Hello! I’m Joelle Reynolds, Registered Social Worker, Therapist, and the owner/operator of Connections in Bloom! I am honoured to offer individual counselling, play therapy, parent coaching and advocacy services to the children and families of the Fraser Valley. We are conveniently located in beautiful downtown Mission.

As an Autistic professional, my practice is naturally neuroaffirming. All clients at Connections in Bloom are accepted wholeheartedly for who they are. My practice is trauma informed, and I strive to meet families and children where they are at’. My overarching goal is always to build positive connections with children, youth, and families.

I look forward to meeting you and providing support alongside you and your family during this time in your journey.

Play Therapy 

We have created a beautiful dedicated play therapy space that provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where a child can engage in the natural medium of play to communicate and process emotions and experiences.

Our Play Therapy services are provided through a trauma-informed lens, and employ the following informed Play Therapy approaches:

• Child Centred Play Therapy (non-directive and directive)
• Expressive Play Therapy
• Sand Tray Therapy
• Art Therapy

«Play is the child’s symbolic language of self-expression and can reveal (a) what the child has experienced; (b) reactions to what was experienced; (c) feelings about what was experienced; (d) what the child wishes, wants, or needs; and (e) the child’s perception of self».

 

-Garry L. Landreth, Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship

Figuring out where to go and what your child/family need/may qualify for can be incredibly overwhelming. At Connections in Bloom, you are not alone! We know firsthand as parent professionals how challenging ‘systems’ can be- the very systems that were designed to support our children! It takes a village and we are here for you.

Resource Navigation, Advocacy, and Parent Support

We provide advocacy with:

Ministry of Children and Family Development:

• Children and Youth with Support Needs.
• Autism Funding Unit

Ministry of Socioeconomic Development & Poverty Reduction

• Persons with Disabilities
• Income Assistance

Community Living British Columbia

• Eligibility and programming

Ministry of Education (School Districts).

• Individual Education Plans, supports and accessibility

Disability Support for all ages

Includes assistance with funding applications such as:

• Persons with Disability Applications.
• Disability Tax Benefits.
• At Home Program
• Charity Applications and more.

Joelle holds a Master of Social Work Degree (Graduated with Distinction), and she is a Registered Social Work in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers. Additionally, Joelle also holds a  Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (with a Child Welfare Specialization), as well as a Diploma in Community Social Services. Joelle has completed over 200+ hours of Play Therapy training with the Canadian Association of Play Therapy (CAPT) and other accredited institutitions, as she navigates her journey to successfully complete the process of becoming fully certified as a Play Therapist with CAPT. Additionally, Joelle is a member in good standing with CAPT, The BC Play Therapy Association (BCPTA), The BC Association for Social Workers (BCASW), and the Canadian Professional Counselling Association (CPCA). Joelle is also an approved Mental Health Clinician with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). She has recieved specialized training to support families navigate the diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, as well as the complex mental healh pieces that co-incide with the managemenbt of the chronic heakth conditions. Joelle can be found Breakthrough T1D’s Mental Health + Diabetes Directory . 

Joelle has extensive professional, as well as lived experience in the following areas:

• Pathological Demand Avoidance
  Autism
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Chronic Health Conditions 
• Developmental Trauma
• Intellectual Developmental Disorders
• Disability Support; including navigation of systems and resources such as Individual Eduction Plans, MCFD’s Child and Youth with Support Needs, Persons with Disability Applications and Disability Tax Benefits programs.
• Disabilities and Mental Health
• Chronic Health Conditions and Mental Health
• The Family Law Act and the complexity of co-parenting relationships
• The Child and Family Community Services Act 
• And more. Please feel free to inquire!

Direct Billing for Services:

Connections in Bloom is pleased to offer families the following direct billing options:

• Autism Funding Unit
• ICBC
• Extended Health Plans (many extended health providers provide coverage for services rendered by Registered Social Workers! Please reach out to us to discuss further).