Expressive Arts Therapists in Waterloo, ON
Bloom Child & Family Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J
Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to meet the needs of children, teens and families and include CBPT, EMDR, play therapy, expressive arts therapies (music, art, dance/movement, writing), animal-assisted therapy, sport social work, narrative therapy, attachment-based family therapies among others.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to meet the needs of children, teens and families and include CBPT, EMDR, play therapy, expressive arts therapies (music, art, dance/movement, writing), animal-assisted therapy, sport social work, narrative therapy, attachment-based family therapies among others.
Bloom Child & Family Therapy supports children and their families using creative approaches and evidenced-based practices. At Bloom we strive to provide accessible, quality mental health care for children, adolescents and their families. Bloom therapists are ultra-creative! Play, expressive arts and animal-assisted therapies allow Bloom to make their services accessible to all children and their families. Whether you are coming for family therapy or your child is attending therapy, we believe that family and/or primary caregivers are key to children’s healing and growing. We are looking to build strong and healthy families.
Aimee VanKoughnett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CPT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2V
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialized training in Family Therapy & Parent-Child Attachment Therapies, Trauma Treatment, EMDR, CBT, Expressive Arts and Sandtray.
I believe that families are the experts of their own experience, and that children and teens have innate wisdom about their own thoughts and feelings. My goal is to create a supportive space for this wisdom to come forward, fostering healing and resilience that extends beyond the therapy space. My individual work with children and teens is complimented by evidence-based parent consultation; equipping caregivers with tools to better understand their child's behaviour, strengthen family bonds, and co-create solutions to problems.
I have specialized training in Family Therapy & Parent-Child Attachment Therapies, Trauma Treatment, EMDR, CBT, Expressive Arts and Sandtray.
I believe that families are the experts of their own experience, and that children and teens have innate wisdom about their own thoughts and feelings. My goal is to create a supportive space for this wisdom to come forward, fostering healing and resilience that extends beyond the therapy space. My individual work with children and teens is complimented by evidence-based parent consultation; equipping caregivers with tools to better understand their child's behaviour, strengthen family bonds, and co-create solutions to problems.
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.
Through the activity of play I help children to make sense of difficult life experiences (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one) and navigate the big feelings (e.g. anxiety, anger, sadness) that are often at the root of challenging behaviour. I support children and their caregivers become more able to cope with how they are feeling, develop insight, emotional intelligence and confidence.
Through the activity of play I help children to make sense of difficult life experiences (e.g. divorce, death of a loved one) and navigate the big feelings (e.g. anxiety, anger, sadness) that are often at the root of challenging behaviour. I support children and their caregivers become more able to cope with how they are feeling, develop insight, emotional intelligence and confidence.
Katie Bauer Child Play Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
Has your child been experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties at home, school, or in the community? Do you question how to best support them? Behaviour is communication, and since kids often communicate through play rather than with words, it can be confusing to know what to do or say in order to help them.
Has your child been experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties at home, school, or in the community? Do you question how to best support them? Behaviour is communication, and since kids often communicate through play rather than with words, it can be confusing to know what to do or say in order to help them.
I see therapy as a collaborative journey where we are both students and teachers. My clients have taught me the power of uniqueness and individuality in healing. No one-size-fits-all here! I emphasize that clients are the experts of their own stories, and my role is to walk alongside them, offering support, guidance, and empowerment. Clients I’ve worked with share stories of finding direction, momentum, and meaning in their situations. Together, we build meaningful relationships, explore the mind-body-emotion connection, and foster a sense of hope and freedom to be your true and authentic self.
I see therapy as a collaborative journey where we are both students and teachers. My clients have taught me the power of uniqueness and individuality in healing. No one-size-fits-all here! I emphasize that clients are the experts of their own stories, and my role is to walk alongside them, offering support, guidance, and empowerment. Clients I’ve worked with share stories of finding direction, momentum, and meaning in their situations. Together, we build meaningful relationships, explore the mind-body-emotion connection, and foster a sense of hope and freedom to be your true and authentic self.
Melissa Fellin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
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.
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.
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.
