Jen Gottesman

It's never overreacting to ask for what you want and need -- Amy Poehler

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Jen Gottesman's style

Why Jen Gottesman chose to be in the helping profession

Throughout my formative years, I discovered my passion for working with others and mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential. From swim instructor to camp counselor to youth advisor at my synagogue, I sought opportunities to guide and mentor those around me. My ability to connect with the teens I worked with extended well beyond my tenure as a youth advisor, as these teens continued to seek my opinions and guidance long after I left the role.

Driven by my passion for helping others, I pursued an Honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology. To deepen my knowledge and skills in this field, I went on to earn my Masters in Social Work from the esteemed Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York, NY.

With my education and experiences in both psychology and social work, I am equipped with the tools and expertise to support, empower and guide individuals through life's challenges. I am committed to continuing my journey of helping others and I believe that my experiences have prepared me to make a meaningful contribution as a therapist.

Jen Gottesman's approach

Licensed to practice in the province of Ontario, in Canada, I am dedicated to providing effective support to individuals and families in need. I approach my work from a trauma-informed lens and evidence-informed framework, which allows me to recognize and address the complex impact of various factors on individuals and families.

In my practice, I adopt a strengths-based perspective that emphasizes the unique strengths and abilities of individuals I work with, empowering them to harness their innate potential and achieve their goals. I take a systems approach in my work, recognizing the interconnectedness of individuals with their families, communities and broader social systems.

I recognize that each person's experience is unique and that no two clients are the same. Thus, I tailor my support to meet the specific needs of each client, while also working collaboratively with them to identify their strengths and resources. Whether I am supporting individuals or couples, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can feel heard, seen, validated and valued.

What you can expect from sessions with Jen Gottesman

In our sessions, my approach is centered around the belief that you are the expert of your own life and experiences. I recognize that you bring unique insights, perspectives and strengths to our work together, and I am committed to honouring and valuing this.

As your therapist, my role is not to tell you what to do or how to live your life. Instead, we will work collaboratively to identify your goals and develop a plan of action that reflects your values, priorities and needs. I will provide you with the tools, resources and support your need to achieve your desired outcomes, while also helping you build the skills and resilience necessary to navigate life's challenges.

Throughout our work together, I will listen to you with empathy and compassion, providing a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. I will challenge you when necessary, encouraging you to explore new perspectives and possibilities to help you grow and thrive. Ultimately, my goal is to empower you to take charge of your life and reach your full potential.

Jen Gottesman's experience working with the Jewish community

Most of my work in my lifetime has been as a dedicated member of the Jewish community. In my formative years as a teen and young adult, I engaged in meaningful work within the Jewish community, where I honed my skills as a mentor, counselor and guide. As an adult, I have continued to devote myself to this important work, both within a family service agency and through my private practice. Since October 7th, working within the Jewish community has taken on a whole new meaning, purpose and significance.

Through the years, I have had the privilege of sitting on community panels and have been sought out by clients for my unique perspective, knowledge and values. My Jewish education has provided me with a strong foundation in many important aspects of Judaism, including shalom bayit (domestic harmony), pikuach nefesh (the preservation of life), taharat hamishpacha (family purity), Shabbat (the day of rest), and kashrut (Jewish dietary laws); this deep knowledge and understanding of Jewish values and traditions have informed much of my work, particularly in the areas of healthy relationships and life transitions.

I am passionate about helping individuals and families navigate these important areas, and I am committed to using my skills, experience, and my deep understanding of Torah values to empower my clients to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Whether you are striving to build healthy relationships, dealing with challenges in dating (for the first time, still or again), or navigating life changes (as a new wife, new mom, new mother-in-law, career-related or moving on), I am here to support and guide you as you begin to live the life you want to live.

Jen Gottesman's Book Recommendation Zone

• The 5 Love Languages, Gary Chapman
  We all have different needs. Understand how you give love and how you receive love.
• Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
  It's a childhood fave

Jen Gottesman is facilitator of:

Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Couples Counseling
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Supervision Services
• Trauma Focused Therapy

Concerns

• Bereavement & Grief
• Dating
• Divorce/Separation
• Life purpose and meaning
• Parenting
• Prenatal, perinatal, & postpartum mental health
• Relationships
• Religious Identity Issues
• Transitions & Change

24 years in practice

Licenses

• Registered Social Worker by Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) 2004. License number 806736

Degrees

• MSW by Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, NY 2003
• Honours Bachelor of Arts, Psychology by York University, Toronto, ON 2021
• Bachelor of Arts by The University of Western Ontario, London, ON 2020

Awards

• The Student Humanitarian Award by The Hospital for Sick Children 2003
• The Faculty Award by The Wurzweiler School of Social Work 2003

Trainings

• Addressing Technology-Facilitated Abuse as Intimate Partner Violence by National Alliance/JWI 2023
• HOPE Conference Series, Breaking Silence. Building Communities by LEAD 2023
• Promoting Good Sex: A Method for Violence Prevention by National Alliance/JWI 2023
• Abortion, Access, Reproductive Coercion in Domestic Violence by National Alliance/JWI 2023
• Monthly Consultations with Consultant Deborah Sinclair by Jewish Family & Child Service 2014 -2022
• Theories & Methods of Couple Therapy, The University of Guelph, Toronto, October 2006 by The University of Guelph 2006
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training by The Hinks-Dellcrest Centre 2006

Affiliations

• Member by OASW 2004 - present
• Member by OCSWSSW 2004 - present
• Member by Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups 2003 - 2006

Average costs per session

$200 - $250

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• PayPal
• ACH Bank Transfer

Insurances

• Canadian Insurance