Family Therapy in Kitchener, ON
Shelley Read, Therapist, Aging Well Consultant
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2M
My experience includes: Depression and Anxiety; Perimenopause/Menopause; Support for life changes and transitions; Emotional and Mental Health; Coping and Stress Management; Grief and Loss Counselling, Family of Origin Processing.
Individual Counselling is a process through which I meet with clients one-on-one in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. We work collaboratively to explore their feelings, beliefs, values and behaviors. My clients seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons including coping with perimenopause/menopause, working through grief and loss issues, dealing with depression or anxiety, family of origin challenges or simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I may meet with a client for as few as five or six sessions or as long as several years, depending on the their unique needs and personal goals for therapy.
My experience includes: Depression and Anxiety; Perimenopause/Menopause; Support for life changes and transitions; Emotional and Mental Health; Coping and Stress Management; Grief and Loss Counselling, Family of Origin Processing.
Individual Counselling is a process through which I meet with clients one-on-one in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. We work collaboratively to explore their feelings, beliefs, values and behaviors. My clients seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons including coping with perimenopause/menopause, working through grief and loss issues, dealing with depression or anxiety, family of origin challenges or simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I may meet with a client for as few as five or six sessions or as long as several years, depending on the their unique needs and personal goals for therapy.
Vanessa Lacoursier (Psychotherapy For You)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
In terms of my professional experience, I have worked and provided support to clients with a spectrum of issues consisting of intra/interpersonal relationships, romantic relationships, burnout, Domestic Violence, the Criminal/ Family Justice System, Addictions (behaviour and chemical), and Indigenous Advocacy challenges.
Hello! My name is Vanessa Lacoursiere. I am a Master Social Worker, Addictions Specialist, and Trauma-Informed Therapist. I am a Professional Mental Health Counsellor on the Psychotherapy For You team and look forward to providing you support. I can provide consultations, treatment plans, and continuum of care referral services for individuals, couples, and families, ages 15-up. A little about me, I believe, “You cannot know where you are going, unless you know where you’ve been!” Nelly McClung. This quote speaks to my passion and experience for self-exploration to find resolve and the clarity required for next steps.
In terms of my professional experience, I have worked and provided support to clients with a spectrum of issues consisting of intra/interpersonal relationships, romantic relationships, burnout, Domestic Violence, the Criminal/ Family Justice System, Addictions (behaviour and chemical), and Indigenous Advocacy challenges.
Hello! My name is Vanessa Lacoursiere. I am a Master Social Worker, Addictions Specialist, and Trauma-Informed Therapist. I am a Professional Mental Health Counsellor on the Psychotherapy For You team and look forward to providing you support. I can provide consultations, treatment plans, and continuum of care referral services for individuals, couples, and families, ages 15-up. A little about me, I believe, “You cannot know where you are going, unless you know where you’ve been!” Nelly McClung. This quote speaks to my passion and experience for self-exploration to find resolve and the clarity required for next steps.
Teresa Vandebelt
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2G
burn out, grief, anxiety/depression, severe illness, stress, relationship and family challenges, ADHD, life transitions).
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
burn out, grief, anxiety/depression, severe illness, stress, relationship and family challenges, ADHD, life transitions).
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
Meghan Clemmer
Registered Social Service Worker, RSSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
I have gained extensive knowledge in navigating the complex children’s mental health system and can support with accessing community and family supports.
I'm a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with over 17 years of experience working in Children’s Mental Health. I provide individual counselling support to children, youth and young adults ages 5 to 30, as well as their parents, and have experience supporting with a range of challenges including anxiety, attachment and behavioural issues, mood and self-esteem challenges, autism, and emotion dysregulation. I have extensive experience providing support to parents of children with mental health concerns, to better understand their children’s challenges and learn strategies to support their children’s needs.
I have gained extensive knowledge in navigating the complex children’s mental health system and can support with accessing community and family supports.
I'm a Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) with over 17 years of experience working in Children’s Mental Health. I provide individual counselling support to children, youth and young adults ages 5 to 30, as well as their parents, and have experience supporting with a range of challenges including anxiety, attachment and behavioural issues, mood and self-esteem challenges, autism, and emotion dysregulation. I have extensive experience providing support to parents of children with mental health concerns, to better understand their children’s challenges and learn strategies to support their children’s needs.
I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, certificate in Family Wealth Advising and teaching degree.
Feeling respected, understood and supported is essential to effective therapy. This is the environment I create with people in spite of the intensity of their issues. I walk alongside adults, older adults and teens, who want to overcome challenges. There are times when circumstances push us to our limits and it is difficult to see positive outcomes. I will help bring clearer perspective and work with people to find beneficial paths forward.
