INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING

Jordan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor Based Out Of Surrey, BC. Specializing In Marriage And Family Counselling, Mental Health & Additions, Custody And Divorce Mediation.

Three people discussing mental health on a couch.

Jordan Has Been Helping People Move Forward For The Past 20 Years.

Jordan prides himself on providing a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe to share the qualities that make you a one-of-a-kind individual. Jordan will be your coach, cheering section, and biggest fan every step of the way.

Jordan strongly believes that all people are capable of evolving into their most succesful and effective self. This journey is possible and by doing so you will be at your best, able to showcase your strengths to those around you. It is this growth that allows you to achieve your goals.

Your journey with Jordan will involve working to embrace, connect and build upon your own personal uniqueness. In doing so, you will examine your understanding and interpretations of past experiences and how they fit into the overall story of your life. You and Jordan will develop your own unique set of tools and strategies that will help you move forward as the better, stronger, and braver you.

To learn more or to book an appointment with Jordan, click the button below

Jordan Has Been Helping People Move Forward For The Past 20 Years.

Jordan prides himself on providing a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe to share the qualities that make you a one-of-a-kind individual. Jordan will be your coach, cheering section, and biggest fan every step of the way.

Jordan strongly believes that all people are capable of evolving into their most succesful and effective self. This journey is possible and by doing so you will be at your best, able to showcase your strengths to those around you. It is this growth that allows you to achieve your goals.

Your journey with Jordan will involve working to embrace, connect and build upon your own personal uniqueness. In doing so, you will examine your understanding and interpretations of past experiences and how they fit into the overall story of your life. You and Jordan will develop your own unique set of tools and strategies that will help you move forward as the better, stronger, and braver you.

To learn more or to book an appointment with Jordan, click the button below

 

 

Areas of Specialty

Men's Mental Health

A smiling man with an eccentric head shape symbolizing mental health awareness.

Both men and women experience challenges with their mental health, but the way they approach and discuss these challenges and emotions can greatly differ. Societal expectations and stigmas surrounding masculinity can create barriers for men seeking support for their mental health issues. Men face the additional stigma that seeking help for mental health is seen as a sign of weakness, perpetuating the notion that “real men” shouldn’t ask for assistance and that discussing topics like anxiety and depression is futile. Moreover, men often encounter bias from other men and their male peers that their mental health struggles make them a burden, and that they should be able to handle their emotions on their own. These stigmas are WRONG! It is crucial to cease shaming men, or making them feel inadequate for acknowledging their need to address their mental health challenges or concerns.

The reluctance to engage in conversations about mental health can have detrimental effects, as the lack of communication may exacerbate underlying conditions and lead to a more severe state of the presenting disorder. Without support and empathy, men will continue to suffer silently, leading to the worsening or intensification of their mental health issues.

Jordan Penner specializes in counselling for men, addressing issues from the perspective of supporting their unique experiences. He focuses on helping men navigate negative emotions and emotional challenges stemming from societal male stereotypes. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, Jordan encourages men to explore their feelings, concerns, and struggles openly. He assists them in challenging and understanding the impact of societal expectations surrounding masculinity, empowering them to develop healthier and more authentic ways of expressing themselves. Through this specialized approach, Jordan aims to support men in achieving emotional growth, improving their mental well-being, and cultivating fulfilling lives that align with their true selves.

Child and Youth

Children greatly benefit from counselling to address various mental health and developmental challenges that they may face. This can include mental health challenges such as emotional difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression), behavioural issues (e.g., aggression, defiance), traumatic experiences, family changes or transitions, academic struggles, social skills and peer relationship difficulties, and developmental issues (e.g., learning disabilities). Counselling provides a supportive environment where children can express their emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop resilience to navigate these challenges effectively. It aims to promote their overall mental well-being, enhance their social and emotional skills, and support their healthy development.

Behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, family systems and mindfulness modalities are most commonly utilized in therapy sessions with children and adolescents. Parent training is also often utilized to help parents to identify and reinforce the strengths of their children.

