My passion for helping people has been a lifelong calling, inspired by a desire to understand and break cycles of generational trauma, both personally and professionally. I began my career in the Netherlands as a Cultural Social Work student, providing debt assistance and psychosocial counselling during my placement. After earning my Bachelor’s degree, I worked with children experiencing psychiatric disorders and somatic disabilities and later served in Foster Care and Child Protection Services. During my Master’s placement with Child Protection Services, I completed training in assessment and diagnostic skills, although I am not licensed to provide diagnoses.

Alongside my professional career, my husband and I became involved in our family farming operation, allowing me to combine my passion for helping people with a rural lifestyle. While working as a Child Protection Worker, I developed a strong interest in research and education. This led me to become a lecturer in Educational Sciences, specializing in Forensic Child and Youth Care, at the University of Amsterdam, where I taught both Bachelor’s and Master’s students. I also lectured in Social Work at NHL University in the Netherlands. During this time, I founded Loving Caring Advice and Research, my private practice in the Netherlands, and joined Jeugd Advies Noord (Youth Advice North), a professional network of independent practitioners. In 2017, I began a PhD program, which I pursued until 2021. As part of my research, I collaborated with Highland Shores Children’s Aid in Belleville, Ontario, on the “Meet the Parents” project, examining the relationship between parents’ traumatic and intrusive life experiences, child safety, and the quality of their working relationship with child protection professionals. After immigrating to Canada in 2017, I established my Mental Care Practice in Renfrew in December 2018. In 2020, my husband and I returned to farming, operating a dairy farm in Admaston-Bromley. In addition to providing services from the downtown office, the Mental Care Practice offers year-round outdoor consultations on our farm, incorporating nature-based experiences such as animal interactions and guided field walks.

As mental health and family support services remain scarce in our beautiful valley, I believe that meaningful change requires collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach. I began building a collaborative team of authentic, independent professionals who share a commitment to providing compassionate, client-centred care. Together, we bring diverse evidence-based expertise and a shared dedication to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing, growth, and well-being.

Personal Background

I grew up on a farm in It Heidenskip, a rural village in the province of Fryslân in the Netherlands. In 2017, my husband, oldest daughter and I immigrated to Renfrew, Ontario, alongside several members of our extended family. Since then, our son and youngest daughter have been born in Canada,

At home you will often find me spending time with my family, working on our farm, or enjoying the outdoors. I love horseback riding, hunting, outback camping, gardening, hiking, kayaking, theatre, music, crafting, and crocheting. I am also deeply interested in traditional Indigenous teachings and ways of life.

My passion for helping people has been a lifelong calling, inspired by a desire to understand and... Read More

I am no stranger to therapy and know exactly how it feels to be sitting in the client’s seat! As a ‘well-seasoned’ client, my desire to help others with what they are going through has propelled me forward, through some difficult life challenges, to a place where I am ready to walk alongside others on their own healing journeys. I am thankful for all of the life struggles I have experienced, as they have all made me into a better person. Without those hard life lessons, I wouldn’t be the therapist I am today!

I value honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity, both in and out of the therapy room. I believe in being a human first and approach my clients from a personable perspective. If you are looking for a safe space to confide and process your hurts, habits, and hang-ups – I will hold that space for you. I love all things real and raw and will be as patient as necessary, encouraging you to take the lead with how much and how fast you choose to open up and be vulnerable. I hold space and grace for one and all.

I was born and raised right here in Renfrew, Ontario and this is where I first grasped onto the idea that I wanted to become a therapist. I remember sitting in a Grade 12, Challenge and Change in Society class, thinking, “This is what I want to do with my life.”

I embarked on my psychotherapy journey, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Behavioural Psychology from St. Lawrence College, cultivating a deep appreciation for how individuals’ thoughts, feelings (emotions), and behaviours influence and interact with one another. I enjoy dipping my toes in a vast array of theoretical orientations, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Humanistic, Existential, Gestalt, and Narrative therapies, providing an eclectic approach for my clients. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach and I individually tailor my work with each and every client. I believe that everyone has the right to feel welcomed entirely, just as they are and met exactly where they are at. No masks required. No judgment given. Solely met with grace and compassion.

I have completed my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree from Yorkville University and have worked in a variety of helping professions with a variety of populations, ranging from young children to geriatric individuals.

When not partaking in therapy-related activities, I try to be outdoors in nature as much as possible, playing volleyball or softball, reading (more often than not psychology-based content), eating everything under the sun (being the foodie that I am), indulging in the odd Netflix binge here and there (who doesn’t?), and navigating the world of motherhood with my three-year-old son (talk about building resiliency).

I am delighted to contribute my compassion and knowledge to Mental Care and I am thrilled to have joined the Mental Care family. I look forward to supporting you on your very own transformative journey toward healing and personal growth. For those seeking a genuine, humorous, kind-hearted soul who believes and sees the best in people (and accepts food as a method of payment - totally kidding) - I’ll be here waiting. A compassionate set of listening ears is available to you and I encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity. All it takes is one step forward, one day at a time, one moment at a time - you don’t need to have all the answers!

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) (#15731) and holds membership with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).

