Jessica Johnson

Licensed Occupational Therapist, OT Reg (N.S.)

Jess is a registered Occupational Therapist who completed her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Dalhousie University. The purpose of occupational therapy is to enable clients to participate in occupations by addressing the barriers that limit participation. Occupations are defined as any activity of daily living (eating, sleeping, playing, etc) that are necessary and/or meaningful to the person.

Jess joined the Practice in September 2022 as an Occupational Therapist. She has a background in early childhood education. As an early childhood educator, Jess learned how to support children’s growth and development by creating intentional therapeutic opportunities within their natural environment. Jess’ understanding of childhood development and occupations helps to guide her occupational therapy practice with a child-led/person-centred approach.

Jess will be working with children and adolescents to identify and address barriers that have an impact on participation in everyday activities. Jess believes in beginning the therapeutic process with gathering an in-depth and holistic understanding of all factors that affect clients life, so goals and interventions can be created to reflect client values and strengths. Goals are addressed through one or more of the following: advocacy, activity and/or environmental adaptations, and skill building. Jess uses evidence-based research to inform her practice and is keen to continue learning throughout her career.

Jess is currently taking training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and, upon completion, will be offering services to youth presenting with depression and anxiety disorders. Jess values each person’s lived experience and believes a strong foundation is built when clients feel listened to and validated.
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Jess takes pride in her empathic approach, gentle nature and desire to be creative and think outside the box. Jess practices lifelong learning and strives to be an ally to 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. She makes it a priority to create a space that feels welcoming and safe and is dedicated to using an anti-oppressive, social justice and trauma-informed approach.

In her spare time Jess enjoys being outdoors, making crafts, and spending lots of time with her cat, Poppy.