Chronic Illness Therapists in Waterloo, ON
Holly Mathers
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MTS, RP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
We are here to team up with you in phone or video sessions & can support you with issues you're facing in life relating to your gender identity, chronic illness, grief & other areas of concern. Focusing on your specific situation, we will work together to find options you find most helpful. Match with one of our therapists to meet your needs throughout Ontario. Contact us today to book an appointment with the best fit for you! We have therapy sessions available within a week so you can move forward with your wellness now. We are also able to access collaborative psychiatrists by video.
We are here to team up with you in phone or video sessions & can support you with issues you're facing in life relating to your gender identity, chronic illness, grief & other areas of concern. Focusing on your specific situation, we will work together to find options you find most helpful. Match with one of our therapists to meet your needs throughout Ontario. Contact us today to book an appointment with the best fit for you! We have therapy sessions available within a week so you can move forward with your wellness now. We are also able to access collaborative psychiatrists by video.
Authentic Minds Counselling and Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
I have nearly 15yrs experience in mental health with a special interest in anxiety, addictions, trauma, domestic violence, first responders, and chronic illness and pain.
Are you experiencing chronic pain, illness or anxiety? Are you a first responder trying to cope with flashbacks, nightmares and panic as a result of constant exposure to trauma? Are you looking for something more than standard talk therapy? You may think “my stuff isn't as bad as the next person”, however, our struggles aren’t measured by the event(s), they are based on our unique lens, physical reactions and experience. Feelings of numbness, shame, and anger are all perfectly valid reactions to any painful experience. Early intervention is key to avoiding longterm damage. Lets work together to get you the relief you deserve.
I have nearly 15yrs experience in mental health with a special interest in anxiety, addictions, trauma, domestic violence, first responders, and chronic illness and pain.
Are you experiencing chronic pain, illness or anxiety? Are you a first responder trying to cope with flashbacks, nightmares and panic as a result of constant exposure to trauma? Are you looking for something more than standard talk therapy? You may think “my stuff isn't as bad as the next person”, however, our struggles aren’t measured by the event(s), they are based on our unique lens, physical reactions and experience. Feelings of numbness, shame, and anger are all perfectly valid reactions to any painful experience. Early intervention is key to avoiding longterm damage. Lets work together to get you the relief you deserve.
Sara Warren
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CCC, RCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2V
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
Gudrun van Amerom
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
I have a special interest in chronic illness and a background supporting those who experience an Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges.
The need for connection emerges from our very core. Though we are social beings, when our core is wounded or in pain, we may instinctively attempt to protect ourselves, even from our nearest and dearest companions. Whether we’re going through a particularly challenging time in life or facing our usual day-to-day stressors, counselling can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I work with children, youth and adults learning to: respond skillfully to emotional distress; adjust to expected and unexpected life transitions; process grief and loss; and manage parenting demands and expectations.
I have a special interest in chronic illness and a background supporting those who experience an Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-occurring mental health challenges.
The need for connection emerges from our very core. Though we are social beings, when our core is wounded or in pain, we may instinctively attempt to protect ourselves, even from our nearest and dearest companions. Whether we’re going through a particularly challenging time in life or facing our usual day-to-day stressors, counselling can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I work with children, youth and adults learning to: respond skillfully to emotional distress; adjust to expected and unexpected life transitions; process grief and loss; and manage parenting demands and expectations.
Madelyn Whittle
Registered Psychotherapist, BASc, MC, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
I am someone with lived experiences of chronic illness, mental health, support-seeking, and engaging in continued growth and healing.
I believe therapy can be a safe and creative space for self-exploration and discovery! Whether you are experiencing relational or mental/physical health challenges, processing a recent diagnosis, or discovering your unique and preferred Self, I am here to support you in a compassionate and affirming way. As a queer, neuro-divergent woman (she/her), I believe in the value of shared humanity, inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment in the therapy space. I aim to create a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere where you can develop coping tools & move toward your goals with intention.
I am someone with lived experiences of chronic illness, mental health, support-seeking, and engaging in continued growth and healing.
I believe therapy can be a safe and creative space for self-exploration and discovery! Whether you are experiencing relational or mental/physical health challenges, processing a recent diagnosis, or discovering your unique and preferred Self, I am here to support you in a compassionate and affirming way. As a queer, neuro-divergent woman (she/her), I believe in the value of shared humanity, inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment in the therapy space. I aim to create a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere where you can develop coping tools & move toward your goals with intention.