Depression & Anxiety Disorders

Depression and anxiety are two common mental health disorders that can significantly impact a person's well-being and daily functioning. While they are distinct conditions, they often coexist and share similar symptoms.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It can affect various aspects of life, including mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. People with depression may also experience feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, encompass a range of symptoms characterized by excessive worry, fear, and unease. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by chronic worry and anxiety about everyday events and situations, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Other types of anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder (recurrent panic attacks), Social Anxiety Disorder (intense fear of social situations), and specific Phobias (intense fear of specific objects or situations). Anxiety disorders can arise from genetic predispositions, traumatic experiences, or physiological factors.

Three silhouettes depicting men's mental health on a bed.

"Imagine a life where you worried less, where you felt just a little bit happier."

A man embracing mental health while standing on top of a rock with his arms outstretched.

Imagine a life where unease not longer dominates your every thought and action. What if you were able to let go of anxiety and embrace new experiences with confidence? The impact on your life would be transformative.

When worry takes a backseat, you would find yourself engaging in activities, visiting places, and connecting with people without the fear and apprehension that once held you back. Instead of avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, you would approach them head-on, knowing that you have the tools and resilience to navigate them successfully.

With anxiety under control, panic attacks would become a thing of the past. You would no longer live in constant anticipation of the next overwhelming episode. Instead, you would feel empowered, knowing that you possess the ability to manage and overcome any challenges that come your way.

Seeking counseling with a trained Registered Clinical Counsellor can be a crucial step towards reclaiming your life from the clutches of anxiety. Through therapy, you can learn effective coping strategies, develop a deeper understanding of your triggers, and gain the necessary skills to navigate through life with greater ease.

Jordan can help show that anxiety doesn’t have to define you. By taking proactive steps, you can break free from the constraints of excessive worry and embrace a life filled with confidence, resilience, and newfound possibilities.

A man and a woman promoting mental health by smiling at each other in an office.

Anger Management

Gain control over your anger

Anger can often feel overwhelming, leaving you at the mercy of its unpredictable and potent force.

With anger, peace of mind disappears! Both yourself and those around you find it hard to enjoy themselves. Uncontrolled anger creates more and more problems leaving family, friends and coworkers stepping on eggshells.

Jordan Penner can support you in developing effective anger management techniques to take back your life. With Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Jordan can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anger, empowering you to develop healthier perspectives and responses. Additionally, Jordan may introduce strategies such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and improved communication skills to enhance your ability to manage anger effectively. With Jordan’s guidance, you can work towards healthier emotional regulation and cultivate more constructive ways of expressing and managing your anger.

Self Compassion

Self-compassion encompasses the capacity to direct understanding, acceptance, and love inwardly. While many individuals can readily offer compassion to others, they often struggle to extend the same kindness to themselves. Some may view self-compassion as self-indulgent, selfish, or self-pitying. However, it is essential to recognize that self-compassion is not synonymous with these negative perceptions. On the contrary, practicing self-compassion can be instrumental in alleviating various mental health concerns, including anxiety and insecurity.

Jordan Penner specializes in assisting individuals in cultivating self-compassion and fostering a kinder and more supportive relationship with themselves. With his expertise, he can guide you on a transformative journey towards inner healing and personal growth. By working with Jordan, you can learn to embrace self-compassion as a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being and overall mental health. Through compassionate guidance and therapeutic techniques, Jordan will support you in developing the skills and mindset needed to cultivate self-compassion and navigate your inner landscape with kindness and understanding. With Jordan’s help, you can embark on a path of self-discovery and self-care, empowering yourself to thrive and flourish.

A man in a blue shirt showcasing signs of mental health distress with his hands on his chest.

Trauma Counselling psychology

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological impact of an overwhelmingly distressing event or experience, which can lead to long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health. Traumatic events can be large such as physical trauma, natural disasters, accidents, war, or exposure to violence. But they can also be small, such as repeated exposure for fears and worries. No matter the size of the traumatic experience, Trauma disrupts a person’s ability to effectively cope, resulting in significant repercussions for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Three people engaging in a therapeutic conversation, addressing mental health concerns, while seated in a circle.

Are you experiencing a sense of being trapped in the past or hindered by a stressful event you’ve gone through?

