My Motto: Happy Home!
If parents dare to live, children will follow
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 and three beautiful children
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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
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
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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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!
David Guth MSc
Registered Clinical Psychological Associate
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Hi, I am Kendal Rhode, a dedicated Holistic Nutritionist who believes in the power of food as a tool for healing and well-being.
Inspired by personal health challenges at a young age, they pursued a career in nutrition to help others achieve health without complete reliance on medication. With experience across diverse healthcare settings over the last 15 years, I bring a deep understanding that everyone is different and must be supported as a whole person. As a Nutritionist I make recommendations to assist you in taking back control of your body, and also understand that everyone requires a different type of support. I use tools such as hair mineral analysis, cortisol level testing and allergy sensitivity testing to provide clients with a deeper look into their bodies.
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Kendal Rhode
Nutritionist ​