Attention Deficit Burnout Self Esteem Melanie Crane Chronic Illness
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when you're struggling with things like anxiety, burnout, ADHD, low mood, time management, or chronic illness. Whether you're a teen navigating school pressures, a young adult trying to find your place, or someone transitioning through major life changes, you don’t have to do it alone. In therapy, I aim to be your partner in navigating these twists and turns. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, post-secondary students, and adults who are facing life’s challenges head-on.
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when you're struggling with things like anxiety, burnout, ADHD, low mood, time management, or chronic illness. Whether you're a teen navigating school pressures, a young adult trying to find your place, or someone transitioning through major life changes, you don’t have to do it alone. In therapy, I aim to be your partner in navigating these twists and turns. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, post-secondary students, and adults who are facing life’s challenges head-on.
Kasey Sharp
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BKin
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
Hi, I'm Kasey. In many aspects of our lives, we may struggle to be our most authentic selves or even understand who we truly are at our core. In my practice, I am dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can explore and express your true self without fear of judgment. I recognize that therapy can be a vulnerable and daunting experience, and I am committed to demonstrating the highest level of respect as you share your story and let me into your world. Together, we will safely examine your life experiences, their impact on you today, and embark on a healing journey toward the life and person you aspire to be.
Hi, I'm Kasey. In many aspects of our lives, we may struggle to be our most authentic selves or even understand who we truly are at our core. In my practice, I am dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can explore and express your true self without fear of judgment. I recognize that therapy can be a vulnerable and daunting experience, and I am committed to demonstrating the highest level of respect as you share your story and let me into your world. Together, we will safely examine your life experiences, their impact on you today, and embark on a healing journey toward the life and person you aspire to be.
I am a Jungian Psychoanalyst offering Jungian Analysis to individuals who want a deeper understanding of themselves. For many reasons, these persons feel emotionally in pain, conflicted or unbalanced in their inner and/or outer life and would benefit from exploring the deep rooted causes of relationship problems and unproductive emotional patterns. The direction of therapy is to look to the past and to the unconscious determinants of behaviour but also to open to the creative and positive movements of the psyche that offer a way forward even in the face of the greatest difficulties or trauma.
I am a Jungian Psychoanalyst offering Jungian Analysis to individuals who want a deeper understanding of themselves. For many reasons, these persons feel emotionally in pain, conflicted or unbalanced in their inner and/or outer life and would benefit from exploring the deep rooted causes of relationship problems and unproductive emotional patterns. The direction of therapy is to look to the past and to the unconscious determinants of behaviour but also to open to the creative and positive movements of the psyche that offer a way forward even in the face of the greatest difficulties or trauma.
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
Synergy Project: Melissa DeNoble
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
Welcome to Synergy Project. My name is Melissa DeNoble and I am offering both virtual and in-person therapeutic services for adults-particularly those grappling with trauma, PTSD and women’s health issues including peri-menopause and menopause. I am offering one-to-one and small group clinical supervision for registered social workers. I am informed by a nearly 25-year career, providing counselling, consultation and advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities-plus I bring my own lived experiences as a woman navigating a complicated and underfunded healthcare system.
Welcome to Synergy Project. My name is Melissa DeNoble and I am offering both virtual and in-person therapeutic services for adults-particularly those grappling with trauma, PTSD and women’s health issues including peri-menopause and menopause. I am offering one-to-one and small group clinical supervision for registered social workers. I am informed by a nearly 25-year career, providing counselling, consultation and advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities-plus I bring my own lived experiences as a woman navigating a complicated and underfunded healthcare system.
Insight-Online Affordable Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
Are you stressed, exhausted, or just going through the motions of life? Have substances, addictive behaviours, anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss or feelings of overwhelm started to impact your daily life? Do you feel like you don’t fit in…anywhere? We provide a safe space to explore your identity, interpersonal relationships, and trauma. We have therapists who specialize in mood dysregulation, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and Neurodiversity. Please reach out; you don't have to do this alone!
