Female Therapists in Waterloo, ON
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 .
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!
When life feels overwhelming, Zoey Hu is here to help you navigate the challenges and regain balance. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, workplace stress, or navigating complex cultural dynamics as a second-generation immigrant or international student, Zoey provides compassionate care tailored to your unique journey. With her support, you can move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Zoey understands that each person’s story is unique. Having worked with professionals, students, and families, she specializes in helping you manage academic pressures, workplace challenges, and relationship stress.
When life feels overwhelming, Zoey Hu is here to help you navigate the challenges and regain balance. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, workplace stress, or navigating complex cultural dynamics as a second-generation immigrant or international student, Zoey provides compassionate care tailored to your unique journey. With her support, you can move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Zoey understands that each person’s story is unique. Having worked with professionals, students, and families, she specializes in helping you manage academic pressures, workplace challenges, and relationship stress.
Maybe you know something doesn’t feel quite right, but you’re not sure what you need or even where to start. Maybe you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, going through a life transition, navigating a relationship, or figuring out who you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. We can start wherever you are.
I’m especially drawn to working with adults who are figuring out how they want to live, relate, and show up in the world, whether that means exploring identity, gender and sexuality, navigating neurodivergence, working through anxiety, or making sense of relationships.
Maybe you know something doesn’t feel quite right, but you’re not sure what you need or even where to start. Maybe you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, going through a life transition, navigating a relationship, or figuring out who you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. We can start wherever you are.
I’m especially drawn to working with adults who are figuring out how they want to live, relate, and show up in the world, whether that means exploring identity, gender and sexuality, navigating neurodivergence, working through anxiety, or making sense of relationships.
Hi, I’m Laura. I am a gentle soul, a nature and music lover, and a person who loves creativity and connection. I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I’m intimately aware of its impact on relationships, work, self-esteem, and overall ability to function. I understand feeling overwhelmed and anxious with a busy and overactive mind. I get how a lifetime of messaging suggesting you’re not ‘normal’ can creep into your mind and become your own shameful inner dialogue. I've done my own work to embrace my ADHD diagnosis. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I have learned many tools to not only function but thrive.
Hi, I’m Laura. I am a gentle soul, a nature and music lover, and a person who loves creativity and connection. I was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I’m intimately aware of its impact on relationships, work, self-esteem, and overall ability to function. I understand feeling overwhelmed and anxious with a busy and overactive mind. I get how a lifetime of messaging suggesting you’re not ‘normal’ can creep into your mind and become your own shameful inner dialogue. I've done my own work to embrace my ADHD diagnosis. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I have learned many tools to not only function but thrive.
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.
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.
I believe that each individual is inherently motivated to grow and find personal meaning. Tuning into our capacity for growth can be difficult, particularly as we move through an increasingly confusing and difficult world. As a psychotherapist, it is my privilege to support adults and couples as they work to navigate life’s challenges.
In addition to more general concerns, I specialize in supporting musician mental health. I hold graduate degrees in piano performance and choral conducting and worked as a university instructor for many years. I now bring this unique skillset to my clinical practice.
I believe that each individual is inherently motivated to grow and find personal meaning. Tuning into our capacity for growth can be difficult, particularly as we move through an increasingly confusing and difficult world. As a psychotherapist, it is my privilege to support adults and couples as they work to navigate life’s challenges.
In addition to more general concerns, I specialize in supporting musician mental health. I hold graduate degrees in piano performance and choral conducting and worked as a university instructor for many years. I now bring this unique skillset to my clinical practice.
Have you reached a point in your life where you just can't seem to find that joyful spark anymore? Do you feel unmotivated and not sure what to do about it? Are you just surviving day to day - whether at school, at work, with your partner, or even parenting your children? Unfortunately this is more 'normal' than you think - you are not alone.
Maybe you lost that happy spark when you were diagnosed with a chronic medical issue because now life feels so difficult as you adjust to your new reality. I know this journey well and can walk alongside you while we explore how to manage and cope with this change.
Have you reached a point in your life where you just can't seem to find that joyful spark anymore? Do you feel unmotivated and not sure what to do about it? Are you just surviving day to day - whether at school, at work, with your partner, or even parenting your children? Unfortunately this is more 'normal' than you think - you are not alone.
