Jake Bradshaw, M.S.W. (they/them)

Jake first got involved in the mental health sector in 2017 as an advocate as a result of their own experience with mental illness. They started working more formally as a youth worker in 2022 supporting youth and families in schools, community agencies and shelters. Their intention in all of the work they do is to create a space where people can feel seen and be their most authentic selves.

Jake's approach always starts with getting to know a young person's unique strengths and gifts. Jake likes to start therapy by doing what is called a “Wonderfulness Interview” which is a concept in Narrative Therapy. The idea of this is to understand a young person's individual strengths and the strengths of the family so that we can uncover some ways that these strengths might be able help in the challenges you’re facing. Jake’s approach is grounded in Narrative Therapy and they are always focused on meeting you where you’re at. Jake hopes to build a relationship with clients where they can feel comfortable sharing what’s working and what’s not and be able to give feedback.

Jake has their Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Children and Families. Jake has also completed training in Narrative Therapy with the Narrative Therapy Centre and Family Therapy with the George Hull Centre for Children & Families. 

There are a couple of important things you should know about Jake. First, they love oatmeal! They eat oatmeal everyday and they could talk about it for hours, in fact they're working on creating a presentation about oatmeal. Second, they love music, musical theatre and dance. They dance everyday, they dance in their apartment, they teach dance and they also perform. Third, Jake's favourite colour is pink.