About Marie Josée
Of course when choosing a therapist, it is important to know that they have the qualifications to do the work. I have included here some information related to my education, professional affiliations and experiences as well as the modalities I use. However, knowing that this information matters, it is as important to feel comfortable with the person you work with. To help you learn about me, I have included some information about myself as a person.
I am a daughter, a mother, a sister, a wife, a farmer, a horsewoman, an animal lover, an artist at heart, an want-to-be carpenter, a student of life, a friend. I have been drawn to understand human nature from an early age. I was an extremely sensitive and introverted child and teenager, and still am as an adult but I have learned how to manage it and accept it over the years. Strangely enough horses lead me to a better understanding of humans and of myself, my gifts and my challenges. They have done this in many ways over the years. My connection with horses led me to complete my formal College and University education in the field of psychology and social work. They have allowed and sometimes forced me, to work on my own struggles (and they still do).
I have learned from personal and professional experiences that it is through true connection with the self, nature, animals, and or other humans, that we grow and heal from the impact of life's challenges. A true connection with a non-judgmental supportive presence, able to sit with suffering and act as a safe container for internal experiences. I have had the chance to have in my life, true connections with nature, animals and significant people who gave me exactly that. I wish to offer this to others through my work as a therapist by offering my presence and knowledge.
I am a daughter, a mother, a sister, a wife, a farmer, a horsewoman, an animal lover, an artist at heart, an want-to-be carpenter, a student of life, a friend. I have been drawn to understand human nature from an early age. I was an extremely sensitive and introverted child and teenager, and still am as an adult but I have learned how to manage it and accept it over the years. Strangely enough horses lead me to a better understanding of humans and of myself, my gifts and my challenges. They have done this in many ways over the years. My connection with horses led me to complete my formal College and University education in the field of psychology and social work. They have allowed and sometimes forced me, to work on my own struggles (and they still do).
I have learned from personal and professional experiences that it is through true connection with the self, nature, animals, and or other humans, that we grow and heal from the impact of life's challenges. A true connection with a non-judgmental supportive presence, able to sit with suffering and act as a safe container for internal experiences. I have had the chance to have in my life, true connections with nature, animals and significant people who gave me exactly that. I wish to offer this to others through my work as a therapist by offering my presence and knowledge.
My education |
My Professional Experiences |
I have a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Social Work and a College Degree in Psychology. I am a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers, the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Equine Facilitated Wellness Canada. I am governed by a strict code of ethics.
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Since the beginning of my career in 1998, I have worked with youth, families and adults. I offered individual, group or family therapy to people experiencing mild, moderate or severe mental health difficulties as a result of personal, family and work-related issues or operational stress and trauma. I have worked as a child protection social worker within various Ontario child protection agencies. I have worked as a child and family therapist with a child mental health agency. Most recently, I have worked as a clinical social worker with the Canadian Forces.
I have developed a strong understanding of human development, mental illness, attachment, family dynamics, poverty, addictions, violence and the impact of stress and trauma. Since 2014, I am a board of administration member for Equine Facilitated Wellness - Canada (EFW-CAN). I also publish the EFW-CAN quarterly newsletter. I am proud to be involved with this equine facilitated wellness community of competent, wise and experienced individuals who work diligently at keeping the highest standards of practice in the field. My Scope of Practice
I now focus my practice with adult and couples who are struggling with issues such as: anxiety, trauma, depression, anger, self-esteem. I have developed skills within the field of trauma. Specifically working with soldiers or veterans who have been diagnosed with an Operational Stress Injury and with their families.
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