Maybe you lost that happy spark when you were diagnosed with a chronic medical issue because now life feels so difficult as you adjust to your new reality. I know this journey well and can walk alongside you while we explore how to manage and cope with this change.
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.
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.
You’re the one who holds it together on the outside but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or disconnected. Maybe your thoughts race at night. Maybe stress is showing up in your body as tension, headaches, or a constant sense of unease. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, or unresolved experiences that still feel close to the surface.
You want relief but more than that, you want to feel like yourself again. Calm. Clear. Confident. You want tools that actually work in real life and you want a space where you don’t have to explain or justify your feelings - a space where you can be
You’re the one who holds it together on the outside but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or disconnected. Maybe your thoughts race at night. Maybe stress is showing up in your body as tension, headaches, or a constant sense of unease. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, or unresolved experiences that still feel close to the surface.
You want relief but more than that, you want to feel like yourself again. Calm. Clear. Confident. You want tools that actually work in real life and you want a space where you don’t have to explain or justify your feelings - a space where you can be
My practice is currently full. I'm a queer and neurodivergent therapist who works with people who long to slow down, feel more at home in their bodies, and build self-trust. Together we explore the deeper needs of your body, mind, and heart—gently uncovering patterns, processing stuck feelings, making meaning of experience, and creating space for more clarity, connection, and aliveness. You want more than just a place to talk—you want tools and support to actually feel better and live differently. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, or life transitions, we’ll co-create a safe space for meaningful change.
My practice is currently full. I'm a queer and neurodivergent therapist who works with people who long to slow down, feel more at home in their bodies, and build self-trust. Together we explore the deeper needs of your body, mind, and heart—gently uncovering patterns, processing stuck feelings, making meaning of experience, and creating space for more clarity, connection, and aliveness. You want more than just a place to talk—you want tools and support to actually feel better and live differently. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, trauma, or life transitions, we’ll co-create a safe space for meaningful change.
Are you carrying the effects of experiences that still shape how you feel, connect, and respond? Perhaps you feel on edge, disconnected, stuck in familiar relationship patterns, or unsure how to rebuild trust in yourself or someone you love. I work with adults and couples navigating trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), attachment wounds, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, communication issues, and infidelity. My approach is trauma-informed, trauma-focused, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. We will work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and goals.
Are you carrying the effects of experiences that still shape how you feel, connect, and respond? Perhaps you feel on edge, disconnected, stuck in familiar relationship patterns, or unsure how to rebuild trust in yourself or someone you love. I work with adults and couples navigating trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), attachment wounds, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, communication issues, and infidelity. My approach is trauma-informed, trauma-focused, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. We will work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and goals.
Parenthood can be a profoundly beautiful and rewarding time. It can also be humbling, difficult, and painful. Adjusting to parenthood can bring unexpected and deeply challenging feelings such as regret, resentment, rage, anxiety, and grief. Our most closely held relationships may change, and so might our sense of identity and self-esteem. For those of us with hormonal sensitivities or ADHD, this time can be especially challenging as we navigate feelings of inadequacy when we struggle with day to day tasks, and contend with new levels of overwhelm and overstimulation due to the intense sensory experiences of parenting young children.
Parenthood can be a profoundly beautiful and rewarding time. It can also be humbling, difficult, and painful. Adjusting to parenthood can bring unexpected and deeply challenging feelings such as regret, resentment, rage, anxiety, and grief. Our most closely held relationships may change, and so might our sense of identity and self-esteem. For those of us with hormonal sensitivities or ADHD, this time can be especially challenging as we navigate feelings of inadequacy when we struggle with day to day tasks, and contend with new levels of overwhelm and overstimulation due to the intense sensory experiences of parenting young children.
