Jemma Cerson
MSW, RSW
Hello! It’s lovely to connect with you!
As a Registered Social Worker my goal is to sit with folks to explore their challenges and heartache with dignity and respect. I aim to help folks feel heard, seen, and understood as they work through the issues impacting them. I identify as a cisgender-heterosexual female, and I welcome and aim to offer a safe space for LGBTQ2S+ folks, including gender affirming care.
I have specialized training in Somatic-Attachment Therapy and use a relational approach, which has been described as “curious, gentle, and kind”. My empathic listening, humour, and warm nature is central to my practice. I draw on the resources you already possess to strengthen your inherent inner wisdom and support your resiliency and transformation.
A little more about me - I have a very cute, playful, and loving dog named Bowser. One of my favourite things is hiking on the trails with him and my family. I love to be near or on the water, and to explore creativity through artistic mediums, cooking, and DIY projects.
The folks who seek me out are often yearning for authentic living and deep connection. They may be in search of their identity or life purpose. Some may be uncovering limiting relational patterns and want to break the cycles that no longer serve them. Others may have unresolved trauma and seek to regain their peace to live more fulfilling lives.
I am here to support you on your journey back to yourself.
Education
Master of Social Work - Wilfrid Laurier University, 2018
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Wilfrid Laurier University, 2011
Registered Social Worker
British Columbia College of Social Workers (#13960)
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (#851316)
Professional Development
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Brainspotting Phase 1 Training (Mariya Javed-Payne)
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Advanced Practices in Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy (Lisa Mortimore, PhD)
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Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy
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Facilitation Team Member (Lisa Mortimore, PhD)
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Brining the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy - 2 Year Training (Lisa Mortimore, PhD)
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (MCFD)
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Circle of Security Parenting Program Facilitator (Glen Cooper)
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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills Training
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San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (PHSA)
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Indigenous Reconciliation Workshop: The Village (Kathi Camilleri)
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
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Indigenous Cultural Resilience & Trauma Informed Practice (Maya Chacaby)
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Various Mindfulness-Based Therapy Workshops (Wilfrid Laurier)
Therapeutic Approach
Therapy language can be confusing.
To support your understanding here's a brief description approaches I draw on.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
acceptance of life's hardships and making committed changes, focus on personal values
Attachment
early relationships with caregivers and how experiences contribute to relationships and well-being today
Autonomy
the human right to self-govern/
make your own decisions that are right for you
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
examining how thoughts and feelings influence behaviour
Dialectical-Behaviour Therapy
mindfulness-based self-management skills for distressing emotions and behaviours
Humanistic
seeing the individual for who they are
Mindfulness
paying attention to the here and now, without judgement
Mindful Self-Compassion
staying open, curious, and kind while responding to emotional difficulty
Person-Centered
everyone is unique and has autonomy over their lives
Polyvagal Theory
roles of the nervous system in emotional regulation and social connection
Psychodynamic
analytic approach to understand unconscious patterns
Psychotherapy
gaining insight on life/choices
Relational
the interconnectedness between people
Somatic
Connection between the mind and body/
processing through the body
Trauma-Informed
understanding of impacts of trauma and re-traumatization,
and supporting resiliency and empowerment
Window of Tolerance
identifying arousal states of the nervous system and regulation