Jennifer’s Approach to Therapy
Individualized therapy grounded in each client’s strengths, experiences and stage of development.
Jennifer draws from client-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed principles. Rather than using the same method with everyone, she takes time to understand what has been happening, what matters most to the client and what they would like to be different.
Children are not always comfortable sitting and talking directly about difficult experiences. Jennifer therefore incorporates therapeutic games, creative activities, conversation and play-based techniques, allowing children to communicate and participate in ways suited to their age and personality. Parents may also be involved when it would benefit the child’s progress.
With adults, sessions provide space to examine experiences and patterns more closely, identify priorities and develop strategies that are realistic for everyday life.
Why I Do This Work
The meaning behind Shine Bright is deeply personal.
When my son was in elementary school and experiencing bullying, I would drop him off each morning with the same two words:
“Shine bright.”
I could not control what others said or did, but I wanted him to remember that their behaviour—and the self-doubt it created—did not define his worth.
Those words stayed with me and eventually inspired the name Shine Bright Counselling & Coaching Services. They also reflect something I hope every client comes to recognize: difficult experiences can shape how we feel, but they do not determine who we are.
That experience strengthened my commitment to helping children who are struggling and parents who may feel unsure about how best to support them. It also influences my work with adults who have carried anxiety, grief, self-doubt or painful experiences for many years.
Professional Background and Training
Jennifer Shneer, M.S.W., RSW, is a Registered Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience in children’s mental health, family services, school and community settings, victim services and private practice. She holds a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University and an Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate diploma from George Brown College.
Jennifer is also a Certified Clinical Traumatologist through the Traumatology Institute and has completed all three levels of play therapy training through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. Her ongoing professional development includes child and adult anxiety, grief, trauma-informed care, family violence, crisis intervention and online therapy.
What Clients Can Expect
Beginning therapy does not mean you need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. Jennifer will ask questions, listen carefully and help identify what feels most important to address.
For child therapy, parents or caregivers have an opportunity to share their concerns and relevant background. Children are given time to become comfortable, and they are not pressured to discuss difficult topics before they are ready.
Therapy develops over time, with goals and progress reviewed to ensure sessions remain relevant to the client’s needs.
