IN CRISIS OR NEED SUPPORT? Call Here 24/7 anytime! 1-844-437-3247 here247.ca

Thinking about suicide? 9-8-8 is here to help. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime. English and French.

You are currently on the:

CMHA National

Visit our provincial websites

Faces of CMHA WW: Stacey Reinsma, Social Worker on Eating Disorders Team

SHARE THIS CONTENT

I’m honoured to be a part of each individuals’ journey, as they work hard to fight their eating disorders, accept their bodies and obtain a sense of freedom that rewards them through this process. I find so much fulfillment in my role here and I am so grateful for the purpose and meaning it brings to my own life.

1. What is involved in your role?

I am a social worker on the adult eating disorder team, I assess multiple new clients on a weekly basis and then offer individual supportive therapy sessions to work on eating disorder oriented recovery goals. I also run multiple groups a week and offer some family therapy to better support clients utilizing the resources around them.

2. Why did you become involved in the mental health field?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after finishing high school so I asked myself what broke my heart in the world and decided that’s where I wanted to focus my efforts. At that time what broke my heart in my world was young girls struggling with self-worth, self-acceptance and being really critical of their appearance and their body. So I became a social worker with a special interest in body image and which naturally led to eating disorders and hopefully an opportunity for me to help.

3. What brought you to CMHA?

I actually did my Social Work Master’s placement at CMHA in the eating disorder program and I loved it so much I might have screamed for joy when a position was posted and I was offered the job.

4. Have you always worked in mental health?

Before completing my masters I worked in the Standardbred Racehorse industry, I still work in this world, but more of a hobby now.

5. How do you support people at CMHA in your role?

I support people here at CMHA by offering them a none judgmental, supportive listening ear to meet them wherever they are at and determine how we can work together on their recovery goals. I like to support people to better understand and cope with their emotions, increase their self-compassion and decrease their shame by emphasizing the fact that we are all imperfect and there is beauty and a sense of common humanity in our shared imperfections.

6. What are you proud of during your time at CMHA?

I’m proud of every client that reaches their recovery goals (no matter how big or small) and gets to a better quality of life not controlled and dictated by their eating disorder. I’m honoured to be a part of each individuals’ journey, as they work hard to fight their eating disorders, accept their bodies and obtain a sense of freedom that rewards them through this process. I find so much fulfillment in my role here and I am so grateful for the purpose and meaning it brings to my own life.

If you are in crisis or wish to discuss whether CMHA has the right service for you, call Here 24/7: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE 247).

Follow the ‘Faces of CMHA’ series for a glimpse into the lives of the people who spend each day at the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington working to inspire and support people to achieve the quality of life they desire. Join our team, click here to view current employment opportunities at CMHA WW.

Skip to content