905-571-7441
ABOUT US
At Jeff Packer MSW & Associates we strive to help you build healthy, exciting and magnificent relationships. Our psychotherapy/counselling services help you find solutions to the personal challenges you face and strategies to reduce or eliminate obstacles blocking your path to positive change. We also help you improve and develop communication and relationship skills that are essential to attaining more satisfying relationships with the important people in your life, including yourself.
We draw upon your amazing capacity to change, grow and develop. In the counselling process, you will discover new ways to enhance self awareness, improve your ability to cope with stress, express emotions and discover strategies to more effectively address your specific issues. Your openness to receive help is a critical step you have already taken by searching for answers, support and someone to help guide you. Counselling, therapy or “life coaching” is not a “have to” or “need to”. It is a choice, a desire for change and a resource to help you with healing, recovery and relationship enhancement.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support family, workplace and community relationships by providing research and evidence-based services in a non-judgemental, objective and caring manner. Our interventions aim to effectively and efficiently strengthen and enhance the quality of relationships people have with themselves (intrapersonal) and with others (interpersonal).
Our Mision
At Jeff Packer MSW & Associates Inc., it is our mission to provide services founded upon Christian principles; services designed and delivered in a Christ-centered and God-honouring manner.
This means we serve all people from all faiths, socio-economic positions, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and, indeed, all walks of life. People who receive our assessment, counselling, consultation and training services can expect services provided with integrity, honesty and compassion.
Our Mision
At Jeff Packer MSW & Associates Inc., it is our mission to provide services founded upon Christian principles; services designed and delivered in a Christ-centered and God-honouring manner.
This means we serve all people from all faiths, socio-economic positions, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and, indeed, all walks of life. People who receive our assessment, counselling, consultation and training services can expect services provided with integrity, honesty and compassion.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Packer
Msw, rsw, rp
Jeff obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto in 1991, specializing in clinical individual, couple/marital and group counselling, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology & Sociology from York University (1989). Over the past twenty-five years, Jeff has provided professional counselling, social work services and psychotherapy in his private practice in Oshawa, with the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre, Whitby Mental Health Centre, Durham Family Court Clinic, Catholic Family Services and with the John Howard Society.
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In addition, he has attended extensive training on marriage and family therapy (specifically in high conflict, power imbalances, abuse and infidelity), trauma and recovery, EMDR, eating disorders, abuse & domestic violence, Type1 diabetes & treatment adherence, criminal behaviour and rehabilitation, parenting and parent-child behavioural adjustment, sexuality, substance misuse/addictions and separation and divorce family re-adjustment. He is actively involved in developing, training and delivering effective mental health, marriage enrichment and parenting workshops. Jeff provides in-service training for public and private organizations across Canada and delivers inspiring and informative seminars at universities, and colleges, to corporations and business work teams. He also provides counselling and psychotherapy supervision, consultation and training. Jeff is a registered social worker (RSW) with the OCSWSSW, is a registered psychotherapist with the CRPO and has been a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Canadian Association of Social Workers since 1990. Jeff is happily married to Susan, his loving wife of over thirty-five years. They have three adult children. Jeff has coached for fifteen years in the NASC soccer association and provides consultation toward developing and delivering effective mental health, health and social service initiatives.
Susan packer
MDiv-Counselling, BEd, BASc, RP
Susan Packer obtained her MDiv degree in Counselling from Tyndale University & Seminary in Toronto. She specializes in individual, family and couple counselling, working with children and adults. Susan’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Guelph provided training in psychology, sociology, human development, physiology, nutrition, communication and family systems. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists.
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Susan has worked extensively with children and families on problem-solving techniques and conflict management in her first career as an educator and in her current counselling role. Susan’s employment experience includes volunteering at a group home for sexually abused teenage girls. Susan has worked with individuals, couples and groups to overcome concerns related to anger and stress management, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting and romantic relationship repair and enhancement. Additionally, Susan has prepared and presented various workshops for women, parents, couples and for people suffering from anxiety, depression and loss. She introduced Narrative Theory to help the participants better understand the development of their personal interpretation of sex and sexuality. Susan also presented Cognitive Behavioural Theory as a tool to navigate life’s transitions. Jeff & Susan collaborated on developing a manual and a full-day couples’ retreat outlining seven spheres of intimacy: emotional, experiential, recreational/social, sexual, conflict/crisis, intellectual and spiritual intimacy. Having raised three children with her husband, Jeff, Susan is aware of the trials and rewards of parenting. Similarly, thirty-three years of marriage have provided Susan with considerable experience and skills in nurturing happy and healthy marital and family relationships. Susan’s involvement in the life and work of her church is important to her, and she has been involved in the leadership of small groups and children’s and women’s ministry.