Are you stressed, exhausted, or just going through the motions of life? Have substances, addictive behaviours, anxiety, depression, anger, grief/loss or feelings of overwhelm started to impact your daily life? Do you feel like you don’t fit in…anywhere? We provide a safe space to explore your identity, interpersonal relationships, and trauma. We have therapists who specialize in mood dysregulation, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and Neurodiversity. Please reach out; you don't have to do this alone!
15 Second Videos
Holly Mathers
Madelyn Whittle
Synergy Project: Melissa DeNoble
Lunar Psychotherapy & Wellness, Tina Lackner
Gulin Aydin, EMDR Consultant, Depression, Anxiety
Talk With Gena
Catharine Macdonald
Sara Gies
Colleen Martin
Megan Piercy
Midtown Counselling - Shelly Pavlic
Grounded Minds Therapy
Wendy Gage - - Whole Family Psychotherapy
Mary Soppitt
Marilyn Clarke
Angela Rozema
Strength Counselling Services
Shelley Restall
Carley Ross
Cayla Townes
Brianna Dunne
We provide assessment and treatment services across the lifespan with a Psychologist, Clinical Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists. We work with children, teens, and their families, as well as adults. Many of our clients are neurodiverse, have had some challenges in neurodevelopment, and have anxiety or depression. We help individuals better understand themselves from a neurocognitive and emotional health perspective, and provide therapy services within a multidisciplinary setting to address each person's unique needs (e.g., mood/ anxiety issues; emotional regulation; executive functioning; coping with sensory issues).
We provide assessment and treatment services across the lifespan with a Psychologist, Clinical Social Workers, and Occupational Therapists. We work with children, teens, and their families, as well as adults. Many of our clients are neurodiverse, have had some challenges in neurodevelopment, and have anxiety or depression. We help individuals better understand themselves from a neurocognitive and emotional health perspective, and provide therapy services within a multidisciplinary setting to address each person's unique needs (e.g., mood/ anxiety issues; emotional regulation; executive functioning; coping with sensory issues).
Beth Thomsett-Scott
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MSc, MA
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L
Do you experience anxiety, depression, low mood, overthinking the past or future, addictions, decision paralysis, loss or grief of a person or life change, or just a feeling that life isn’t all it could be? Do these feelings affect your relationships, sense of self, or work? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or exhausted from struggling with these feelings alone? You don’t need to be alone with these feelings. Beth is here to walk with you. Many people feel that they are the only ones struggling with these issues and more. You are not alone. Other men, women, and children feel similarly but there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Do you experience anxiety, depression, low mood, overthinking the past or future, addictions, decision paralysis, loss or grief of a person or life change, or just a feeling that life isn’t all it could be? Do these feelings affect your relationships, sense of self, or work? Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or exhausted from struggling with these feelings alone? You don’t need to be alone with these feelings. Beth is here to walk with you. Many people feel that they are the only ones struggling with these issues and more. You are not alone. Other men, women, and children feel similarly but there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Lunar Psychotherapy & Wellness, Tina Lackner
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CPT
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
Do you want a deeper sense of fulfillment in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, fears, depression, stress, managing your emotions or relationships, chronic health issues or adjusting to new life situations? We at LPW can support you through this season of life. At LPW, we are dedicated to helping children, teens, adults, families and couples to gain coping strategies to support their mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the support you, your child/teen or your relationship deserves; LPW will carefully pair you with a therapist with the necessary understanding and training to provide optimal support.
Do you want a deeper sense of fulfillment in your life? Do you struggle with anxiety, fears, depression, stress, managing your emotions or relationships, chronic health issues or adjusting to new life situations? We at LPW can support you through this season of life. At LPW, we are dedicated to helping children, teens, adults, families and couples to gain coping strategies to support their mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the support you, your child/teen or your relationship deserves; LPW will carefully pair you with a therapist with the necessary understanding and training to provide optimal support.
Melissa Pyne- Inner Trailheads Counselling And Coaching
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
Waitlist for new clients
If you're a driven individual looking to explore deeper aspects of yourself, you're in the right place. Whether you're navigating the impact of past traumas, wanting to change patterns in your life or simply seeking to enhance self-awareness, my warm and compassionate approach is tailored to your unique journey. I specialize in working adults (18+) including helping professionals, high performers, leaders, and those committed to personal growth. Together, we'll unlock your untapped potential, foster resilience and increase self-awareness.
