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My Approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.

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You’re coming in with your own history, patterns, relationships, and stressors, so our work together should reflect that. Rather than applying a set formula, we’ll focus on understanding what’s actually going on for you and what will be most helpful moving forward.

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As someone who’s done my own work in therapy, I know how important it is to feel both supported and guided. That balance is something I intentionally bring into our work together.

Jenna McGonegal, attachment therapist, at her desk in Guelph, Ontario

How we'll start

We’ll begin by getting a clear picture of what’s been going on: what’s feeling hard, what’s been keeping you stuck, and what you’re hoping will feel different.

 

From there, we’ll focus on what feels most important to you. That might look like:

  • understanding the deeper roots of certain patterns

  • learning new ways of responding to your thoughts and emotions

  • shifting how you relate to yourself and others

 

My goal is to help you start feeling some relief early on, while also working toward more meaningful, lasting change.

What it feels like to work together

Sessions with me are conversational, collaborative, and grounded in real life. You can expect to feel genuinely seen and understood, but also gently challenged when it’s helpful. I’m not the kind of therapist who just sits back and nods. I’ll offer honest, compassionate feedback, bring humour into the space when it fits, and share a bit about myself when it feels supportive.

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At the same time, I’m mindful of pacing. We’ll move in a way that feels manageable, while still supporting meaningful change.

My goal is for you to leave sessions not just feeling heard, but with a clearer sense of direction—and practical ways to start doing things differently in your day-to-day life.

Leather couch with pillow and soft lighting in Jenna McGonegal's therapy office in Guelph, Ontario

How I work

Some of the primary therapy approaches I use in my practice include:

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

ART supports your brain in processing difficult or traumatic memories at the root of your struggles so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions. It’s structured, evidence-based, and often provides results in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. Learn more about how ART works on my ART page.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

These practices teach practical ways to pause, calm your mind, and stay present, reducing stress, strengthening self-compassion, and improving focus in daily life. Over time, mindfulness can also help you respond to challenges more intentionally, rather than reacting automatically.

Internal Family Systems & Parts Work

Internal Family Systems (IFS), or parts work, helps you understand the different parts of you: the one that overworks, the one that criticizes, the one that keeps everyone else comfortable. In counselling we get curious about what they're protecting you from, so the patterns driving your stress can shift at the source.

Other Skills & Strategies

I integrate additional tools to build self-awareness, strengthen boundaries, and manage stress, so you can navigate challenges with confidence. I often incorporate somatic and body-based approaches to support nervous system regulation, helping you feel more grounded and present in your body. 

Curious if we're a fit?

449 Laird Rd. Unit 13

Guelph, ON

N1G 4W1​

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In-person in Guelph & Virtually across Ontario & Nova Scotia

 

jenna@ionhealthperformance.com

Tel: 519-340-0358

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Mondays: 12pm-6pm

Tuesdays: 1:30pm - 7:30pm

Wednesdays: 1:30pm-7:30pm

​​Thursdays: 9:30am-3:30pm

Fridays: 8am -2pm

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