Do you notice yourself actively avoiding triggers that remind you of something you desperately want to erase from your memory?

Have you encountered a situation that has left you feeling anger towards others or a deep disillusionment with the world?

Traumatic experiences can have a lasting impact, causing you to feel trapped and unable to move forward. You may have initially held yourself together after the event, or you might have struggled to cope from the beginning, but regardless, you find yourself still grappling with its effects. Intrusive thoughts, avoidance of reminders, and even nightmares may plague you, making it difficult to trust those around you, and leaving you questioning why you can’t simply “let it go.”

Jordan understands the overwhelming nature of trauma. Whether you have survived a life-threatening car accident, suffered an on the job injury, faced abuse from a spouse, suffered from sexual abuse, or suffered the devastation of a house fire, trauma can inflict deep wounds. The encouraging news is that counselling can make a difference. Jordan can teach you effective coping mechanisms, confront the pain, break free from being stuck, and move forward towards healing and growth.

Grief Counselling services

The loss of a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience that can deeply impact our lives. While some are fortunate to avoid this heartache until later in adulthood, when it does happen, grief becomes an unwelcome companion. The emotions that accompany grief can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling profoundly upset, angry, confused, disappointed, or even hopeless. Coping with such emotions can make it difficult to concentrate at work, get adequate sleep, maintain present and meaningful relationships, or even take care of our physical well-being.

Jordan Penner can support you in processing your loss and navigating the challenges that accompany grief.

Four pictures depicting a couple engaged in a mental health counseling session.
A woman practicing self-care by consuming a nutritious salad.

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by an unhealthy and problematic relationship with food, eating, and body image. It involves persistent disturbances in eating behaviors that can negatively impact physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms of eating disorders can vary from binging and purging, over-exercising, obsessing over caloric intake, restricting food intake, and even starving oneself in an attempt to reach an ideal weight or body type. Eating disorders can affect people of any body type or lifestyle, and are not limited by gender or age.

Jordan, as a mental health professional, can offer invaluable support to individuals facing eating disorders and the families supporting a loved one. He can perform assessments to determine the specific type and severity of the disorder, while providing ongoing emotional support throughout the recovery process. By identifying underlying issues that contribute to the eating disorder, Jordan can assist in developing healthier coping strategies, challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs, and fostering behavior modification for establishing healthier eating habits. Additionally, he can provide guidance and support for relapse prevention, ensuring individuals have the necessary tools to maintain their progress and well-being.

Addictions and Substance Abuse

Addiction manifests in various forms and can encompass both substance-related dependencies (such as drugs and alcohol) and behavioral patterns (such as sex or gambling). The nature of addiction can result in significant changes to the brain’s neural pathways, making harder and harder to break free from addictions grip. The first step is to seek help. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this struggle alone, Jordan can help.

Therapy is a crucial component of the addiction recovery process, regardless of your past experiences or current struggles with addiction. It provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and understanding, allowing you to delve into the roots of your addiction, how it originated, and what is necessary for sustained sobriety. Jordan believes in the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Therefore, he offers a variety of therapy tools tailored to meet your specific needs and provide the best possible chance for long-term recovery.

A hand holding a cup of coffee and a hand with a handcuff, symbolizing the complex relationship between mental health and confinement.

Chronic Pain

A woman displaying signs of discomfort on a couch, indicating potential mental health issues.

Are you stressed from trying to manage a health condition like chronic pain, an autoimmune disorder or even cancer?

The relationship between physical and mental health issues is interconnected, with each influencing the other. Extensive research has demonstrated that when one suffers, it can impact the other. For instance, heightened stress and anxiety can have adverse effects on both eating habits and physical well-being. Similarly, individuals experiencing chronic pain or long-term medical conditions may develop symptoms of depression.

In light of this connection, Jordan Penner will develop a treatment plan to assist you in effectively managing the stress associated with physical illnesses. These interventions aim to promote better coping mechanisms, foster positive changes, and build resiliency. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of health, Jordan can support your overall well-being and help you achieve a more positive outlook on their physical health.