Therapists for Adults in Waterloo, ON
Life can be intense, to say the least, and navigating the challenges of life can feel isolating and impossible at times. Emily, a Registered Psychotherapist is here to help. From anxiety and depression to addictions, relationship challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues she will work with you to formulate goals, conquer challenges, and learn long-term strategies for dealing with mental health challenges and daily life stressors. She utilizes a client-centred approach and strategies from a number of therapeutic methods to create a solution that is tailored to your needs, lifestyle, relationships and abilities.
Life can be intense, to say the least, and navigating the challenges of life can feel isolating and impossible at times. Emily, a Registered Psychotherapist is here to help. From anxiety and depression to addictions, relationship challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues she will work with you to formulate goals, conquer challenges, and learn long-term strategies for dealing with mental health challenges and daily life stressors. She utilizes a client-centred approach and strategies from a number of therapeutic methods to create a solution that is tailored to your needs, lifestyle, relationships and abilities.
I support:
Adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-criticism,
First-generation and immigrant individuals navigating identity, belonging, cultural and family pressure
Ambitious professionals, students, & entrepreneurs facing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, burnout, or feeling lost
Individuals processing past emotional wounds, relationship pain.
Starting therapy is a meaningful act of care for yourself. It takes courage to pause, breathe, and give yourself the space to reflect in a world that constantly tells you to keep pushing through. When life feels heavy or uncertain, therapy can be a steady place to slow down and make sense of what feels difficult. It’s a space to understand yourself more clearly, explore what truly matters to you, and reconnect with your strengths. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel calmer, more grounded, and more supported as you move forward in your life.
I support:
Adults experiencing anxiety, depression, self-criticism,
First-generation and immigrant individuals navigating identity, belonging, cultural and family pressure
Ambitious professionals, students, & entrepreneurs facing overwhelm, imposter syndrome, burnout, or feeling lost
Individuals processing past emotional wounds, relationship pain.
Starting therapy is a meaningful act of care for yourself. It takes courage to pause, breathe, and give yourself the space to reflect in a world that constantly tells you to keep pushing through. When life feels heavy or uncertain, therapy can be a steady place to slow down and make sense of what feels difficult. It’s a space to understand yourself more clearly, explore what truly matters to you, and reconnect with your strengths. Together, we’ll work toward helping you feel calmer, more grounded, and more supported as you move forward in your life.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure of where to begin? Whether you’re navigating life transitions, stress, or deeper emotional struggles, therapy can offer a space to pause, reflect, and face your challenges in a warm and supportive environment. You deserve support that feels nonjudgmental, collaborative, and truly centered on you. I will work with you to understand what’s already working in your life, and help you build on those strengths with practical, research-based skills you can start using right away to help you feel more grounded and empowered.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or unsure of where to begin? Whether you’re navigating life transitions, stress, or deeper emotional struggles, therapy can offer a space to pause, reflect, and face your challenges in a warm and supportive environment. You deserve support that feels nonjudgmental, collaborative, and truly centered on you. I will work with you to understand what’s already working in your life, and help you build on those strengths with practical, research-based skills you can start using right away to help you feel more grounded and empowered.
Navigating life's challenges—be it stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or the pursuit of personal growth—can feel overwhelming. In today's fast-paced world, achieving mental well-being requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe that health is supposed to be holistic: a happy and motivated mind, a healthy body, and meanings and passions in life. My virtual psychotherapy and music psychotherapy services are designed to provide you with personalized, holistic support, integrating diverse therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs and aspirations.
Navigating life's challenges—be it stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or the pursuit of personal growth—can feel overwhelming. In today's fast-paced world, achieving mental well-being requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. I believe that health is supposed to be holistic: a happy and motivated mind, a healthy body, and meanings and passions in life. My virtual psychotherapy and music psychotherapy services are designed to provide you with personalized, holistic support, integrating diverse therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs and aspirations.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, or need help navigating your relationships, I am here to help. I offer compassionate support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them address their current struggles, find relief, and build resilience toward navigating life’s ups and downs. Together, we will cultivate trust and openness as we explore your identity within the context of your relationships and cultural background. We will work together to amplify your strengths and develop tools to manage stress and maintain mental wellness.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, or need help navigating your relationships, I am here to help. I offer compassionate support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them address their current struggles, find relief, and build resilience toward navigating life’s ups and downs. Together, we will cultivate trust and openness as we explore your identity within the context of your relationships and cultural background. We will work together to amplify your strengths and develop tools to manage stress and maintain mental wellness.
We work with children and adolescents aged 7 to 17, and adults 18+, providing direct therapy and parental/caregiver support.
