Jen Helmuth
Registered Psychotherapist
A little about me
Most of my life's journey has been about discovering how to find moments of joy and what gets in my way. Like you, I don't always find what I'm looking for; I get stuck and sometimes feel tired of it all. That's why have found lots of people, practices and paradigms that shine a light on what brings me joy.
Along the way, I have travelled, worked, studied, parented and played. I approach life and work with a desire for balance, a zest for the creative and a natural curiosity. I’m a long-time enthusiast of spirituality, yoga, health, art, movement, meditation and meaningful connections.
After a 20 year career in Human Resources with an international development non-profit, I took a leap and went back to school for my master's in spiritual care and psychotherapy. This was a great decision, and I've been loving being a psychotherapist since I started practice in 2018.
For the last year and a half (and continuing) I've been privileged to work with HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre to provide counselling for individuals, families and caregivers experiencing cancer. Right now, I'm taking an intensive Yoga Teacher Training partly to support my clients with body-based healing to supplement talk therapy. I love to learn and am always adding to my skill set and knowledge base.
My approach
Therapy is vulnerable and courageous work. Usually by the time you are ready to try therapy, you have already tried many other things and are at the end of your rope. I believe in a holistic approach that recognizes we are multi-dimensional individuals -- our bodies, our situations, our beliefs, our relationships – all impact our well being. As such, I will look to draw on a range of techniques, experiences and tools to find what resonates with you.
In particular, I draw on positive psychology and a strengths-based and human centered approach. I am particularly interested in the mind-body connection and if desired, we can incorporate mindfulness, breathwork and other movement/body based practices to compliment our talk therapy.
My work is also trauma-informed and I provide a safe and accepting space for individuals from all walks of life, cultures and preferences.
My philosophy
We all have our moments.
Like each square in the picture, each moment is different. At some points in our life, like at the bottom of the picture, it seems like all the moments are the same – dark. I believe that even in those difficult times, we can begin to notice a few moments that are a bit lighter. My philosophy in therapy is that we can cultivate perspective, intention and practices to seek and build lighter moments. So that, gradually, you might notice that more of your moments are more light, like at the top of the picture.
“All we have are moments... so live them as though not one can be wasted. Inhabit them, fill them with the light of your best good intention, honour them with your full presence, find the joy, the calm, the assuredness that allows the hours and the days to take care of themselves. If we can do that, we have lived.”
- Richard Wagamese