20 Under 40: Jennifer Perkins

Meet Jennifer Perkins, 31, co-founder of Rising Insight Psychotherapy and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2023 recipients

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST JENNIFER Perkins started off her career in psychotherapy working as a grief counsellor at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Beginning her own private practice working in the evenings and weekends, she and her business partner launched Rising Insight Psychotherapy in 2020. In the relatively short time since, the practice has grown from three members to over 20 therapists and social workers, counselling and assisting thousands of individuals and couples each year in an inclusive and ­anti-oppressive environment committed to making all individuals feel valued, safe and respected.

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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

My biggest achievement in business to date has been growing a business authentically without allowing the pressures of the job cloud the values I hold tightly. Creating and growing a business is not for the faint of heart — you have to take big leaps without knowing what’s on the other side, and know when to hold back even when your excitement is telling you to go for it. The pressure involved in decision making can shift many folks away from engaging in decision-making authentically through the values they hold in other aspects of your life. I have had the privilege of sharing decision-making with my business partner who holds many of the same values that I do.

Who, or what, was your biggest influence in business?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, has been the most influential factor in my personal and professional life. ACT is a type of psychotherapy that supports you in living a value-driven life through embracing the thoughts and feelings that we often put a lot of effort into pushing away. In business, fear can sometimes get the better of us. Trusting myself has been a strong value of mine, but that fear has certainly tried to pull me off course a time or two.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self?

It’s okay to be authentically you, and to make decisions that feel right just because they feel right.

What are some of your favourite pastimes outside of your job?

My guilty pleasure is ­watching reality TV, but when Big Brother isn’t on, you can find me playing board games with my spouse! Interview by Kieran Delamont