We offer behaviour-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to provide a behaviour analytic approach to mental health and well-being. ACT focuses on the development and expansion of psychological flexibility, which is an internal process of emotional openness and behaviour change to live more in-line with one’s personal values.
We work with children and adolescents aged 7 to 17, and adults 18+, providing direct therapy and parental/caregiver support.
We offer behaviour-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to provide a behaviour analytic approach to mental health and well-being. ACT focuses on the development and expansion of psychological flexibility, which is an internal process of emotional openness and behaviour change to live more in-line with one’s personal values.
Do you feel like you're carrying the weight of two worlds—balancing the high expectations of a demanding career while navigating the silent pressures of family loyalty and cultural heritage? Perhaps you’ve reached a level of success that looks great on paper, yet you feel internally exhausted, 'stuck' in old patterns, or disconnected from your true self. I provide a specialized space for high-achieving women and those from immigrant backgrounds to process burnout and intergenerational trauma using the transformative power of EMDR.
Do you feel like you're carrying the weight of two worlds—balancing the high expectations of a demanding career while navigating the silent pressures of family loyalty and cultural heritage? Perhaps you’ve reached a level of success that looks great on paper, yet you feel internally exhausted, 'stuck' in old patterns, or disconnected from your true self. I provide a specialized space for high-achieving women and those from immigrant backgrounds to process burnout and intergenerational trauma using the transformative power of EMDR.
Hello! Life can get overwhelming, so my goal is to make sure no one feels like they have to struggle alone. I strive to foster a safe, judgment-free space where you can process your thoughts and feelings so that we can work towards your goals together. I utilize a client-centred and strength-based approach from which we will build on your strengths and abilities to create positive changes in your life that meet your unique needs and desires. Through empowerment, self-acceptance, and self-compassion, everyone has the potential to grow.
Hello! Life can get overwhelming, so my goal is to make sure no one feels like they have to struggle alone. I strive to foster a safe, judgment-free space where you can process your thoughts and feelings so that we can work towards your goals together. I utilize a client-centred and strength-based approach from which we will build on your strengths and abilities to create positive changes in your life that meet your unique needs and desires. Through empowerment, self-acceptance, and self-compassion, everyone has the potential to grow.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety/chronic worry, emotional dysregualtion or feeling overwhelmed, relationship and attachment concerns, life transitions (school, work, identity, adulthood milestones).
Life can sometimes be full of stressors and uncertainties – all of which are difficult to navigate on your own. The truth is we all struggle from time to time, whether it be relational stressors, emotional distress, anxiety, grief, or self esteem. I offer a warm, collaborative, and direct approach to therapy. My style is highly relational - I believe meaningful change happens within a safe therapeutic relationship where you feel understood and challenged with care. Together, we work to make sense of your emotional experiences, strengthen regulation skills, and shift patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
I work with teens, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety/chronic worry, emotional dysregualtion or feeling overwhelmed, relationship and attachment concerns, life transitions (school, work, identity, adulthood milestones).
Life can sometimes be full of stressors and uncertainties – all of which are difficult to navigate on your own. The truth is we all struggle from time to time, whether it be relational stressors, emotional distress, anxiety, grief, or self esteem. I offer a warm, collaborative, and direct approach to therapy. My style is highly relational - I believe meaningful change happens within a safe therapeutic relationship where you feel understood and challenged with care. Together, we work to make sense of your emotional experiences, strengthen regulation skills, and shift patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Walking beside people through their therapy journey is a great privilege and I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I have been a therapist for over fifteen years and get told over and over again by my clients how easy it was for them to let their guard down, to build trust and comfort, and to begin to transform their hopes for therapy into meaningful growth and change. I exude warmth and genuineness and I know that great therapy cannot happen without a strong relationship between client and therapist.
Walking beside people through their therapy journey is a great privilege and I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I have been a therapist for over fifteen years and get told over and over again by my clients how easy it was for them to let their guard down, to build trust and comfort, and to begin to transform their hopes for therapy into meaningful growth and change. I exude warmth and genuineness and I know that great therapy cannot happen without a strong relationship between client and therapist.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or burdened by experiences that are difficult to manage on your own. You might be living with depression, anxiety, or the impact of past or recent trauma; navigating questions of identity, sexuality, or belonging; or finding that your relationships are not feeling as connected, secure, or fulfilling as you would like. Many people come seeking clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Others are looking to strengthen or change their relationships, shift long-standing patterns, or move forward with a greater sense of ease and possibility.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or burdened by experiences that are difficult to manage on your own. You might be living with depression, anxiety, or the impact of past or recent trauma; navigating questions of identity, sexuality, or belonging; or finding that your relationships are not feeling as connected, secure, or fulfilling as you would like. Many people come seeking clarity, steadiness, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Others are looking to strengthen or change their relationships, shift long-standing patterns, or move forward with a greater sense of ease and possibility.
