About Jessica Bacon

Professional Training Highlights and Education

Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University | 2017

Bachelor of Social Work, McMaster University | 2012

Bachelor of Arts, University of British Columbia | 2006

• Engaging Individuals and Their Support Systems in Navigating the MAiD Journey, Wilfrid Laurier University — 2026

• EMDR Basic Training - Amanda Bell - 2024

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Model, the Practice, the Application – Wilfrid Laurier University — Wilfrid Laurier University, 2024

• Perinatal Mental Health Online Certificate Program, Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative – June 2023

• Grieving Children and Youth, Wilfrid Laurier University – May 2023

• Foundations of Trauma, Wilfrid Laurier University – February 2023

• Internal Family Systems Introductory Workshop, Suzanne Luxemburger and Elyse Heagle – September 2022

• Walk & Talk Therapy Training Course, Cherry Tree Counselling – September 2022

• Grief Counselling, Wilfrid Laurier University – June 2022

• Traumatic Bereavement, Wilfrid Laurier University – May 2022

• Bereaved Parents and Parents of Stillborn and Miscarried Children, Wilfrid Laurier University – March 2022

• The Parental Brain, Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Training – March 2022

• Bringing Light to Motherhood, Maternal Mental Health NOW – March 2022

• Case Conceptualization and Behaviour Coaching - International Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – December 2020

• Identifying and Working Through Problematic Parenting Patterns, International Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – August 2020

• Supporting the Processing of Caregiver Blocks via the Use of Chair Work Part I, International Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy - July 2020

• Teaching Emotion Coaching to Caregivers Using Didactic & Experiential Techniques, International Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – June 2020

• Unified Protocols in Children and Adolescents, McMaster Children’s Hospital – December 2019

• Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – Core, International Institute for Emotion-Focused Family Therapy – November 2019

• Calming the Storms of Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents, Wilfrid Laurier University – January 2019

• CBT Level I: Fundamentals of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University – December 2017

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina – July 2017

• Fostering an LGBTQ Inclusive Environment, The 519 – February 2017

• Attachment & Atypical Caregiver Behaviours Associated with Disorganized Attachment, Dr. Diane Benoit, Sick Kids – October 2015

• Youth Suicide Risk Assessment and Management, Dr. Jennifer McTaggart, McMaster – September 2015

• Hamilton High Conflict Forum, Bill Eddy LCSW – September 2015

• Creative Safety Planning for Men and Women, Interval House/OACAS – October 2013

• Working with the Abusive Partner, Interval House/OACAS – June 2013

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Living Works – February 2012

Hi, I’m Jessica

I help women navigate challenges related to perinatal mental health, grief and loss, parenting, and burnout. My work focuses on helping women reconnect with joy, meaning, and a sense of self — not only as mothers, but as whole people outside of their caregiving roles.

Throughout my career as a social worker, I have always felt deeply drawn to supporting women who are preparing for motherhood, raising young children, or parenting older kids while also trying to maintain their own identity and wellbeing. This passion existed long before I became a mother myself. When I eventually had my own children, the experience profoundly reshaped my life and challenged me in ways that required deep personal growth as a woman, mother, and professional.

What I especially value about supporting women during this stage of life is that the impact extends far beyond the individual. When a mother feels more regulated, supported, and emotionally well, it creates a meaningful ripple effect within the family system — positively influencing her relationships, her children’s emotional development, and the overall wellbeing of the home.

While I certainly don’t believe in perfection, I do believe women deserve compassionate support, practical tools, and space to grow so they can flourish again in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.

Outside of my work, I love spending time with the people who matter most to me. You can usually find me reading, planning my next trip, hosting gatherings with family and friends, or finding ways to stay active and recharge. Travel is one of my biggest passions — I’ve set a personal goal of visiting 50 countries by the time I turn 50, and I’m currently around 35 countries and counting. I value experiences, connection, and creating a life that feels full both inside and outside of work, which is something I also encourage the women I support to prioritize for themselves.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of British Columbia (2006), a Bachelor of Social Work degree from McMaster University (2012), and a Master of Social Work degree from Wilfrid Laurier University (2017). I am registered and in good standing with both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I am also committed to ongoing professional development, regular supervision, and continually expanding my knowledge to better support the women and families I work with.