Registered Social Worker
1462 Saint Paul Street, Unit A
Kelowna, BC
T: 250-826-5377
E: jessica@lakesideclinical.ca
W: www.lakesideclinical.ca
Jessica Alderliesten is a Registered Social Worker with a master’s degree in clinical social work and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from UBC Okanagan. She has extensive experience supporting children and families navigating separation and divorce and brings not only strong professional training but also her own personal experience with co-parenting and the realities of divorce. This lived perspective deepens her understanding and empathy for families working through conflict and change.
Jessica believes wholeheartedly in giving children a voice so their views can be genuinely considered in the decisions that shape their lives- without ever placing the weight of those decisions on them. In her Hear the Child interviews, she creates a warm, child-focused environment and builds a trusting connection with each child or adolescent. Her approach is gentle, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to each child’s unique ways of expressing what matters most to them.
She has extensive training in conflict resolution and child interviewing and assessments through the Family Justice Institute of BC, as well as specialized training in parenting coordination through the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). She values- and research confirms- that children tend to do better when they’re given the chance to express their thoughts and help shape the parenting plan that guides their everyday life.
Jessica’s process typically includes a brief intake with both parents before the interview, an individual interview of about an hour with each child, the preparation of a clear, non-evaluative report in the child’s own words, and a follow-up session with the child to ensure their views have been captured accurately.
Jessica is dedicated to ensuring that children feel heard, understood, and protected, and to helping families move forward with care, clarity, and a strong focus on the best interests of their children.