I support individuals in finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of personal agency. Together, we can build a trusting and collaborative environment where exploration and growth are possible. As a clinical social worker, I have over ten years of experience supporting individuals, children, and families through trauma, crisis, and life transitions. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach and I believe meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood and genuinely supported.
I support individuals in finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of personal agency. Together, we can build a trusting and collaborative environment where exploration and growth are possible. As a clinical social worker, I have over ten years of experience supporting individuals, children, and families through trauma, crisis, and life transitions. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed, attachment-focused approach and I believe meaningful change begins with feeling safe, understood and genuinely supported.
My ideal client appears to be “holding it together” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted inside. They may struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, burnout, or unhelpful relationship patterns shaped by past experiences. Insightful and capable, they still feel disconnected from themselves and unsure why the same cycles repeat. They want peace—healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, deeper self-trust—and are ready to heal, grow, and move toward a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life.
My ideal client appears to be “holding it together” on the outside but feels overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted inside. They may struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, burnout, or unhelpful relationship patterns shaped by past experiences. Insightful and capable, they still feel disconnected from themselves and unsure why the same cycles repeat. They want peace—healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, deeper self-trust—and are ready to heal, grow, and move toward a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life.
Do you find yourself caught in the same painful relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try? Maybe you crave closeness but fear abandonment — or long for connection but pull away when things get intimate. Perhaps you struggle with low self-worth, feel like you're never quite "enough," or find your emotions overwhelming and hard to make sense of.
Sometimes life transitions and changes like motherhood, perimenopause and menopause bring emotional instability, identity questions, difficulty accepting and connecting to yourself and your body or feeling that you've lost yourself.
Do you find yourself caught in the same painful relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try? Maybe you crave closeness but fear abandonment — or long for connection but pull away when things get intimate. Perhaps you struggle with low self-worth, feel like you're never quite "enough," or find your emotions overwhelming and hard to make sense of.
Sometimes life transitions and changes like motherhood, perimenopause and menopause bring emotional instability, identity questions, difficulty accepting and connecting to yourself and your body or feeling that you've lost yourself.
I’ve been a registered Social Worker for the last 28 years and through my career I’ve supported children, adolescents and adults, both individually and as a family.
‘Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.’ W. Dyer. Sometimes that’s easier said than done though, right? It may not be possible to avoid stress for the rest of our lives, but it is absolutely possible to have the strategies to work through it and the support to facilitate it. My work is centered on helping people figure out ‘life’ - managing relationships with others and self, dealing with big emotions, working through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, all while honoring and caring for a person’s whole self.
I’ve been a registered Social Worker for the last 28 years and through my career I’ve supported children, adolescents and adults, both individually and as a family.
‘Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.’ W. Dyer. Sometimes that’s easier said than done though, right? It may not be possible to avoid stress for the rest of our lives, but it is absolutely possible to have the strategies to work through it and the support to facilitate it. My work is centered on helping people figure out ‘life’ - managing relationships with others and self, dealing with big emotions, working through trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, all while honoring and caring for a person’s whole self.
Lolita Schmalenberg
Registered Social Worker, RSW, GDipGC, GCertSH, BASc
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2J
Mental wellness is a right - sometimes we need an unbiased supporter to help us get back on a healthier pathway. Whether you find yourself stuck due to work or school issues, are having difficulties in your relationship, are recovering from a trauma, dealing with anxiety or simply are looking to change behaviours that are no longer aligned with your goals, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you .
Mental wellness is a right - sometimes we need an unbiased supporter to help us get back on a healthier pathway. Whether you find yourself stuck due to work or school issues, are having difficulties in your relationship, are recovering from a trauma, dealing with anxiety or simply are looking to change behaviours that are no longer aligned with your goals, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Let me help you .
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I bring warmth, humour, and encouragement within a holistic, trauma-informed approach. I support clients (18+) navigating family and relationship dynamics, life transitions, and personal growth, while also addressing self-esteem and body image, boundaries, attachment patterns, emotional regulation, substance use, and values clarification to foster a more aligned and fulfilling life. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and we work collaboratively to explore.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I bring warmth, humour, and encouragement within a holistic, trauma-informed approach. I support clients (18+) navigating family and relationship dynamics, life transitions, and personal growth, while also addressing self-esteem and body image, boundaries, attachment patterns, emotional regulation, substance use, and values clarification to foster a more aligned and fulfilling life. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and we work collaboratively to explore.
