Jenny Jonker: Building a Canadian Group Practice With Purpose | Ep 165

Fearless Practice

Jenny moved to Canada with her family when she was five years old as a war refugee. As she grew up, she wanted to give back to the community that helped her and her family, and found herself becoming a mental health professional.

Now, as a boss and Canadian private practice owner, Jenny uses her principles and intentions as guideposts to keep her working with integrity and a steadfast commitment to her initial dreams and community. Listen in on our episode today to learn more about how you can build a private practice based on your values, too!

MEET JENNY

Jenny Jonker, MSW, RSW, is the founder of Dragonfly Counselling and Wellness, where a human-centered, trauma-informed approach is central to her work. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in complex trauma and integrates EMDR, CBT, DBT, and ACT. A refugee of war from Nicaragua, Jenny draws on her own lived experiences with resettlement, grief, and PTSD to build authentic, compassionate connections with clients. She and her team are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all, offering therapy, workshops, and clinical support in both local and Indigenous communities like Six Nations. At the core of her work is a belief in healing through connection, cultural humility, and empowerment.

Learn more about Jenny on her Psychology Today, Instagram profile, and practice website.

In this episode:

• Jenny’s entry into therapy

• First private practice experience

• Marketing and building a group practice

• Jenny’s advice to listeners

Jenny’s entry into therapy

Jenny’s first degree was actually in International Relations, and when she graduated, she began working with refugees and immigrants as a way of giving back.

From that inspirational meeting, Jenny went on to complete her BSW and MSW. She worked in school boards, a sexual assault center, and child welfare, and eventually went into private practice when she started working on reserves.

First private practice experience

So far, Jenny has really loved her group private practice work, even though it can be challenging. Her Canadian private practice is in various partnerships with other organizations.

These intentions have helped guide Jenny in her decision-making process, especially when it comes to hiring the right staff and offering the best services for their client base.

Marketing and building a group practice

One of Jenny’s best marketing practices has been relational marketing.

Jenny knows that when you are intentional and committed, people will find and come to you for help. Therefore, she and her team make it one of the practice’s missions to be connected with their community and get to know their client base intimately.

Doing good work and knowing that good people will come relates both to clients and to clinicians.

The future of Dragonfly counselling

Jenny has started to outsource work that she finds tough doing, such as her SEO and various aspects of running the business. Outsourcing marketing is a great way to save up your time to focus on what you love to do, and get your business seen without too much stress and worry.

In the future, Jenny still wants to keep Dragonfly more intimate and small, and would only grow it larger if she saw the need to do so.

Jenny’s advice to listeners

Don’t be afraid to lead with your story! Because your genuine stories are impactful for clients. Share ethically and openly, because it shows your clients that you are a fellow person going through life, just like they are.

Connect with me:

Instagram

Website

Resources mentioned and useful links:

Ep 164: Janet and Jasmine Melo-Thaiss: A Practice Run by a Mother-Daughter Duo | EP 164

Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice

Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)

Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!

Learn more about Jenny on her Psychology Today, Instagram profile, and practice website

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