I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, certificate in Family Wealth Advising and teaching degree.
Feeling respected, understood and supported is essential to effective therapy. This is the environment I create with people in spite of the intensity of their issues. I walk alongside adults, older adults and teens, who want to overcome challenges. There are times when circumstances push us to our limits and it is difficult to see positive outcomes. I will help bring clearer perspective and work with people to find beneficial paths forward.
My focus of attention is on the client's and family’s goals and working together to create a joint therapy plan in order to move forward.
I am passionate about my work as an Occupational Therapist and have over 25 years of experience. I work with clients 18 years of age and younger who are diverse, with a variety of strengths and challenges. Treatment is tailored to the individual and family. Specific areas that I have focused on over the years include: feeding/eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene, as well as fine motor skills, play, attention to tasks, transitions, and self-regulation. I use a sensory processing framework to empower children and teens to increase independence in desired tasks.
My focus of attention is on the client's and family’s goals and working together to create a joint therapy plan in order to move forward.
I am passionate about my work as an Occupational Therapist and have over 25 years of experience. I work with clients 18 years of age and younger who are diverse, with a variety of strengths and challenges. Treatment is tailored to the individual and family. Specific areas that I have focused on over the years include: feeding/eating, dressing, toileting, hygiene, as well as fine motor skills, play, attention to tasks, transitions, and self-regulation. I use a sensory processing framework to empower children and teens to increase independence in desired tasks.
Chris Spiess
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2C (Online Only)
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S Queer and Trans youth and adults
Melissa Fellin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
Waitlist for new clients
Melissa works with children ages 2 to 11 years old in a number of areas such as mental health and behavioural issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours. Melissa also works with children who are facing school problems, bullying, family problems, and health issues. The family and/or primary caregivers of the child are integral to the process of therapy for children.
Melissa works with children ages 2 to 11 years old in a number of areas such as mental health and behavioural issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviours. Melissa also works with children who are facing school problems, bullying, family problems, and health issues. The family and/or primary caregivers of the child are integral to the process of therapy for children.
I am currently taking on new clients, individual/couple/ family.
What is consuming your thoughts and impacting your emotional and physical energy? Is it complicated relationships, caregiver exhaustion, academic stress, work/life balance, or losses? Maybe you are looking to develop relational skills or a sense of self. Perhaps you have reached an impasse. You know where you want to be but are unsure how to get there. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. As a professional and individual, I value the importance of story telling and the need to feel seen and heard in order to make impactful and lasting changes.
I am currently taking on new clients, individual/couple/ family.
What is consuming your thoughts and impacting your emotional and physical energy? Is it complicated relationships, caregiver exhaustion, academic stress, work/life balance, or losses? Maybe you are looking to develop relational skills or a sense of self. Perhaps you have reached an impasse. You know where you want to be but are unsure how to get there. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. As a professional and individual, I value the importance of story telling and the need to feel seen and heard in order to make impactful and lasting changes.
Tristan Price
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2A
I am a registered psychotherapist and a registered marriage and family therapist who has worked in a variety of settings offering specialized support to individuals confronting unique circumstances.
As a psychotherapist with 9 years of experience, I have grown to know that I have a passion for witnessing clients discover the values they cherish, and utilize those to achieve their goals. I know that people flourish in therapy and counselling when they have a good relationship with their therapist. I am devoted to creating and maintaining a safe, non-judgemental, calm, and sensitive therapeutic space in which you will receive appropriate support.
I am a registered psychotherapist and a registered marriage and family therapist who has worked in a variety of settings offering specialized support to individuals confronting unique circumstances.
As a psychotherapist with 9 years of experience, I have grown to know that I have a passion for witnessing clients discover the values they cherish, and utilize those to achieve their goals. I know that people flourish in therapy and counselling when they have a good relationship with their therapist. I am devoted to creating and maintaining a safe, non-judgemental, calm, and sensitive therapeutic space in which you will receive appropriate support.
Using EFT with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, repeated unproductive patterns and relationships, I help you find emotional balance with yourself and important others, repair disconnection, take risks and deepen your bonds with your partner and your family.
I work with individuals, couples and families through an adult attachment lens, trained and Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Because we are so important to each other and feeling safely, emotionally connected is our survival as humans, we tend to use strategies we learned in our earliest relationships with our caregivers. We all fear the universal anxiety of abandonment or rejection and are wired to monitor our relationships for security. The ways we cope with our vulnerability when these fears get triggered can push us into negative patterns with ourselves and others. Learn to trust our needs and send clear signals.
Using EFT with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, repeated unproductive patterns and relationships, I help you find emotional balance with yourself and important others, repair disconnection, take risks and deepen your bonds with your partner and your family.