I am driven to disrupt inequitable systems while acknowledging and addressing the realities that require people to navigate them. Through this lens, I offer therapeutic support, as well as practical tools and guidance in three key areas, each of which are grounded in professional and personal experiences:
I am driven to disrupt inequitable systems while acknowledging and addressing the realities that require people to navigate them. Through this lens, I offer therapeutic support, as well as practical tools and guidance in three key areas, each of which are grounded in professional and personal experiences:
Greetings, I'm Claudia, a psychotherapist specializing in supporting children, teens, and their families. I want to acknowledge the courage and tenderness it takes to explore therapy and move toward well-being. Whether you are searching for support for yourself or a child in your life, I would be honoured to offer a safe, empathetic space where your story is witnessed and gently held. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll walk alongside you as you imagine, explore, and create new ways of knowing, being, and moving forward. Together, we'll honour the fullness of your being, mind, body, nervous system, and spirit.
Greetings, I'm Claudia, a psychotherapist specializing in supporting children, teens, and their families. I want to acknowledge the courage and tenderness it takes to explore therapy and move toward well-being. Whether you are searching for support for yourself or a child in your life, I would be honoured to offer a safe, empathetic space where your story is witnessed and gently held. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll walk alongside you as you imagine, explore, and create new ways of knowing, being, and moving forward. Together, we'll honour the fullness of your being, mind, body, nervous system, and spirit.
Do you ever wish you had somewhere you could show up just as you are—no pressure, no pretending? If so, you’re not alone—and that’s what I’m here for. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship stress, identity concerns, and the heavy feeling that comes from trying to manage everything on their own.
Do you ever wish you had somewhere you could show up just as you are—no pressure, no pretending? If so, you’re not alone—and that’s what I’m here for. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship stress, identity concerns, and the heavy feeling that comes from trying to manage everything on their own.
Trauma Therapy for High-Functioning Adults, Healthcare Workers & First Responders
On the outside, you’re capable, responsible, and the one others rely on. On the inside, you’re overwhelmed, overthinking, or running on empty. You may be dealing with anxiety, burnout, or patterns in relationships that don’t make sense. Many of my clients are healthcare workers, first responders, or high-performing professionals who are used to pushing through—but something isn’t working anymore. Therapy with me focuses on helping you understand what’s underneath the surface and creating real, lasting change.
Trauma Therapy for High-Functioning Adults, Healthcare Workers & First Responders
On the outside, you’re capable, responsible, and the one others rely on. On the inside, you’re overwhelmed, overthinking, or running on empty. You may be dealing with anxiety, burnout, or patterns in relationships that don’t make sense. Many of my clients are healthcare workers, first responders, or high-performing professionals who are used to pushing through—but something isn’t working anymore. Therapy with me focuses on helping you understand what’s underneath the surface and creating real, lasting change.
When we find true, earnest ways to express ourselves, I believe we can experience healing and feel a lot more connected to who we are. I would be honoured to work with you as you engage in therapeutic self-discovery and reclaim your voice in the narrative of your life. Some of my favourite work as a therapist is helping people reflect on the different aspects of their identities, strengths, and values to help them feel more connected to their authentic self. I look forward to working with each client as they process past events and grow in self-understanding to live a more meaningful life.
When we find true, earnest ways to express ourselves, I believe we can experience healing and feel a lot more connected to who we are. I would be honoured to work with you as you engage in therapeutic self-discovery and reclaim your voice in the narrative of your life. Some of my favourite work as a therapist is helping people reflect on the different aspects of their identities, strengths, and values to help them feel more connected to their authentic self. I look forward to working with each client as they process past events and grow in self-understanding to live a more meaningful life.
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Nearby Female Counsellors Searches for Waterloo
See More Female Counsellors FAQ - Therapist Gender
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether your therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?
Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with therapists of a specific gender. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.
What are the advantages of seeing a female therapist?
Many people - not just women - prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. Women who see a female therapist may also feel freer to discuss challenges that are closely tied to gender, such as life transitions including motherhood or menopause. Some clients who instinctively feel more comfortable disclosing to women may find it easier to broach sensitive subjects with a female therapist. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Is therapy different for men and women?
Therapy can be different for men and women insofar as gender plays a role in the challenges an individual faces and the events in life an individual has experienced. Women often face different expectations from their families, friends, and society than men do. In some cases, women might feel most comfortable expressing themselves differently from how men do. Talking about one's feelings and emotions is a critical part of most therapies, and some women might find it comes more naturally when talking to a female therapist. Ultimately, though, therapeutic treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific needs.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK - even encouraged! - to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.