Wellness Counselling and Psychotherapy

“The more we give our inner voice a platform to be our guide, the more we generate feelings of inner worth and trust that we are enough.” ~ Leigh 

Pause. Feel. Tune in.  Welcome the triggers and feel into alignment with your true self. Your heart knows the way.  When we can go inward and create space to know and turn towards our true selves, this provides the ultimate platform for healing to take place.  

This counselling journey is particularly for those who feel at the whim of their emotions~ disconnected, lost, alone, anxious, overwhelmed, uncertain, sad or depressed, and stressed.  There are often past experiences of personal trauma, self-doubt, self-criticism, and a strong desire to feel better to feel good enough.  Patterns of using food (perhaps unknowingly) to cope and feel better may also exist. 

It is important to highlight that counselling services are not for clients seeking specific treatment for a diagnosed eating disorder.  This is not to say that if a client has an eating disorder history or experiences a preoccupation with food and body, or disordered eating symptoms that counselling services are not an option.  It means that at the time of your first meeting, clients must have already completed therapy or a treatment program specific to their eating disorder, and have been in the maintenance phase of recovery for at least one year.  If you are unsure, book a client consultation to discuss any of your questions or concerns.  

Trust your body to know what it needs to feel nourished – Holistic Nutrition with Leigh

We all want to do “the right thing” when it comes to healthy eating, but this can leave us controlling way too much and trusting not enough.  We restrict, we obsess, we behave “good” all day following all of the “rules,” plus maybe get a workout in just so we can feel less guilty about rewarding ourselves with some kind of “treat” at the end of a hard day.  If this sounds like you, I promise you are not alone.  Whether you experience preoccupations around dieting and food, body image, or turn towards food as means to cope with big emotions, in either case we seek the same thing.  We want to feel better. And how you have been coping until now has been a means towards this goal.  

This journey is for those who are ready to ditch the strict rules and negative self-talk around food.  For those ready to say goodbye to emotional eating habits, or other behaviours surrounding food that are no longer serving them, and are ready to take it one step further.  We will create a nutrition plan that works for you because it feels good.  Each client will receive an extensive health history review of dietary and lifestyle habits, a diet log, and individualized dietary, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations to address the primary concerns identified. 

 Through the lens of holistic nutrition, it is important to understand what is at the root of our problems. That we are all biochemically individual and unique. That what works for one person, may not work for another, and that we cannot fix or control our way to healthy eating or living for that matter. 

The body carries a lot of wisdom when it comes to its ability to communicate with us, including how it feels in relation to the food we eat.  This approach welcomes curiosity rather than rigidity around food. One that fosters exploration of one’s relationship with food and builds trust in oneself to know what feels good.  Learn to eat to support stress and balance mood, while also learning how to align with foods that work for you and your body.  From a spiritual or energetic lens, you can also learn how to use food to grow your connection to Self and actually raise your vibrational frequency.

It is strongly recommended that individual one-one or group therapy is explored to better integrate the wellness experience and optimize growth and healing.  However, since everyone’s needs and experiences may vary, you are invited to discuss your needs and any questions you might have during a client consultation.  

It is important to highlight that nutrition services are not for clients who are seeking support for a diagnosed eating disorder.  This is not to say that if a client has an eating disorder history, or experiences a preoccupation with food and body, or disordered eating symptoms that nutrition services are not an option.  It means that there are no services offered that support specific eating disorder treatment.  If you are unsure and you have questions or concerns in this regard, a client consultation is recommended.       

If you have landed here celebrate your curiosity. You are taking steps to love yourself boldly and find what feels good. You are invited to book a chat or initial session now!  

To read more about Leigh’s approach when it comes to holistic nutrition visit this post: https://www.leighberryco.com/ottawa-selfhelp-nutrition-blog/ditchrules-andrigidity-aroundfood

Jessica Gagliano (Registered Psychotherapist, Qualifying) takes a holistic, trauma-informed, and collaborative approach to psychotherapy, recognizing that our mental, emotional, physical, and relational well-being are deeply interconnected. She tailors therapy to each client’s unique strengths, experiences, and goals, integrating evidence-based and mind-body approaches to support meaningful, lasting change.

Known for her warm, calm, and authentic presence, Jessica strives to create a space where clients feel safe to explore life’s challenges, deepen their understanding of themselves, and build the confidence and skills to move toward a life that feels aligned with their values. She believes that we all have our own compass guiding us toward (or returning us to) a life that feels meaningful and aligned with our values and aspirations. Jessica is honoured to witness this healing process with you.

Therapy Formats
Virtual
In-Person

Jessica’s sessions are covered under various Ontario insurance/group benefits if your plan includes coverage for a Registered Psychotherapist. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage.

The Populations She Works With
Children
Youth
Adults
Couples

Her Conditions of Focus
Anxiety
Depression
People Pleasing
Emotion Regulation
Stress & Burnout
Life Transitions
Relationship Challenges
Self-Esteem & Identity
Spirituality & Faith-Based Concerns
Neurodivergence (ADHD and Autism)