John Jennings

Welcome,

My name is John Jennings, and I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate) with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. I have an Education degree from Dalhousie University, a Master’s degree in counselling from Acadia University and a Teachers Art Certificate from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.  I have been working with kids and youth for almost 20 years as a school counsellor in the Bedford and Sackville areas, and I love what I do. 

I believe establishing trust is key to building any relationships in our lives, and the client and counsellor relationship is no different. I strive to create a warm and accepting atmosphere, often using humour and curiosity, that allows clients to speak openly and feel supported, in a non-judgmental and safe space. 

While I tend to work in a variety of modalities depending on the needs of my clients,  I typically use an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework in my approach and believe by understanding who we are and what we value, we can move past or work with the negative thoughts that sometimes seem to overwhelm us.  To make this journey easier, I believe in creating and developing positive coping skills that will allow us to more easily be present and less stuck in the regret of the past or the worry of the future.

I have a Visual Art Certificate from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and I believe in the power of art and love to incorporate simple colouring and drawing to painting and journaling in my sessions.  Hopefully creating a calming space both within and outside our bodies.

While I have lots of experience working with children and youth concerning anxiety, negative self-image, gender and sexual identity, self-regulation and suicidal ideation, I love working with anyone who is looking for support during difficult transitions.

John