Life is full of challenges. We don't always have a choice what challenges we face. But we can choose how we view or overcome these challenges. I believe that we each have our own reserve of resilience waiting to be tapped into. Most of the time we have the strength to face these challenges. Sometimes we reach out to our friends and family for support and that is all we need. At other times, these challenges can overwhelm us and our system of support. We feel alone and helpless. When you are ready for change, let me support you in embracing your challenges and turn them into opportunities to learn something new about yourself.
Life is full of challenges. We don't always have a choice what challenges we face. But we can choose how we view or overcome these challenges. I believe that we each have our own reserve of resilience waiting to be tapped into. Most of the time we have the strength to face these challenges. Sometimes we reach out to our friends and family for support and that is all we need. At other times, these challenges can overwhelm us and our system of support. We feel alone and helpless. When you are ready for change, let me support you in embracing your challenges and turn them into opportunities to learn something new about yourself.
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RP
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre is a multi-faith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. We are rooted in the belief that faith and spirituality are important resources for healing and change. We embrace diversity and cultural inclusivity and offer counselling to all individuals. We provide trained therapists who qualify for membership in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre is a multi-faith counselling agency committed to strengthening emotional and spiritual well-being. We are rooted in the belief that faith and spirituality are important resources for healing and change. We embrace diversity and cultural inclusivity and offer counselling to all individuals. We provide trained therapists who qualify for membership in the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
15 Second Videos
Lunar Psychotherapy & Wellness, Tina Lackner
Ally Dunphy | Art Therapist
Kat Giles
Tracey Nguyen at Tracey & Co Inc
Leah Valian, Certified Sex Therapist,Couple Health
Strength Counselling Services
Hello and welcome! Are you suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck in negative cycles of behaviour or unhelpful thinking patterns? Is your child or teen experiencing issues with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns? Are you struggling to support your neurodivergent child or teen? Whatever your experience, it can be difficult to take the first steps of reaching out for support. As a registered social worker and therapist at Qualia Counselling Services, I would be honoured to offer you or your child help through therapeutic support.
Hello and welcome! Are you suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck in negative cycles of behaviour or unhelpful thinking patterns? Is your child or teen experiencing issues with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns? Are you struggling to support your neurodivergent child or teen? Whatever your experience, it can be difficult to take the first steps of reaching out for support. As a registered social worker and therapist at Qualia Counselling Services, I would be honoured to offer you or your child help through therapeutic support.
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.
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.
Joy Borutskie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
When facing difficulty, loss, struggle, tragedy, disappointment or any other uncomfortable circumstance, your spirit needs to explore, share and express the experience of thoughts and feelings with someone whose goal is to truly understand your perspective, your experience, and the resulting thoughts and beliefs you have come to therapy with as a result.
When facing difficulty, loss, struggle, tragedy, disappointment or any other uncomfortable circumstance, your spirit needs to explore, share and express the experience of thoughts and feelings with someone whose goal is to truly understand your perspective, your experience, and the resulting thoughts and beliefs you have come to therapy with as a result.
As an internationally awarded registered psychotherapist, I help clients redefine how they live their lives. I enjoy working with older children, adolescents, couples, families as well as individual adults. I will help you to challenge the problematic assumptions and ways of being that prevent you from realizing the full potential of your life. I work from a collaborative stance that assumes you are the expert on your life and share my own expertise in helping people overcome emotional problems, troublesome habits and relationship roadblocks to help you create new solutions to what used to be old problems.
As an internationally awarded registered psychotherapist, I help clients redefine how they live their lives. I enjoy working with older children, adolescents, couples, families as well as individual adults. I will help you to challenge the problematic assumptions and ways of being that prevent you from realizing the full potential of your life. I work from a collaborative stance that assumes you are the expert on your life and share my own expertise in helping people overcome emotional problems, troublesome habits and relationship roadblocks to help you create new solutions to what used to be old problems.
Alina Chirila
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L (Online Only)
Whether you’re seeking to address persistent, lifelong concerns or the effects of new and unsettling events, psychotherapy can be a helpful tool. It offers the opportunity of establishing a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ourselves and of our personal history, and work toward more fulfilling lives and relationships. For many of us psychotherapy can mean a way out of dark places. Pursuing therapy does not mean we will never be faced with challenging moments, it means that we will show up better equipped to handle adversities and will be able to bring our best selves to the forefront.