If you're a driven individual looking to explore deeper aspects of yourself, you're in the right place. Whether you're navigating the impact of past traumas, wanting to change patterns in your life or simply seeking to enhance self-awareness, my warm and compassionate approach is tailored to your unique journey. I specialize in working adults (18+) including helping professionals, high performers, leaders, and those committed to personal growth. Together, we'll unlock your untapped potential, foster resilience and increase self-awareness.
Gulin Aydin, EMDR Consultant, Depression, Anxiety
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2V
Traumas are not your prison…If you are tired to try different therapies with different therapists and still you have your symptoms. You know all these skills, techniques but you still get triggered easily and could not manage your stress well. We believe you have traumatized brain and your brain reminds you what happened before. You dont feel safe there. You have anxiety to protect you from this unsafe place or things. We are here to help you realize your traumas from past and process with EMDR therapy. You dont need to live with your traumas, we know traumas are treatable with EMDR since 1980’s.
Traumas are not your prison…If you are tired to try different therapies with different therapists and still you have your symptoms. You know all these skills, techniques but you still get triggered easily and could not manage your stress well. We believe you have traumatized brain and your brain reminds you what happened before. You dont feel safe there. You have anxiety to protect you from this unsafe place or things. We are here to help you realize your traumas from past and process with EMDR therapy. You dont need to live with your traumas, we know traumas are treatable with EMDR since 1980’s.
What do you need, and what stands in the way? We can figure it all out together. With 25+ years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals heal and discover effective therapy tools. My expertise spans anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, addictions, relationship issues, work-related stress, grief, negative body image, and eating disorders. Having worked extensively with military, law enforcement, and CAS, I offer therapy for uniformed personnel, first responders, CAS workers, and their families. I provide coaching to help clients achieve their life and career goals with regular check-ins to maintain motivativation.
What do you need, and what stands in the way? We can figure it all out together. With 25+ years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals heal and discover effective therapy tools. My expertise spans anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, addictions, relationship issues, work-related stress, grief, negative body image, and eating disorders. Having worked extensively with military, law enforcement, and CAS, I offer therapy for uniformed personnel, first responders, CAS workers, and their families. I provide coaching to help clients achieve their life and career goals with regular check-ins to maintain motivativation.
Lindsay Thompson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L
Waitlist for new clients
Calling all neurodivergent folks, HSPs, introverts, and old souls: I am the therapist for you. My life’s calling is supporting folks through their lived experiences of sensitivity, trauma, emotional regulation, and more. Maybe you’ve been told you have Borderline traits, or have a history of self-harm. Maybe you’ve had a tough time with relationships and want to break the pattern of attaching to emotionally unavailable partners. Perhaps you’re just finding yourself emerging from survival mode and struggling to put together all of the pieces.
Calling all neurodivergent folks, HSPs, introverts, and old souls: I am the therapist for you. My life’s calling is supporting folks through their lived experiences of sensitivity, trauma, emotional regulation, and more. Maybe you’ve been told you have Borderline traits, or have a history of self-harm. Maybe you’ve had a tough time with relationships and want to break the pattern of attaching to emotionally unavailable partners. Perhaps you’re just finding yourself emerging from survival mode and struggling to put together all of the pieces.
Wendy Dinh
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
What are you hoping for? What's on your mind? Life is full of challenges and changes. Life transitions can get messy, making decisions is difficult, and choosing yourself is sometimes the hardest thing you can do. I imagine if you're reading this, maybe you feel curious, or maybe scared, or stuck. I could name a million feelings and still not strike the right one, but I am here to listen as you share. Naming those feelings, and recognizing the behaviours and thoughts that keep you going back to them, is part of the process we could work on together. Therapy is not linear and it can feel puzzling. Taking the first step is never easy.
What are you hoping for? What's on your mind? Life is full of challenges and changes. Life transitions can get messy, making decisions is difficult, and choosing yourself is sometimes the hardest thing you can do. I imagine if you're reading this, maybe you feel curious, or maybe scared, or stuck. I could name a million feelings and still not strike the right one, but I am here to listen as you share. Naming those feelings, and recognizing the behaviours and thoughts that keep you going back to them, is part of the process we could work on together. Therapy is not linear and it can feel puzzling. Taking the first step is never easy.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
See more therapy options for Waterloo
Chronic Illness Counsellors
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.