Nicole is an associate with Jeff Packer & Associates Inc. and she has completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology with the University of Toronto. She has also obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and her Social Service Worker diploma. Over the past 15 years Nicole has been working in the social service field with various organizations such as Distress Centre Durham, Community Living Oshawa Clarington and Durham Mental Health Services. Over the years Nicole has also begun to develop her professional skills through various trainings and workshops on topics such as suicide prevention and intervention, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and various mental health issues. As an associate with Jeff Packer & Associates Inc. she assists people in individual, couples and family counselling and psychotherapy. She also looks forward to continuing to provide workshops on helping couples, those who find themselves in distress, parenting and on evidence-based mental health approaches. She hopes to continue her professional developmental to better serve and support people. Nicole is happily married to her husband Chris and together they have two daughters. In addition to her passion to help others she also enjoys yoga, volunteering, meditation and reading.

Nicole is an associate with Jeff Packer & Associates Inc. and she has completed her Masters i... Read More

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Jessica Hamel has completed her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. After completion of her internship, under the supervision of Jeff Packer, we are pleased to announce that she has joined our team. Jessica also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario. In addition, she has completed a variety of post-graduate courses in the areas of: assessment, psychopathology, family and couples counselling, as well as individual counselling methodologies.

Jessica currently volunteers with Distress Centre Durham, working on their 24-hour crisis hotline where she is trained on crisis de-escalation and emergency intervention. Jessica has also facilitated mental health support groups for individuals aged 16 and older with COPE mental health agency, here in Durham. In her down time, Jessica enjoys practicing yoga, photography, travelling, and spending time with her loved ones. She is excited to have the privilege of working with people at JP&A and assisting them on their journey.

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Jeff obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto in 1991, specializing in counselling and psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families and groups. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from York University (1989). Since 1991, Jeff has provided professional social work services, counselling and psychotherapy (virtually and in-person) in his private practice, with the Region of Durham Family Counselling, Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre, Ontario Shores (Whitby Mental Health Centre), Durham Family Court Clinic, Catholic Family Services, John Howard Society, and at The Refuge Youth shelter.

In addition, he has attended extensive training on marriage and family therapy (specifically in high conflict, power imbalances, abuse and infidelity), trauma and recovery, EMDR, eating disorders and body image, abuse & domestic violence, Type1 diabetes & treatment adherence, criminal behavioural rehabilitation, parenting and parent-child behavioural adjustment, sexuality and sexual violence, substance misuse/addictions and separation and divorce family re-adjustment., reunification and parental alienation recovery. He is actively involved in the development, training and delivery of effective mental health/fitness, emotional management, marriage enrichment and parenting workshops. Jeff provides in-service training for public and private organizations across Canada, helping build team cohesiveness, problem-solving, stress management and mental/behavioural wellness. He also provides internships, counselling and psychotherapy supervision, consultation and training. Jeff is a registered social worker (RSW) with the OCSWSSW, is a registered psychotherapist (RP) with the CRPO and has been a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Canadian Association of Social Workers since 1990. Jeff is happily married to Susan, his loving wife of over thirty-five years. They have three adult children, Daniel, Hannah and Andrew. Jeff has coached fifteen years in the NASC soccer association, loves camping, guitar, visual arts and gardening. .

Jeff obtained his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto in 1991, specializi... Read More

Susan Packer obtained her MDiv degree in Counselling from Tyndale University and Seminary in Toronto. She specializes in individual, couple and family counselling. Susan’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Guelph provided training in psychology, sociology, human development, physiology, nutrition, communication and family systems. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the Ontario College of Psychotherapists.

Susan has worked extensively with children and families on problem solving techniques and conflict management in her first career as an educator and also in her current counselling role. Susan’s employment experience includes volunteer work at a group home for sexually abused teenaged girls. Susan has worked with individuals, couples and groups to overcome concerns related to anger and stress management, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting and romantic relationship repair and enhancement. Additionally, Susan has prepared and presented various workshops for women, parents, couples and for people suffering with anxiety, depression and loss. She introduced Narrative Theory to help the participants better understand the development of their personal interpretation of sex and sexuality. Susan also presented Cognitive Behavioural Theory as a tool to navigate life’s transitions. Jeff & Susan collaborated on the development of a manual and a full day couples’ retreat outlining seven spheres of intimacy: emotional, experiential, recreational/social, sexual, conflict/crisis, intellectual and spiritual intimacy. Having raised three children together with her husband Jeff, Susan is aware of the trials and rewards of parenting. Similarly, thirty-five years of marriage has provided Susan with considerable experience and skills in nurturing happy and healthy marital and family relationships. Susan’s involvement in the life and work of her church is important to her and she has been involved in leadership of small groups, as well as children’s and women’s ministry.

Susan Packer obtained her MDiv degree in Counselling from Tyndale University and Seminary in Toro... Read More

Tracy Spear MSW,RSW is a registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with over 25 years of counselling experience. Tracy works with children, youth, adults and families using an eclectic, holistic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. Tracy values collaboration and is non-judgemental, strength-based and trauma informed in her approach. She is trained in Narrative Therapy, CBT, Solution Focused, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Play Therapy and Systems Theory among others. As a trained mediator, she believes solutions can be found through a guided process fostering respect and understanding and is passionate about supporting families through their separation/divorce journey. Tracy continues to enhance her therapeutic skills through ongoing training and is committed to self-reflection to inform her practice. Tracy has considerable experience working with clients, children and adults, diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Her current professional life includes a commitment to supporting the needs of children and their families as a school social worker. Tracy has over 10 years of EAP and community counselling experience while employed at Family Services Durham. Working from a strengthbased, client directed perspective, Tracy guided hundreds of clients on their journey towards change. Tracy has completed her Accreditation in Family Mediation and worked, through the Durham Family Court Clinic, as both an off-site and on-site (Family Court) mediator. Tracy utilizes a collaborative and child focused approach with an emphasis on fostering respect, compassion and understanding to resolve conflicts. Tracy has worked as a forensic social worker providing guidance and advocacy those navigating the mental health and criminal justice systems. When not working Tracy enjoys time with family and friends, hiking, practicing yoga, reading, eating well and embracing new experiences.

Tracy Spear MSW,RSW is a registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist with over 25 years of counselli... Read More