Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jurkofsky

Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My journey into the counselling and psychotherapy field began in 1997, driven by a deep desire to understand the complexities of the human mind—how we think, why we feel, and how we perceive and experience life. My personal experiences of pain and suffering led me to resonate deeply with Henri Nouwen’s concept of “The Wounded Healer,” and it is this understanding that has inspired me to support others in their healing journeys.

In 2005, I moved to Canada with hopes of continuing my education. However, life had other plans, and I wasn’t able to pursue that goal at the time. In 2012, after going through a very difficult divorce, I became a single mom. I worked tirelessly to make ends meet while feeling an undeniable calling to do more—to help others in a more profound way. Despite the challenges, I chose to follow that calling and, in 2019, decided to go back to school to earn my master’s degree. Balancing the demands of being a full-time student, working a full-time job, and being a full-time mom was incredibly challenging, but I persevered and graduated in 2021—exactly 20 years after my undergraduate graduation.

Throughout my career, I have worn many hats in the field of mental health, including counsellor, therapist, social worker, case worker, consultant, course author, coach, and instructor. I am now a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist, EMDRIA-approved EMDR Practitioner, and Registered Acceptance and Commitment Therapist. To expand my capacity to support others, I have also embraced a holistic approach to healing, becoming certified in a variety of energy healing modalities such as Sekhem Master, Reiki Master, Aqualead Master, Nokti Grief Relief Practitioner, and EFT/TFT Practitioner. I am also a Certified Life Coach, working with modalities like Mindfulness Meditation, Human Design, Therapeutic Art, and Shamanic Healing in my spiritual counselling practice.

In 2021, I made the decision to revamp my coaching business and officially launched my own private practice—My Holistic Self® Counselling—because I wanted the freedom to incorporate alternative holistic healing modalities into my work. Since making that choice, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients move towards wholeness, and been invited to speak at international events, which has allowed me to have a global impact in the mental health field. My practice is honoured to have received the Global Recognition Award for my work in mental health.

Over the years, I have expressed my passion for growth and development through many avenues. I create wellness fliers and worksheets for my clients, develop resource materials for other therapists and practitioners to use in their own pratice, and write a blog whenever inspiration strikes. I co-host a weekly live online broadcast called “Twillow Talk Live”, in which we engage in authentic spiritual conversations on various topics. I’ve also been fortunate to speak at both local and global summits on spiritual and mental health topics. I am honoured to join discussions with therapists across England, Scotland, and Ireland in “Therapists in Conversation”. On occasion, I participate in podcasts and co-facilitate courses on personal growth and well-being, as well.

I’ve been honoured to receive recognition for my work, including the Manchester and Cambridge Who’s Who among Social Workers and Executives and Professionals in Mental Health “Honours Edition”. Yet, beyond awards, what truly motivates me is the impact I have on those I work with. Awards are nice in terms of recognition and positive reinforcement, but what truly motivated me is the impact I have. on those with whom I work.

Through it all, I’ve learned the value of pouring gratitude over even the most challenging experiences. These hardships have helped me grow, and they allow me to offer empathy and support to those who need it most. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and accepting space where clients can navigate life’s stresses and move toward acceptance and growth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road to where I am today has been far from smooth. There have been many hardships along the way, starting with not being able to pursue my dreams as originally planned when I moved to Canada. Life circumstances required me to put my aspirations on hold, and after going through a very difficult divorce, I found myself starting over as a single mom with two young children. It was a challenging time, having to focus on making ends meet and providing for my family while knowing I had so much more I wanted to accomplish. It took many years before I could revisit the idea of pursuing my dreams, but I never let go of that vision.

When I finally made the decision to return to school in 2019, it was an enormous undertaking—balancing work, a full course load, and being a full-time mom. One of the most difficult periods during that time was completing my practicum. The site I initially worked with presented challenges that made it difficult to obtain the required hours. In the end, I had to continue the practicum largely on my own, with the support of an incredible external supervisor who trusted in my abilities. It was an immensely challenging experience, especially for my children, who had already been adapting to the demands of my schooling. Despite the hardships, they remained supportive—even if reluctantly at times—understanding how important this was for our future.

