Meet our Therapists - Jessica Bellis

Meet Our Therapists

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision — and one that can feel overwhelming when all you have to go on is a credential list and a headshot. We wanted to change that.

This series is our way of pulling back the curtain a little. Each post is a conversation with one of our therapists, in their own words — what drew them to this work, how they approach sessions, who they love working with, and what makes their style uniquely theirs. No clinical jargon, no polished bios written in third person. Just honest answers to the questions we think actually matter when you're trying to figure out if someone is the right fit for you.

Because at the end of the day, therapy works best when there's real connection. Our hope is that by the end of each post, you'll feel like you already know a little bit about the person on the other side of that first session — and feel more confident reaching out.

Jessica Bellis - Licensed Counselling Therapist Candidate

What drew you to counselling?

I’ve always been drawn to helping professions, and one of my strengths is connecting

with people in a genuine and meaningful way. I’m naturally interested in people’s stories

and experiences, and I care about helping others feel supported and understood. I want

to make a positive difference in people’s lives, even in small ways, and counselling

allows me to do that.

What did you do before becoming a therapist, and how does that background still show up in your work today?

After completing my Master’s degree in Counselling, I worked briefly in mental health

before returning to university to earn my Education degree. For the past 10+ years, I

have worked as a school counsellor supporting students, families, and educators in

social-emotional learning, mental health, and overall well-being. This experience has

shaped my approach to therapy. I understand the unique challenges children, teens,

and families face and strive to create a safe space for clients where they feel

comfortable and validated.

How would you describe your style as a therapist to someone who’s never been to therapy before?

If you've never been to therapy before, my goal is to help you feel comfortable,

supported, and free from judgment. I believe that a strong therapist-client relationship is

one of the most important parts of the counselling process. In our sessions, you'll find

someone who listens carefully, seeks to understand your experience, and creates a

safe space for you to share. While some challenges don't have quick or easy solutions,

you don't have to face them alone. My role is to walk alongside you, offer support and

encouragement, and help you build on your strengths as you move toward your goals.

What kinds of clients or concerns do you feel most drawn to work with — and why?

I feel most drawn to working with children, teens, and individuals who are experiencing

anxiety. As a school counsellor for more than 10 years, supporting young people has

always been a natural fit for me, and I enjoy helping them better understand their

emotions and develop practical coping skills. More recently, I have enjoyed expanding

my work with adults and have found it rewarding to support them through life's

challenges as well.

What do people often misunderstand about the kind of therapy you offer?

One thing people often misunderstand about therapy is that they think they need to

have everything figured out before they come. In reality, therapy is a space where we

can make sense of things together, even when you're not sure how to put your thoughts

or feelings into words. Therapy isn't about having all the answers—it's about having

someone alongside you as you work through life's challenges.

What does a first session with you typically look like?

My goal in a first session is to help you feel comfortable and at ease. You don't need to

have everything figured out—we can start wherever you are. I like to spend time getting

to know you as a person, including your strengths, interests, and what is important to

you, while also exploring what brought you to therapy. Most importantly, I want you to

leave feeling heard, supported, and knowing that you don't have to navigate life's

challenges alone.

What do you wish more people knew before starting therapy?

I wish more people knew that you don't need to be in crisis or have everything figured

out before starting therapy. It's okay if you're unsure where to begin or even what you

want to talk about—that's part of the process. I often remind clients that therapy is not

about being 'fixed'; but about having a safe, supportive space to explore challenges,

build on strengths, and learn new ways of coping.

Is there anything you want potential clients to know about working with you that

doesn’t usually make it into a bio?

One thing I want clients to know is that life can be hard at times, and you don’t have to

navigate that alone. Therapy with me is not about having the perfect words or having

everything figured out—it’s about showing up as you are. I will meet you with

understanding, patience, and no judgment, even when things feel messy or

overwhelming.

What would you say to a parent who is nervous about bringing their child to therapy?

I often tell parents that it is completely normal to feel nervous before a child’s first

therapy appointment. I want parents to know that my approach is gentle and

relationship-based, and I always focus on creating a safe space where the child can feel

comfortable at their own pace.

How do you explain play therapy to a child — and how do you explain it to their parents?

I use play-based techniques in therapy because play is a natural way for children to

express what they are feeling when words are difficult to find. I describe play-based

techniques as a developmentally appropriate approach that helps children process

emotions, build coping skills, and communicate their inner world through play.

Curious if Jessica might be the right fit for you? She offers a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what you're looking for and see if it feels like a good match — no pressure, no commitment. Book your free consult with Jessica here →