Jessica Sparks - Gardner (She/Her)
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist
In-Person in Oakville, ON L6M 3E3
Online in
Ontario
I'm Jessica, a Registered Psychotherapist, and I believe that many of us were never taught how to understand or make space for our emotions. We often learn to push through, put others first, or hold everything together, even when we're struggling inside.
My hope is to offer a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, without judgment or expectations. I'm genuinely curious about your experiences and what has shaped you.
One of the things I find most meaningful about this work is when clients begin connecting the dots between their past experiences and what's happening in their lives today. They start to recognize patterns they hadn't noticed before and understand why certain things have felt so difficult. That understanding can open the door to making different choices and moving forward in a way that feels more true to who they are.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Sikh, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 210
- Accepts Insurance
- Sunlife, Greenshield
Education & Credentials
Jessica Sparks - Gardner Registered Psychotherapist
- Female
- License # 11982
- Licensed in Ontario
- Practicing Since 2022
Education: I hold an Honours BA in English and Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Teaching from Griffith University in Australia, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Jessica Sparks - Gardner Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Oakville, ON L6M 3E3
- Available Online for residents of Ontario
- Online Therapy Details: Secure video or phone virtual therapy
You might find yourself having the same arguments in your relationships, feeling responsible for everyone else's happiness, or being much harder on yourself than you would ever be on someone you care about. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, grief, a difficult life change, or a sense that you've lost touch with yourself somewhere along the way.
In our sessions, we don't just talk about what happened during your week. We pay attention to the moments that stay with you, the reactions that surprise you, and the things you find yourself doing even when you wish you could respond differently.
I often bring us back to what you're feeling in those moments, because there's usually something important there. We might explore how you learned to protect yourself, what happens when you feel hurt or misunderstood, or why asking for what you need can feel so uncomfortable.
My work is informed by Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment theory, along with practical strategies when they're helpful. I don't believe every session needs to follow a particular formula. Sometimes we need to spend time understanding something; other times we need to figure out what to do with that understanding in everyday life.
I offer individual therapy in person in Oakville and virtually across Ontario.