/mood med withdrawal Populations served: • Adolescents • Adults • Caregivers • Children • Couples • Family Health Teams • First Responders • Healthcare Professionals • NIHB Clients • Older Adults (65+) • Parents • Return to Work/WSIB Clients Treatment modalities: • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy • Cognitive Processing Therapy • Exposure and Response Prevention • Mindfulness Therapy • Narrative Therapy Please note that our associates work with many presenting issues, some of which are not listed in this biography. Please speak with our intake team at 416-363-4228 for more information.