Jami Vandermarel

I offer a personable, genuine and empathic space for you to come as you are. I understand that life can easily shift, leaving us feeling lonely, stuck or like we’ve lost touch with who we are. In our work together, I will hold space for your full story, honouring your struggles while striving
to empower you toward the inner wisdom you already hold.

My approach is person-centered, integrating a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive lens that draws from evidence-based practices in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and narrative therapy (NT). Rooted in attachment and systems thinking, I believe that healing
happens in the context of trusting relationships – with ourselves, others and within the systems that shape us. We’ll explore together the stories shaping you, offering tenderness, curiosity and self-compassion to your pain.

I’m drawn to supporting fellow parents who are trying to make sense of the beautiful and often disorienting experiences of parenting. Together we can make sense of the many roles, expectations, and identity shifts that come with caregiving, rewriting a story that honours your
voice, needs and values.

I hope you leave each session feeling a bit lighter – like you can breathe easier, have felt seen, are kinder toward yourself, and empowered to take the next step toward your preferred future! Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to chat about what you’re hoping for in therapy, and make sure we are a good fit!

We all need a listening ear sometimes – someone who can show up when it matters most. I’d be honoured to offer that space for you.

About Me

Providing emotional support for those in my life has been a core part of me since childhood. It wasn’t until I became a parent to twins that I realized the importance of having a safe person to help me process my changing identity and anxiety, and to gently support me toward change. This experience inspires my passion to walk alongside all parents, and especially parents of multiples, in times of isolation, grief or overwhelm. Each year I walk in Flora’s Walk to increase awareness and support for Perinatal mental health services in the Hamilton area.

I am my most authentic, playful self when I am spending time with my favourite people, swimming, or belting out musical numbers with my family. Being creative, whether through dancing, drawing, writing or crafting, helps ground me and brings me back to the sweet joys of being human. I enjoy exploring existential topics about faith and life meaning, and enjoy learning from those who bring me a new perspective.

Professional Background

Working as a Child and Youth Worker brought me the honouor of working with some really great clients. I supported children, teens and young families in building life skills, such as tools for emotion regulation and parenting skills to form caring attachment bonds. This work informs my focus on social systems and cultural values that shape who we are and how we are supported. My work with children and young parents illuminated the importance of positive early life experiences, inspiring my passion in supporting parents and advocating for perinatal mental health services.

To expand my breadth of training and to offer more in-depth therapeutic counselling support, I decided to pursue my Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) degree at Yorkville University. I am currently a Registered Psychotherapy (Qualifying) with the College of
Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.