Jackie Murphy-Park

Approach to Counselling

I take a whole-person approach, recognizing that the challenges you face rarely exist in isolation. Your work, relationships, past experiences, responsibilities, emotions and ways of coping can all influence how you feel and function today.

My work is personalized to you — your experiences, perspectives, strengths and goals. Together, we look at what is happening, what may be contributing, and what you want to be different. I help you notice patterns, make sense of your experiences and consider perspectives that may open up new possibilities.

Insight is an important part of change, but understanding something is only the beginning. My counselling is therefore practical and action-oriented. We identify strategies and skills that fit your situation and that you can begin using in your everyday life. Depending on what you need, this might involve learning to manage stress and emotions, set boundaries, communicate more effectively, navigate difficult relationships, change unhelpful patterns, build confidence, or make decisions with greater clarity.

My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely understood and where you can be honest about what you are experiencing without judgment. From there, we work together to build clarity, develop practical skills and create meaningful change that can last beyond the counselling session.

Experience and Framework

With 37 years of experience working in mental health and addictions, I bring a broad range of knowledge and real-world experience to my counselling practice. My approach draws on evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing, all within a trauma-informed framework. Rather than applying one approach to everyone, I draw from these methods based on what makes sense for you. We consider your current circumstances, how you have been coping, what is already working, and what skills or supports may help you move forward. My role is not to tell you what you should do but to help you better understand your situation, identify your options, and develop a way forward that feels realistic and achievable.

A Specialization in Workplace Stress & Change

While I support people through a wide range of life challenges, I have a particular interest and specialization in workplace stress, conflict, and change. Work difficulties can be complex, demanding and, at times, difficult to navigate. I also understand that workplace challenges are not always solved by simply “thinking differently” or changing your individual response. Organizational culture, expectations, power dynamics, resources, and leadership can all play a role.

I help you identify the root causes, move from uncertainty to understanding, and draw on your natural strengths to find lasting solutions. No more guessing. Just clarity and a path forward.

For people in leadership roles, I bring an additional understanding of the pressures that come with responsibility. Leadership can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating. You may feel pressure to support others while managing competing demands, making difficult decisions, and carrying your own emotional responses privately. I have experienced those pressures firsthand. I understand the complexity of leading while also trying to take care of yourself. My role is to provide a space where you can step out of the leadership role for a while, make sense of what you are carrying, and develop practical ways to navigate the challenges ahead.

What Clients have said about Jackie

We regularly survey our clients and appreciate all who take the time to provide feedback to our counselors. The following are quotes from clients about their experience with Jackie. We do not use clients’ names to protect client confidentiality.