Jesika Merino, M.Ed., RSW, Psychotherapist, SEP

Registered Social Worker

Jesika Merino | Ontario Counselling and Psychotherapy

My passion for psychology came to fruition by chance through an elective class in CEGEP. While my intentions were to pursue a career in the sciences, my introduction to psychology made me second-guess my career plans. As a result, I pursued a double major in biology and psychology in my undergraduate years. My fascination for psychology became apparent the more classes I took. In so much, I switched faculties half way through my undergrad, graduating with a Bachelors of Science with a specialization in Psychology, which then led to a Masters of Education in Counselling at the University of Ottawa

Whether you are looking for or considering counselling for yourself or someone else, an important step to healing was taken if you are here. Life experiences brought on by difficult circumstances are never the clearest to understand or the easiest to tackle. I am of the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal, and through my years as a therapist, I have been honoured to be a part of a client’s journey to regaining their autonomy from trauma.

As a Somatic Experiencing and EMDR therapist, I use a trauma-informed approach in sessions to support and hold space to the emotional wounds present in your life
With your help, we can carefully unravel these painful experiences so that you may develop the skills to manage your troubles and understand yourself with clarity.

List of Degrees

  • 2012 - B.Sc. Specialization in Psychology, University of Ottawa
  • 2015 - M.Ed. Counselling, University of Ottawa

List of Certifications

  • 2015 - Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA)
  • 2015 - Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO)
  • 2023 - Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
  • 2023 - Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW)
  • 2020 - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
  • 2022 - EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Basic Training

List of Professional Development

  • 2013 - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
  • 2015 - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
  • 2018 - Advancing Trauma-Informed Practices, presented by William Steele and Caelan Kuban
  • 2019 - Healing Sexual Trauma, presented by Dr. Peter Levine
  • 2020 - Internal Family Systems (IFS), presented by Richard Scwhartz
  • 2020 - Avoidant and Anxious Attachment, presented by Linda Cundy
  • 2020 - Disordered Eating or Eating Disorders, presented by Linda Cundy
  • 2021 - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • 2021 - Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD (PE)
  • 2021 - Once a Warrior, presented by Dr. Charles Hoge and Dr. Peter Levine
  • 2021 - Treating Self Destructive Behaviours in Trauma Survivors, presented by Lisa Ferentz
  • 2021 - Making the Invisible, Visible: Healing Transgenerational Trauma, presented by Dr. Peter Levine
  • 2022 - Attachment and Relational Trauma, presented by Haley Peckham
  • 2022 - Dialectic Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • 2022 - Moral Injury, presented by Centre of Excellence – PTSD
  • 2022 - Calming the Inner Critic
  • 2023 - Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • 2023 - Trauma of Racism
  • 2023 - Advanced Sessions and Consultation for Complex Trauma and Dissociation Part 1, presented by Kathy Steele
  • 2023 - Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse and PTSD
  • 2023 - Identifying and Treating Dissociation
  • 2024 - Advanced Sessions and Consultation for Complex Trauma and Dissociation Part 2, presented by Kathy Steele
  • 2024 - Culturally Competent Therapy, presented by Dr. Ren and Dr. Martin

List of Relevant Work Experience

  • 2012-2013 - Facilitator, Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre of Ottawa
  • 2015-2016 - Counsellor, Ottawa Rape and Crisis Center

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