Whether you’re seeking to address persistent, lifelong concerns or the effects of new and unsettling events, psychotherapy can be a helpful tool. It offers the opportunity of establishing a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ourselves and of our personal history, and work toward more fulfilling lives and relationships. For many of us psychotherapy can mean a way out of dark places. Pursuing therapy does not mean we will never be faced with challenging moments, it means that we will show up better equipped to handle adversities and will be able to bring our best selves to the forefront.
Christina Droumtsekas
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), DTATI
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2L
Every now and then, our emotions and feelings can prevent us from moving forward and living our best life. Taking the first step and reaching out for help takes courage and strength. The journey to self-discovery and healing requires both courage and vulnerability, and I believe you possess an innate strength to overcome life's challenges. My approach involves considering the broader context of one's life and experiences, promoting a better understanding and positive changes. Together, we will explore your unique story, identify obstacles, and develop strategies in achieving your goals.
Every now and then, our emotions and feelings can prevent us from moving forward and living our best life. Taking the first step and reaching out for help takes courage and strength. The journey to self-discovery and healing requires both courage and vulnerability, and I believe you possess an innate strength to overcome life's challenges. My approach involves considering the broader context of one's life and experiences, promoting a better understanding and positive changes. Together, we will explore your unique story, identify obstacles, and develop strategies in achieving your goals.
Jenn Nahwegahbow Specializes In Child Teen Parenting Family And Play Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
Meet Jennifer, a therapist characterized by her exuberance, compassion, and warmheartedness. She possesses a unique ability to make therapy enjoyable, captivating, and, above all, effective. With a Master's degree in psychotherapy and spiritual care and an undergraduate degree in counselling and youth studies, Jennifer engages people in a holistic, person-centred, strength-based and playful fashion.
Meet Jennifer, a therapist characterized by her exuberance, compassion, and warmheartedness. She possesses a unique ability to make therapy enjoyable, captivating, and, above all, effective. With a Master's degree in psychotherapy and spiritual care and an undergraduate degree in counselling and youth studies, Jennifer engages people in a holistic, person-centred, strength-based and playful fashion.
Ally Dunphy | Art Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, DTATI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
If you're a parent or caregiver in search of art therapy sessions for your child, you've arrived at a welcoming and supportive space! Life is tough, and noticing that your kiddo may be in need of some additional support is completely normal! Know that you’re doing the right thing by exploring therapeutic options for them. Art therapy can be a powerful resource to help your child learn emotional regulation skills, cope with daily anxiety, or navigate parental separation/divorce. This process offers a hands-on approach for healthy self-expression, and can foster beneficial change in your kid's life.
If you're a parent or caregiver in search of art therapy sessions for your child, you've arrived at a welcoming and supportive space! Life is tough, and noticing that your kiddo may be in need of some additional support is completely normal! Know that you’re doing the right thing by exploring therapeutic options for them. Art therapy can be a powerful resource to help your child learn emotional regulation skills, cope with daily anxiety, or navigate parental separation/divorce. This process offers a hands-on approach for healthy self-expression, and can foster beneficial change in your kid's life.
Depression, anxiety, and stressful circumstances no longer have to control your life and steal your joy. I support individuals, children, youth, and families to restore hope in a safe and compassionate space where you can share, reflect, grow, and journey towards fullness. We can work together to navigate current situations and past experiences so that you can be more connected to what is happening in you, and in those you care about.
Depression, anxiety, and stressful circumstances no longer have to control your life and steal your joy. I support individuals, children, youth, and families to restore hope in a safe and compassionate space where you can share, reflect, grow, and journey towards fullness. We can work together to navigate current situations and past experiences so that you can be more connected to what is happening in you, and in those you care about.
You often struggle in an anxious fawn-freeze response with narcissists in your life, afraid to express yourself for fear of abandonment, rejection and their emotional reactions. You tend to pedestal others, people-please and behave in ways for approval but it is exhausting. Compulsive control, fantasizing, caretaking and perfectionism with people, relationships and life make you live in an arena of constant expectation, the need to keep up appearances and never feeling good enough is tiring. You yearn to feel safe and express your true self, be present and build healthier relationships and trust your life's authentic path.
