About Jean

I have always had a strong love of learning and a great desire to succeed.  I continually want to know more about the things I encounter in my life and thoroughly research every endeavour I undertake. 

When I became pregnant with my first child I read all the information I could get my hands on regarding pregnancy, child birth, and parenting.  When my husband and I bought our first home I read everything I could about buying and owning a house.  And, when I decided to start a private counselling practice I learned everything I could to try and make it as successful as possible. 

However… when I got married I neglected to carry out my usual thorough research.

Fortunately my marriage fared pretty well.  We were doing lots of things right, but we needed to become more aware of what those things were and capitalize on them.  We also needed to become aware of what behaviours were negative influences on our relationship and try to eliminate those.

Eventually I came to realize that we had it within our power to make our relationship exceptional  by becoming more aware of those elements that make a successful  relationship. I have since come to treat my marriage as my most important endeavour.  I  research and study everything I can on what makes a marriage successful for both the sake of my own marriage and to assist my clients with theirs.

Ultimately what I learned is that it's not the differences between spouses that cause a marriage to fail but how these differences are handled. As my husband and I learned the most effective ways to deal with our differences our relationship became one where we strive to build each other up rather than one where we inadvertantly tear each other down.

We still have our differences, and even moments when we don’t handle our differences well.  Every couple has disagreements about issues such as money, communication, housework, and sex..My husband and I are no exception, and arguing with the person I am closest to can really hurt.
 
However, my husband and I have learned certain skills to ease the damage done by hurtful words and actions.  When we utilize the positive skills we’ve learned we grow in our love for each other.

I entered into marriage unarmed with all the necessary knowledge to make it the best marriage it could possibly be.  After discovering what a difference a better understanding of marriage can make I decided to use my knowledge and experience to help others in their relationships by teaching couples how to solve their own problems so they can keep their love- and their marriage- alive forever.

I live with my husband and five young children in Edmonton, AB.  While I am kept very busy with my faith, family, and private practice, I still find some time for my  love of  music.  I play the flute in our community band and play piano on occasion. 

I wouldn't be able to accomplish all the things I do without the support of those who love me. It is my aim to support others in their relationships, thus strengthening the foundations of our society.

I have a Master of Arts in Counselling from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and have trained in marriage and family therapy.  I am also a member of the following organizations:

The Canadian Counselling Association
Smart Marriages – The Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couples Education
The Saint Michael Institute - an international alliance of mental health professionals who integrate the genuine discoveries of Psychology and Psychiatry with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists (ANN)

Jean MacKenzie, MA Counselling, CCC
Edmonton, Alberta
By email:  jean@jeanmackenzie.com
By phone:  780-718-8896