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My Motto: Happy Home!

If parents dare to live, children will follow

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Sometimes we feel lost, but we are in control. Be in charge of your own life, not out of fear, but out of love. 

Your path is unique. 

Dare to live!

 

Curriculum Vitae
I started my career in Cultural Social Work in the Netherlands as a placement student providing debt assistance and psychosocial counseling. After I graduated for my Bachelor Degree, I assessed children with Psychiatric Disorders and Somatic disabilities and I worked in Foster Care and Child Protection Services. I accomplished my placement (Master of Science) at the Child Protection Services as well and completed my Basic Assessment and Diagnostics Skills (NOTE: I am not Licensed to provide Diagnoses). During this period my husband and I joined the family partnership and I became a part-time farmer as well. In my job as a protection worker I had the opportunity to do research along my clinical work and my interests for research and teaching were growing. I became a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam in Educational Sciences, specialty Forensic Child and Youth care, for the Bachelor and Master degree and I lectured at the NHL Universities for the Bachelor Social Work. During this period I started my own practice Loving Caring Advice and Research in the Netherlands and participated in the network Jeugd Advies Noord (Youth Advice North) for self-employed professionals. My PhD program started in 2017 and ended in 2021 (termination of own choice). I worked together with the Highland Shores Children's Aid Services in Belleville on my
 project "Meet the Parents", about parents' (traumatic) intrusive life events in relationship to child safety and the quality of the work relationship with their protection worker. Since December 2018 I opened the doors of my Mental Care Practice in Renfrew and in 2020 my husband and I started farming again. Our dairy and beef farm is located in Admaston and beside my office down town I am offering all year round outdoor consultations on our farm as well (i.e. visiting animals, field walks).  

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Canadian Recognition

The University of Toronto assessed my European Master of Science awarded at the University of Amsterdam and reported that the degree is from a recognized University (June 27, 2018). I am a General member at the Ontario Association of Mental health Professionals OAMHP. The CASW confirmed that my qualifications are equivalent to a Canadian Master of Social Work Degree (May 24, 2019), and my registration number at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service is Workers OCSWSSW is 833525 (July 10, 2019). 


Biography 

I grew up on a farm in the northern province Fryslân in the Netherlands. With my husband Klaas and daughter Ilsa I immigrated in March 2017 from the Netherlands to Renfrew Ontario. Our son Nick and daughter Maria are born in Canada. I am passionate about helping people since I can remember and I love being outdoors, around animals, gardening, hiking, theatre, music, crafting/crocheting. 

 

Johanna Bakker MSc, MSW, RSW
Owner / Registered Social Worker  
Forensic Child and Youth care Scientist

 

Born: 13 December 1984, Sneek the Netherlands

Married: 17 June 2004, Klaas de Vries

Children: Ilsa 22 June 2014 - Nick 13 January 2018 - Maria 19 September 2020

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Hello, My name is Tanya Wojcik and I am pleased to join Johanna here at Mental Care. I started my career as a child and youth worker, after completing my Social Services Diploma from Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario in 1992. 

I returned to school in 2005, completing my Bachelor of Social degree from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario in 2009. I have spent many years working with children, youth and their families, providing support, enhancing strategies and tools to better understand their worries and concerns, while focusing on positive outcomes, growth and increased knowledge. I pride myself on building positive relationships with clients, empowering change and better in lives. I am thrilled to be providing practice private to families currently seeking support. Please feel free to reach out to set up a free intake today to get started on your healing journey!

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Tanya Wojcik BSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

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My Motto: Knowledge is Power!

Let's get started on your healing journey today

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My Motto: See The Bigger Picture!

"Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone". - Lisa Olivera

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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.

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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 counsellor. 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), 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 am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree at 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 things, I find myself trying to be outdoors in nature as much as possible, playing volleyball (or any sport for that matter), 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 being a young and single mother to my one-year-old son (talk about building resiliency).

 

I am delighted to contribute my compassion and knowledge to Mental Care and I am thrilled to be joining Johanna and Tanya at this practice. 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! 

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Jacqueline Gauvreau, BA, MACP Candidate
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) 
Seeing The Bigger Picture Psychotherapy - Mental Care

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

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