You often struggle in an anxious fawn-freeze response with narcissists in your life, afraid to express yourself for fear of abandonment, rejection and their emotional reactions. You tend to pedestal others, people-please and behave in ways for approval but it is exhausting. Compulsive control, fantasizing, caretaking and perfectionism with people, relationships and life make you live in an arena of constant expectation, the need to keep up appearances and never feeling good enough is tiring. You yearn to feel safe and express your true self, be present and build healthier relationships and trust your life's authentic path.
Leah Valian, Certified Sex Therapist,Couple Health
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CST
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2J (Online Only)
We are fucked up around the topic of sexuality. This limits our connection and desire. Did you lack positive role models to mentor you with displays of affection and healthy conflict management? I am committed to helping you to find balance, peace & pleasure. DESIRE discrepancy is our speciality. This is a most misunderstood and painful issue that leaves partners feeling broken and undesired. There is a lot more to this issue, especially in heterosexual relationships so let's explore it. Let proper Sex Ed replace the many myths about relationship and sexuality that limit us. Let's get unfucked up.
We are fucked up around the topic of sexuality. This limits our connection and desire. Did you lack positive role models to mentor you with displays of affection and healthy conflict management? I am committed to helping you to find balance, peace & pleasure. DESIRE discrepancy is our speciality. This is a most misunderstood and painful issue that leaves partners feeling broken and undesired. There is a lot more to this issue, especially in heterosexual relationships so let's explore it. Let proper Sex Ed replace the many myths about relationship and sexuality that limit us. Let's get unfucked up.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health provides tools, resources and services that help people reach their full potential as they walk the path to achieving their best wellbeing and mental health. We are here, walking beside you every step of the way.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health provides tools, resources and services that help people reach their full potential as they walk the path to achieving their best wellbeing and mental health. We are here, walking beside you every step of the way.
When you find yourself struggling, its good to have a compassionate and confidential place to explore your complex feelings and experiences. Anxiety, depression and addiction often are signs of deeper unresolved issues. Together, we explore what is hindering your sense of well being. I offer compassionate guidance to help develop clarity. Using depth techniques and action steps, you can be guided to challenge patterns that don't work for you or your relationships anymore. Whether you are struggling with overwhelm, conflicts, loss or emotional and behavioural patterns, can help you navigate the waters promotes change.
When you find yourself struggling, its good to have a compassionate and confidential place to explore your complex feelings and experiences. Anxiety, depression and addiction often are signs of deeper unresolved issues. Together, we explore what is hindering your sense of well being. I offer compassionate guidance to help develop clarity. Using depth techniques and action steps, you can be guided to challenge patterns that don't work for you or your relationships anymore. Whether you are struggling with overwhelm, conflicts, loss or emotional and behavioural patterns, can help you navigate the waters promotes change.
Ruth Kerr ~ Gestalt Therapy + Life Coaching
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BSc, GIT Dip
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
Waitlist for new clients
Angry much? Are you and your partner arguing more than ever? Is someone threatening to leave if you don’t change your angry ways? Perhaps your anger even surprises YOU at times. If any of this sounds familiar, let’s talk! Whether you feel alone in your anger - or worry you’ll end-up alone if you don’t ‘do something’ about it - this can be a pretty painful place to be. If you’ve got the energy and desire to get to know yourself a little better, and have the interest to explore your inner 'landscape' more thoroughly, then I encourage you to book a free consult so we can chat more about what’s happening and what may be possible!
Angry much? Are you and your partner arguing more than ever? Is someone threatening to leave if you don’t change your angry ways? Perhaps your anger even surprises YOU at times. If any of this sounds familiar, let’s talk! Whether you feel alone in your anger - or worry you’ll end-up alone if you don’t ‘do something’ about it - this can be a pretty painful place to be. If you’ve got the energy and desire to get to know yourself a little better, and have the interest to explore your inner 'landscape' more thoroughly, then I encourage you to book a free consult so we can chat more about what’s happening and what may be possible!
See more therapy options for Waterloo
Expressive Arts Counsellors
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.