NICOLE Bolotenko
MEd, RP, BA, SSWDip
Nicole is an associate with Jeff Packer & Associates Inc. and she has completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology with the University of Toronto. She has also obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and her Social Service Worker diploma. Over the past ten years Nicole has been working in the social service field with various organizations such as Distress Centre Durham, Community Living Oshawa Clarington and Durham Mental Health Services. Over the years Nicole has also begun to develop her professional skills through various trainings and workshops on topics such as suicide prevention and intervention, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and various mental health issues.
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Now as an associate with Jeff Packer & Associates Inc. she is excited to be assisting people in individual, couples and group counselling and psychotherapy. She also looks forward to continuing to provide workshops on helping couples, those who find themselves in distress, parenting and evidence-based mental health approaches. She hopes to continue her professional development to better serve and support people. In addition to her passion to help others, she also enjoys yoga, volunteering, meditation and reading.
Jessica Hamel
MACP, BA, RP
Jessica Hamel has completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. After completion of her internship under the supervision of Jeff Packer, we are pleased to announce that she has joined our team. Jessica also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario. In addition, she has completed a variety of post-graduate courses in the areas of: assessment, psychopathology, family and couples counselling, as well as individual counselling methodologies.
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Jessica currently volunteers with Distress Centre Durham, working on their 24-hour crisis hotline where she is trained on crisis de-escalation and emergency intervention. Jessica has also facilitated mental health support groups for individuals aged 16 and older with COPE mental health agency, here in Durham. In her down time, Jessica enjoys practicing yoga, photography, travelling, and spending time with her loved ones. She is excited to have the privilege of working with people at JP&A and assisting them on their journey.
Hannah Packer
MACP, RP, BA
After spending eight years in a corporate environment and advancing into a management role, Hannah Packer shifted her career direction and obtained a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She also holds a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Technology Society and the Environment from Carleton University.
Hannah has experience treating adults and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, work-related stress, borderline personality disorder, disordered eating, family & relationship issues, grief & loss, and issues related to self-esteem.
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She utilizes various evidence-based practices unique to the individual, including DBT, CBT, IFS, EFT, and EMDR.
Her approach to therapy may help you discover new ways to manage and cope with your symptoms while working towards resolving them. She welcomes the opportunity to collaborate on your therapeutic journey.
Tracy Spear
MSW, RSW
Tracy Spear is a registered Social Worker with over 25 years of counselling experience. Tracy works with children, youth, adults and families using an eclectic, holistic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. Tracy values collaboration and is non-judgemental, strength-based and trauma-informed in her approach. She is trained in Narrative Therapy, CBT, Solution Focused, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Play Therapy and Systems Theory, among others. As a trained mediator, she believes solutions can be found through a guided process fostering respect and understanding and is passionate about supporting families through their separation/divorce journey.
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Tracy continues to enhance her therapeutic skills through ongoing training and is committed to self-reflection to inform her practice. Tracy has considerable experience working with clients, children and adults, diagnosed with high-functioning autism.
Her current professional life includes a commitment to supporting the needs of children and their families as a school social worker. Tracy has over 10 years of EAP and community counselling experience while employed at Family Services Durham. Working from a strength-based, client directed perspective, Tracy guided hundreds of clients on their journey towards change. Tracy has completed her Accreditation in Family Mediation and worked, through the Durham Family Court Clinic, as both an off-site and on-site (Family Court) mediator. Tracy utilizes a collaborative and child focused approach with an emphasis on fostering respect, compassion and understanding to resolve conflicts. Tracy has worked as a forensic social worker providing guidance and advocacy those navigating the mental health and criminal justice systems.
When not working Tracy enjoys time with family and friends, hiking, practicing yoga, reading, eating well and embracing new experiences.
Administration
Lisa Goring
Office Manager
Lisa Goring is formally trained as a medical administrator and has been involved in many facets of the fitness industry for 18 years. Lisa brings her professional organizational skills and compassionate approach to our office. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing anywhere the sun is shining in the company of her family and her dogs.
FINDING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER
Reach out and we will do our very best to help you with this challenging part of your journey.