Take care - sending love and compassion to you all!

I am no stranger to therapy and know exactly how it feels to be sitting in the client’s seat! As ... Read More

I earned my two psychology degrees from accredited universities by the time I was 26 years old (B.Sc. in Ontario and Master’s in South Carolina). I went on to become registered at the College of Psychologists of Ontario as an autonomous psychology practitioner, by successfully completing 4 more years of supervised work experience and passing the required provincial examinations. In all, I have over 27 years of extensive work experience in a variety of mental health settings, including outpatient mental health, hospital, school board and private practice.

My scope of practice is conducting psychological assessments and providing therapy to youth (18 years of age and younger) and their families, if indicated. I am an experienced therapist who prefers to tailor my approach to each client, as they are all unique. I implement a blend of cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy, in an attempt to work with my clients to help them achieve positive change in their lives. Parent consultations are typically an important part of working with youth, as well. Given the long wait times for mental health support that families typically endure, I am particularly focused on completing brief behavioural assessments aimed at explaining the underlying reasons for challenging behaviour in youth, and providing feedback and recommendations to parents immediately after the assessment is completed.

I look forward to continuing to serve the population of Renfrew County, as a member of the team at Mental Care!

I earned my two psychology degrees from accredited universities by the time I was 26 years old (B... Read More

My name is Brandon and I’ve been interested in the field of counselling from the age of 15-17 when myself and some friends went through some mental health struggles that had a profound impact on how I understood how helpful it can be to have a person to confide in. From that point, I’ve been on a journey to help people struggling with a wide variety of mental health challenges which I am still very adamant about. I’ve worked with a variety of individuals ranging from those with financial struggles, intellectual disabilities, family conflicts, brain injuries, among others. The biggest thing that I’ve learned is that every situation has to be treated differently and that no singular solution applies to every individual, despite people getting lumped into categories and stereotypes. I find pride in connecting with people and hearing their stories; then being able to apply that to strategies they can use to improve their day-to-day lives.

I find great satisfaction in giving back to the community that has made me the person that I am today. It makes me happy to see more people seeking mental health services and to see the stigma around these services get reduced and I’m proud to be a part of that movement, both as a provider and a consumer.

My name is Brandon and I’ve been interested in the field of counselling from the age of 15-17 whe... Read More

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Hi, I’m Jennifer!

I work with children, youth, adults, families, and couples who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected—from others, themselves, or the life they want to be living. You may be navigating challenging behaviours, anxiety, low mood, the impact of past experiences, a life transition that has left you feeling off balance, relationship challenges, or struggles with substance use.

Using a down-to-earth and compassionate approach, I help clients slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and explore a path forward. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we work toward the life you hope for.

My approach is strength-based, conversational, and client-centred. I believe you know what works best for you, and I aim to walk alongside you on your journey while drawing from evidence-based practices. Together, we’ll explore your strengths, reflect on what has helped in the past, strengthen the mind–body connection, understand different parts of your experience, and develop practical tools for coping, healing, and growth.

Reaching out for support can feel difficult, especially during overwhelming or uncertain times. If you’ve been feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a space to reflect and heal, therapy can offer the support and perspective needed to move forward. I strive to provide a welcoming environment where you can explore challenges at your own pace and feel supported every step of the way.

Drawing from therapeutic approaches; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Approach, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Based, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), and Mindfulness Approach, 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally

I am currently accepting clients for virtual therapy across Ontario, as well as in-person sessions in Renfrew. Working with NIHB, ODSP/OW 📩 Feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation or to book a session. I would be honoured to connect and begin the conversation with you.

Hi, I’m Jennifer! I work with children, youth, adults, families, and couples who may be feeling ... Read More

Kendal Rhode, RHN – Holistic Nutritionist

I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience working in healthcare and a passion for helping individuals uncover the factors influencing their health. Inspired by my own health journey, I believe that true wellness comes from supporting the whole person and recognizing that no two individuals are the same.

Using a personalized approach, I provide nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to each client’s unique needs. I also utilize advanced assessment tools, including Hair Mineral Analysis (HTMA), cortisol testing, and food sensitivity testing, to gain deeper insight into the body. Hair Mineral Analysis can help identify mineral imbalances and stress patterns that may be affecting energy, mood, metabolism, and hormone health, allowing for more individualized support.

My goal is to empower clients with practical, sustainable strategies that help them better understand their bodies, restore balance, and take an active role in their health and well-being.

Kendal Rhode, RHN – Holistic Nutritionist I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with over 15 y... Read More

I’m a firm believer that life is about moving forward, one mindful step at a time. For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a Social Service Worker, helping kids and teens find their footing. Whether we are tackling school refusal or building self-reflection skills, my goal is always the same: to foster a positive connection that leads to genuine healing. I work closely with parents, as well, to navigate life’s hurdles, focusing on mindfulness and active listening to create lasting, positive change. My approach is rooted in my academic background—a Bachelor of Psychology from Carleton University and a Social Service Worker diploma from Algonquin College. I look forward to walking alongside you as you journey through life.

I’m a firm believer that life is about moving forward, one mindful step at a time. For the past 1... Read More