After graduating in 2021, I faced another daunting decision: taking the leap into private practice. Leaving behind a stable job to pursue my dream of building my own practice was a significant risk, but it was a risk I knew I had to take. I wanted to have the freedom to incorporate holistic healing modalities that I was passionate about and offer a more integrative approach to mental health, without the potential constraints imposed by an employer. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it, and I am incredibly grateful for where that leap of faith has brought me today.

We’ve been impressed with My Holistic Self® Counselling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My Holistic Self® Counselling is a private mental health practice that provides an integrative and holistic approach to healing and personal growth. We offer a range of services, including counselling and psychotherapy, energy healing, spiritual counselling, life coaching, wellness resources, and healing retreats. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR, while also embracing alternative healing modalities like Reiki, Sekhem, EFT/TFT, Mindfulness Meditation, Human Design, Therapeutic Art, and Shamanic Healing.

Our specialization lies in helping individuals work with shadow aspects of the self, release limiting beliefs, embrace their unique gifts, and connect with and live as their authentic selves. We are known for incorporating Human Design and Gene Keys into the therapeutic process, which adds a unique and personalized layer to understanding clients’ patterns and unlocking their potential.

What sets My Holistic Self® Counselling apart is our commitment to integrating traditional psychotherapy with less-conventional—but equally important—holistic, spiritual, and energy-based modalities. This approach allows us to address the needs of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on symptoms. We recognize that healing is a deeply personal journey and strive to create a safe, compassionate, and accepting space for each client. We offer tools and resources that help clients move beyond survival and step into a life of thriving and fulfillment.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the way My Holistic Self® Counselling has the flexibility to cater to each client’s unique path. We do not subscribe to a “one-size-fits-all” approach; instead, we use a blend of traditional and alternative modalities to create a customized experience that meets clients where they are. We are also proud to have received the Global Recognition Award for our work in the mental health field, which reflects our dedication to creating meaningful change and impacting lives positively.

I want readers to know that at My Holistic Self® Counselling, our goal is to empower individuals to step into their true potential. Whether it’s working through past trauma, exploring personal growth, or finding alignment and authenticity in their lives, we provide the tools, insights, and support necessary to create lasting transformation.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of giving ourselves grace and compassion. Life often presents us with challenges, setbacks, and unexpected twists, and it’s easy to be criticize ourselves when things don’t go according to plan. Learning to be gentle with myself, especially during difficult times, has been transformative. It’s allowed me to keep moving forward without the weight of self-judgment holding me back.

Steadfastness has also been a vital part of my journey—continuing to show up for myself and my dreams, even when the path was unclear or the obstacles seemed insurmountable. It’s about having the courage to persevere, even when the end goal feels far away.

Lastly, I’ve learned to trust in divine timing. There were times when I felt frustrated that I couldn’t pursue my dreams immediately or that things were taking longer than I had hoped. But looking back, I can see how every experience, every delay, and every detour played a crucial role in shaping who I am today and preparing me for the work I do. Trusting that everything unfolds at the right time has given me a sense of peace and allowed me to appreciate the journey as much as the destination.

Pricing:

• $155 – Hour Individual therapy session
• $222 – 90 minute Human Design Coaching Session
• We also offer intensives and retreat intensives! Check out our website for pricing details.
• Follow us on YouTube and you can join us Live for Free every Monday at 5:00 pm EST for Authentic Spiritual Conversations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://myholisticselfcounselling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myholisticselfcounselling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticSelfCounselling/
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/MyHolistic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myholisticself
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cL0M9a7F6XHJVPU8AJbqEQ

Image Credits

Images are the property of My Holistic Self® Counselling. Peace Keepers of the Light image is a collaboration of My Holistic Self® Counselling with Twillow Lifestyle Academy.