vitalminds

Virtual Therapy In Ontario, In Person Therapy in Hamilton, Oakville & London

Julie Desjardins

Julie Desjardins

Clinical Supervisor Registered Psychotherapist

As an experienced Clinical Supervisor and Registered Psychotherapist, July is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of competent, ethical, and reflective mental health professionals. Her approach to supervision is grounded in a commitment to coaching, mentoring, and professional consultation. Julie’s general philosophy is that supervision is a collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented relationship, where she strives to support clinicians in their learning, growth, and development of a personal and ethical style of psychotherapy and counselling.

Julie focuses on creating a supportive space where you can confidently explore clinical challenges, process complex cases, and address any feelings of imposter syndrome or burnout. Her goal is to move you from competence to confidence. Supervision is a vital part of professional development and requires a mutual willingness to learn and reflect.

Julie’s supervision framework is primarily guided by the Lifespan Developmental Model. She emphasizes the integration of the C-D-R Model (Consultation, Didactic, Resource) to ensure all facets of your practice are addressed.

The core values underpinning my supervision are::

  • Supportive & Respectful Environment: Fostering a space for open dialogue and mutual learning.
  • Ethical Rigor: Grounding all decisions in professional standards and best practices.
  • Self-Reflection: Enhancing the safe and effective use of self in clinical practice.
  • Empowerment: Helping you develop autonomous clinical judgment through skills evaluation.

You can expect direct and constructive feedback, case conceptualization guidance, a focus on skill development, and regular check-ins on your professional and personal well-being. With Julie, you will explore countertransference, manage risk, and celebrate your clinical successes, among many others.

Julie’s clinical expertise is focused on treating::

  • Symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress/burnout
  • Behavioural and emotional aspects of ADHD/ASD/neurodivergence
  • The impacts of relational challenges in couples, parents, families

She is formally trained and experienced in supervising the following modalities:

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
  • Eco Therapy or Walk & Talk Therapy
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT and EFiT), Attachment-theory, and Gottman Method

Julie holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (2012), with a Registration to practice in Ontario: Registered Psychotherapist (Independent Practice) with the CRPO (#008983). She is also a Certified Canadian Counsellor and Supervisor (CCPA #14010) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) since 2016. She has completed a 30-hour supervision coursework and meets CRPO’s requirements for clinical supervision.

With 18 years of practice in the mental health field (since 2007), Julie has had the privilege of working in diverse clinical settings, including Youth Net Hamilton (2006-07), Montreal Women’s shelter (2007-08), Community Sexual Assault intervention centre (2011-12), EAP crisis support centre (2016-17), and Director/Supervisor of my group practice in Ottawa (since 2017).

Experience:

Julie has several years of experience supervising and training student therapists and early-career clinicians, averaging over hundreds of hours of direct supervision.

As a regulated professional in Ontario, Julie remains committed to lifelong learning. Upholding the highest standards of professional and ethical practice is non-negotiable. Julie adheres to the ethical codes of both the CCPA and CRPO.

My commitment includes:

  • Upholding CRPO Standards: Integrating standards directly into our supervision work to ensure all clinical decisions are sound.
  • Continuous Development: Regularly attending workshops, conferences, and trainings.
  • Reflective Practice: Engaging in consistent clinical supervision over the past 8 years and continuing to consult with peers for ongoing professional and personal development.
  • PHIPA Compliance: Maintaining strict client confidentiality and data security for all case discussions and records.

Julie’s passion for supervision is rooted in the privilege of witnessing a clinician discover and refine their unique approach to therapeutic practice. Seeing a supervisee integrate new skills and confidently step into their clinical authority is the most rewarding part of her work. For Julie, supervision is not just a role, it is my personal way of giving back to our community of mental health professionals, ensuring that high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care remains accessible through the mentorship of talented emerging practitioners.

Julie’s fee for supervision is $180 per 60 minutes.

Supervision Formats
Individual Supervision 60 minutes
Dyadic Supervision 2 supervisees, 120 minutes
Group Supervision Max 4 supervisees, 120 minutes

“Supervision is not about having all the answers, but about courageously exploring the questions together.”

– Julie Desjardins

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