About Counselling & Health Advocacy by Jenna Reed-Côté
Hello! I’m Jenna Reed-Côté, of Counselling & Health Advocacy by Jenna Reed-Côté (RSW, MSW), and I became a therapist to be one of the helping professionals I needed growing up with chronic health issues.
Navigating life and the healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Emotions pop up, seemingly counterproductive to what you're trying to do.
My goal is to create a calm space to meet you where you're at, in any given session. Therapy can feel daunting, especially when you've rarely felt welcome to collaborate in your own healthcare…maybe you’ve even felt like a piece of meat? We’ll work together to help you reclaim your power.
I specialize in supporting clients with chronic illnesses. I can help you feel like the expert on you and find your voice. I can provide you with tools tailored to your unique needs, be it communication or advocacy.
Outside of work:
I have been an ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation since 2017.
I give presentations (largely) to kids and communities across Canada, educating the importance of accessibility and inclusivity. Furthermore, we talk about the steps they can be taking to be more inclusive of people with disabilities.
In 2021, I led the Vancouver team participating in the largest survey ever conducted on accessibility for Canada by AccessNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before booking a session, please make sure that your health benefits cover services provided by a registered social worker (which I am).
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Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.
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I only provide virtual services.
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An hour-long session is $135.
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I have my Master of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University (2018) and my Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Victoria (2012).
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If you have navigated the healthcare system, you know it’s not easy!
Whether you’re wondering if you’re allowed to speak up, how you’re supposed to manage your symptoms or medication, the anxiety of preparing for appointments or procedures/surgery - not only are you not alone, you are the EXPERT on you!
I can help you process what can be an overwhelming process - mind, body and spirit - how to find your voice to communicate with your healthcare team, family and friends and find ways to reframe and get creative to cope.
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No, I also support clients with anxiety and depression.
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I find it important to acknowledge that your family and even close friends can also “have” your diagnosis.
How? Why? They are on this journey with you but are experiencing it from a different vantage point. If you are having surgery, your family and friends, who are there supporting you, are also watching you navigate it and - it ain’t easy to watch someone you love going through pain.
Your support system also needs support, though it may look a little (or a lot) different. They more they can get their own unique support, the better able they can be to support you.