I am Carissa Jackson, a seasoned mental health counsellor and registered social worker with over 27 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most difficult moments. I specialize in therapy for women, teens, and adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions.
My approach is warm, empathetic, and client-centered, creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, validated, and empowered. I draw on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused therapy to help clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and restore balance in their daily lives.
Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or simply disconnected from yourself, I provide compassionate guidance to help you develop healthy coping strategies, strengthen self-confidence, and create meaningful change. My goal is to support you in rediscovering your sense of well-being and moving forward with clarity and confidence.
I am a proud member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers, the British Columbia College of Social Workers, and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
My Approach
My counselling practice is grounded in a client-centered and strengths-based framework, integrating evidence-based interventions to address a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges. I utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and restructure maladaptive thought patterns, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness-based interventions to cultivate present-moment awareness and stress reduction. In addition, I draw on solution-focused techniques to facilitate practical problem-solving and promote resilience.
I work collaboratively with clients to formulate individualized treatment plans that reflect their unique needs, values, and goals. This approach not only addresses presenting concerns such as anxiety, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, and life transitions, but also supports long-term growth, self-efficacy, and emotional well-being.
My therapeutic stance is characterized by warmth, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, while maintaining professional rigor and adherence to clinical best practices. I am committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, where clients are empowered to explore their experiences, process complex emotions, and implement sustainable change.
I hold a fundamental belief in the inherent worth and potential of every individual. Change is always possible when there is willingness and the right support. Even in moments when a person feels overlooked by others—or when they have lost faith in themselves—I believe growth and transformation remain within reach.
My purpose as a therapist is to provide the guidance and therapeutic framework that helps clients recognize their intrinsic value, rebuild self-confidence, and develop a stronger sense of belonging in the world. I strive to create an environment where each client feels respected, empowered, and capable of meaningful change.
Blots, Dots and Sticky Thoughts (Stress and Worry) is a delightful and meaningful children’s book designed for readers ages 5 to 9. This engaging story helps children recognize the physical and emotional signs of stress and worry, while teaching practical tools for emotional regulation and resilience.
The story follows Lyle, a spirited 7-year-old Indigenous girl, and her beloved stuffed sloth, Leeto, who magically comes alive in her imagination. Together, they embark on an adventure to Present Park, where they encounter new friends and discover strategies to manage worry, calm their bodies, and build confidence. Along the way, children are introduced to both emotional intelligence (understanding what they feel) and emotional resilience (learning how to cope with those feelings).
With more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field, I created this book to fill a gap in children’s literature that addresses stress, worry, and self-regulation in an age-appropriate and accessible way. Gaining self-awareness empowers children to identify triggers early and use healthy coping skills before emotions escalate.
Recognizing the vital role of parents and caregivers, this book is designed to be an assisted reading experience that fosters open communication and dialogue between children and adults. By reading together, families can create a supportive environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and ask questions.
Of course, learning is paired with fun and imagination! With the help of a magical chant, Leeto comes to life, and Lyle meets whimsical new friends such as Coop the bear, Winston the frog, and Nay the budgie, who entertains everyone with her hilarious “Giggle Giggle Bum Wiggle” dance.
Blending education, therapeutic insight, and play, Blots, Dots and Sticky Thoughts (Stress and Worry) is the perfect resource for families, educators, and counsellors who want to support children in harnessing their inner strengths, cultivating resilience, and unlocking their limitless potential.