I work with individuals, couples and families through an adult attachment lens, trained and Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Because we are so important to each other and feeling safely, emotionally connected is our survival as humans, we tend to use strategies we learned in our earliest relationships with our caregivers. We all fear the universal anxiety of abandonment or rejection and are wired to monitor our relationships for security. The ways we cope with our vulnerability when these fears get triggered can push us into negative patterns with ourselves and others. Learn to trust our needs and send clear signals.
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I use internal family systems for Trauma work and mindfulness techniques to help you regulate emotions and increase distress tolerance.
Often taking the first step is the hardest. I offer a private and safe space to explore your needs and struggles. Often we lose sight of our greatest strengths in everyday life. I offer acceptance base therapy and then I help you work towards change. Most of my experience has been in individual therapy. I truly enjoy starting an internal journey with you. Different parts of you come alive in the therapy room. When you know yourself and your different parts it is much easier to cope with life's difficulties.
I use internal family systems for Trauma work and mindfulness techniques to help you regulate emotions and increase distress tolerance.
Often taking the first step is the hardest. I offer a private and safe space to explore your needs and struggles. Often we lose sight of our greatest strengths in everyday life. I offer acceptance base therapy and then I help you work towards change. Most of my experience has been in individual therapy. I truly enjoy starting an internal journey with you. Different parts of you come alive in the therapy room. When you know yourself and your different parts it is much easier to cope with life's difficulties.
Outside of work, my family is a large part of my life.
Broken relationships can mend. You CAN have healthy, fulfilling and deep connections. Relationships can breakdown, be it a slow drifting apart due to busy schedules, parenting, balancing work and life, or with choices that have been made that have hurt deeply. What was once a source of happiness and pleasure may become the very source of your deepest pain. The person who was once your most trusted ally and friend, now seems more like a stranger. How does one work through this and regain connection? Couples counselling can help! A therapist helps couples hear each other and be understood in a safe environment.
Outside of work, my family is a large part of my life.
Broken relationships can mend. You CAN have healthy, fulfilling and deep connections. Relationships can breakdown, be it a slow drifting apart due to busy schedules, parenting, balancing work and life, or with choices that have been made that have hurt deeply. What was once a source of happiness and pleasure may become the very source of your deepest pain. The person who was once your most trusted ally and friend, now seems more like a stranger. How does one work through this and regain connection? Couples counselling can help! A therapist helps couples hear each other and be understood in a safe environment.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes, transitions, family conflict, abuse, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
I aim to create a safe and comfortable space that supports my clients growth and leads to positive change and overall wellness. My priority is to treat each person with kindness and respect and allow them the space to share openly and be their authentic selves. I am known for my warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach and integrative therapy style that is collaborative and person-centered. I incorporate various modalities and interventions to meet my client’s needs, including Brainspotting, Narrative, Solution-Focused, CBT, Play-Based, Mindfulness-Based, and Trauma-Focused approaches.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes, transitions, family conflict, abuse, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and more.
I aim to create a safe and comfortable space that supports my clients growth and leads to positive change and overall wellness. My priority is to treat each person with kindness and respect and allow them the space to share openly and be their authentic selves. I am known for my warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach and integrative therapy style that is collaborative and person-centered. I incorporate various modalities and interventions to meet my client’s needs, including Brainspotting, Narrative, Solution-Focused, CBT, Play-Based, Mindfulness-Based, and Trauma-Focused approaches.
I offer neurodivergent affirming care, 2SLGBTQ+ identified individuals and family support, and work with trauma from the lens of processing grief and loss.
Autism and ADHD are widely misunderstood and I can help with understanding, whether you are looking for support for a child or youth, a family seeking parenting guidance or are an adult who needs a safe space to work on your wellness goals. As an AuDHD person myself, I offer a strengths-based approach to learning about our sensory needs and evidence informed practices for dealing with anxiety and depression. I offer support to 2SLGBTQ+ community members and am polyamory supportive. Additionally, I specialize in counselling with those who wish to engage in trauma work for folks who have experienced complex traumas.
I offer neurodivergent affirming care, 2SLGBTQ+ identified individuals and family support, and work with trauma from the lens of processing grief and loss.
Autism and ADHD are widely misunderstood and I can help with understanding, whether you are looking for support for a child or youth, a family seeking parenting guidance or are an adult who needs a safe space to work on your wellness goals. As an AuDHD person myself, I offer a strengths-based approach to learning about our sensory needs and evidence informed practices for dealing with anxiety and depression. I offer support to 2SLGBTQ+ community members and am polyamory supportive. Additionally, I specialize in counselling with those who wish to engage in trauma work for folks who have experienced complex traumas.
