Jessica Ryan-Zeman: About Me
I believe our close relationships are what gives our lives meaning. Being in a healthy, loving relationship makes us happier. I can help get you there...
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Why choose me?
​​Choosing me as your couples therapist means opting for someone who is deeply committed to your relationship's health and success. I am passionate about helping couples and individuals to move out of relationship pain and into more loving, fulfilling and connected partnerships.
Since 2010 I have worked extensively with couples, individuals and families from all walks of life. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental and holistic approach to therapy. ​
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Like most of us that end up in helping professions, my journey to becoming a psychotherapist began with my own struggles with my mental health - especially as an adolescent. I suffered with anorexia and bulimia throughout my teens and early twenties. I remember thinking at the time how much I wished I had someone in my support network that was really listening to me and how much I needed a safe space where I felt heard. I felt stuck for years nobody was listening to me but equally nobody was challenging me, so there was also safety in remaining stuck.
I recovered through the help of my own therapist that encouraged me to take accountability and challenge the parts of myself that were holding me back. I decided that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping others with similar struggle to create meaningful change in their lives.
After starting out working in various public rehabilitation centres and private hospitals I gained invaluable experience working with individuals, their partners and their families mainly in the field of addictions. Years of observing the dynamics of what kept people stuck and what helped to “unstick” them in their relationships has gained me the skills I need to continue to help countless individuals and couples here in my private practice.
I believe our relationships can be transformative. They have the capacity to give our lives so much meaning and purpose. As challenging as relationships can be I think they ultimately give us so much insight into ourselves and our ability to be the best versions of us that we can be. I love working with couples because I find it incredibly fulfilling to help bring out the best in their relationship. I consider it a privilege to help facilitate real relationship change and watch couples that have been struggling fall in love all over again.
My approach draws strongly from my training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy which is a structured and evidence-based approach to helping couples strengthen their relationship and overcome challenges. The Gottman Method is really effective at identifying destructive conflict styles and upskilling couples to approach conflict with a strength based approach that is based on enhancing understanding and connection within your relationship.
I also have extensive training and years of experience in a wide range of modalities. I draw on multiple theoretical approaches and techniques to tailor my interventions to the unique needs and preferences of each couple or individual that I see.
If you are experiencing issues in your relationship and unsure of whether I am the right person to help I would love to hear from you.
Take the first step today and give me a call!
If you’re worried about a loved one or haven’t found a counsellor that’s right for you, I offer a phone consultation where you can learn more about my approach and find out how I can help you or your loved one.