We can rewrite our story when we rediscover hope. Hope is the quiet strength that never fades, even in our darkest moments. It is the belief that, no matter the suffering we've endured, we possess the resilience to rise again. Though the scars of the past may remain, they do not define us; instead, they become part of the story of our recovery. We learn, we grow, and, in time, we find the courage to live fully once more as hope is an ethernal source.
We can rewrite our story when we rediscover hope. Hope is the quiet strength that never fades, even in our darkest moments. It is the belief that, no matter the suffering we've endured, we possess the resilience to rise again. Though the scars of the past may remain, they do not define us; instead, they become part of the story of our recovery. We learn, we grow, and, in time, we find the courage to live fully once more as hope is an ethernal source.
John Roche
Registered Social Worker, MDiv, MSW, RSW
12 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My passion is helping people to transform destructive day-to-day patterns into meaningful lives of connection, presence, and joy. My specialties include trauma-related issues, relationship issues, anxiety, self-confidence, grief, anger, depression, and the search for meaning. If you feel beaten down by negative thoughts, overwhelming feelings, and self-destructive behaviour, or if you feel cut off from a sense of real purpose, connection, and aliveness, then good therapy can help. I have learned over the years that no matter how battered, degraded, or hopeless you may feel, transformation is always possible.
My passion is helping people to transform destructive day-to-day patterns into meaningful lives of connection, presence, and joy. My specialties include trauma-related issues, relationship issues, anxiety, self-confidence, grief, anger, depression, and the search for meaning. If you feel beaten down by negative thoughts, overwhelming feelings, and self-destructive behaviour, or if you feel cut off from a sense of real purpose, connection, and aliveness, then good therapy can help. I have learned over the years that no matter how battered, degraded, or hopeless you may feel, transformation is always possible.
I have over 18 years helping adults, teen and families in crisis.
I have been a therapist in private practice for over 11 years. Before that, I worked in the fields of mental health and addictions within healthcare settings. As a therapist, I value the opportunity to support clients through many of life’s challenges, including divorce, career transitions, parenting and co-parenting, grief, online dating, and relationship difficulties. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, attachment wounds, and trauma. My practice includes individuals, couples, and families, and I also provide clinical supervision to social workers and psychotherapists.
I have over 18 years helping adults, teen and families in crisis.
I have been a therapist in private practice for over 11 years. Before that, I worked in the fields of mental health and addictions within healthcare settings. As a therapist, I value the opportunity to support clients through many of life’s challenges, including divorce, career transitions, parenting and co-parenting, grief, online dating, and relationship difficulties. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, attachment wounds, and trauma. My practice includes individuals, couples, and families, and I also provide clinical supervision to social workers and psychotherapists.
See more therapy options for Waterloo
Nearby Adults Counsellors Searches for Waterloo
See More Adults Counsellors FAQ - About Adult Counselling
Why should adults see a therapist?
Adults may benefit from therapy for a wide range of reasons—whether it’s managing symptoms of a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions, coping with grief or trauma, or simply seeking support during a challenging life period. Many adults find that therapy helps them build healthier coping skills and better process their emotions, which may lead to better relationships and reduced stress. It’s important to note that, unlike psychiatrists or primary care physicians, therapists do not prescribe psychiatric medication. However, they will often work alongside prescribing clinicians to ensure coordinated care and can provide behavioural therapy as an important addition to psychiatric medication. Mental health concerns can look different in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence, so finding a therapist with expertise working with adult clients is important. Conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for instance, may present or resurface differently in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence. Adult-specific stressors, such as job strain, caregiving responsibilities, relationship challenges, financial stress, or identity transitions, can also influence the onset and type of symptoms an individual experiences. Adult-focused therapists, therefore, are trained to understand these complexities and tailor care accordingly.
How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?
When seeking care, it’s important to understand a therapist’s treatment specialties and their overall approach to treatment . Some therapists focus on common adult conditions like anxiety or depression, while others specialize in areas such as trauma, substance use disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s also important to consider a therapist’s training when seeking care. Therapists in Canada hold various licenses depending on their training and provincial requirements. Common therapy credentials include Registered Social Workers (RSW), Registered Psychotherapists, and Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCC). Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) receive additional doctoral-level training and may focus on assessments or more specialized therapeutic approaches. All of these professionals can provide talk therapy but do not prescribe medication. When searching for a therapist, consider their credentials and training background to ensure a good fit.
How do I find a therapist who sees adults?
Psychology Today’s online directory allows you to search specifically for therapists who work with adults. Each provider profile includes key information such as clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, licensure, accepted insurance plans, languages spoken, and session fees. Reviewing these details can help you determine whether a particular provider aligns with your needs and can indicate whether they are a good match for adult clients.