Andrea Kauppinen
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2G (Online Only)
WIth a Master's Degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph, I specialize in strengthening the relationships of diverse couples, parents and their children/teens, and intimates. I work with individual clients from a relationship perspective in recognition of the significant impacts our relationships, past and present, have on our lives and wellbeing. I also take a systemic approach, viewing individual and relationship difficulties in historical context and consideration of the current conditions of people's lives. It is a respectful and comprehensive approach that is rooted in a strong therapeutic relationship.
WIth a Master's Degree in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph, I specialize in strengthening the relationships of diverse couples, parents and their children/teens, and intimates. I work with individual clients from a relationship perspective in recognition of the significant impacts our relationships, past and present, have on our lives and wellbeing. I also take a systemic approach, viewing individual and relationship difficulties in historical context and consideration of the current conditions of people's lives. It is a respectful and comprehensive approach that is rooted in a strong therapeutic relationship.
Doug Jones
Registered Social Worker, MTS, AAMFTCF, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
A Family Therapy assessment can help you to gain insight and understanding that you can use to feel better about yourself, and confident you are doing your best to help yourself and your family.
Your Way Counselling is about helping good people achieve the psychological well-being, relationships, self image, and mental health they want. Services are Family Therapy based and build on your strengths. You may find that you already have the knowledge you need to achieve your goals and yet choose to have professional support to gain confidence in yourself. Whether you are feeling completely overwhelmed or want support to deal with relationships and behavioural issues that are affecting your wellbeing and mental health please feel free to call. We can talk over your needs and make a plan that suits you.
A Family Therapy assessment can help you to gain insight and understanding that you can use to feel better about yourself, and confident you are doing your best to help yourself and your family.
Your Way Counselling is about helping good people achieve the psychological well-being, relationships, self image, and mental health they want. Services are Family Therapy based and build on your strengths. You may find that you already have the knowledge you need to achieve your goals and yet choose to have professional support to gain confidence in yourself. Whether you are feeling completely overwhelmed or want support to deal with relationships and behavioural issues that are affecting your wellbeing and mental health please feel free to call. We can talk over your needs and make a plan that suits you.
Limestone Counselling Coaching & Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2K
Specializing in couple and family psychotherapy, grief counselling, art psychotherapy and personal and professional coaching.
We specialize in individual and relationship focused psychotherapy and personal and professional coaching focused on supporting positive mental health and improving personal wellness. Our services are rooted in core holistic, client-centred, humanistic principles guided by a neuroplasticity and bio-psycho-socio-cultural perspective. This perspective is neuro-diversity positive and trauma informed and is focused on building strengths and positive approaches to change. Please see both our Psychotherapy and Coaching and Consulting Services pages on our website for descriptions of services.
Specializing in couple and family psychotherapy, grief counselling, art psychotherapy and personal and professional coaching.
We specialize in individual and relationship focused psychotherapy and personal and professional coaching focused on supporting positive mental health and improving personal wellness. Our services are rooted in core holistic, client-centred, humanistic principles guided by a neuroplasticity and bio-psycho-socio-cultural perspective. This perspective is neuro-diversity positive and trauma informed and is focused on building strengths and positive approaches to change. Please see both our Psychotherapy and Coaching and Consulting Services pages on our website for descriptions of services.
As a registered social worker (RSW) and therapist, I'm passionate about working with children, youth and families in an empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a path to healing, emotional growth and mental well-being. Whether you, or a loved one, are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief, abuse, family or marital conflict, LGBTQIA+ issues or trauma (historical or current), I will work with you to develop the tools and insights needed to foster long-term change, personal growth, and improve relationships.
As a registered social worker (RSW) and therapist, I'm passionate about working with children, youth and families in an empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a path to healing, emotional growth and mental well-being. Whether you, or a loved one, are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief, abuse, family or marital conflict, LGBTQIA+ issues or trauma (historical or current), I will work with you to develop the tools and insights needed to foster long-term change, personal growth, and improve relationships.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult thing to do and takes courage. If you are struggling with Relationships, Mental Health, PTSD/Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Eating Disorders, you don't have to struggle alone. Together we can work towards the best version of you and progress towards your healing goals. I am a clinical Social Worker and provide Individual, Couple and Family counselling for a wide range of concerns. Effective therapy happens when there is a relationship established between the client and the counsellor. I have many years of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Reaching out for help can be a difficult thing to do and takes courage. If you are struggling with Relationships, Mental Health, PTSD/Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Eating Disorders, you don't have to struggle alone. Together we can work towards the best version of you and progress towards your healing goals. I am a clinical Social Worker and provide Individual, Couple and Family counselling for a wide range of concerns. Effective therapy happens when there is a relationship established between the client and the counsellor. I have many years of experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
See more therapy options for Kitchener
Family Therapy Counsellors
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.