In-Person and Online Therapy in Waterloo and Wellington County
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Anxiety, Trauma &
Relationship Therapy
in Waterloo Region
Compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy for students, adults, and couples.
For Individuals
Support for anxiety, trauma, stress, self-esteem & more.
For Couples
Strengthen connection, improve communication, and rebuild trust.
For Teens (13+)
Compassionate therapy for life's challenges during the teen years.
Research-Informed Care
Therapy approaches that are proven to help you move forward.
In-Person & Online
In-person in Waterloo or secure therapy online across Ontario.
Private & Confidential
Your privacy and well-being are our highest priority.
Sessions Provided
Therapists with
Up to 20 Years of Experience
Serving Waterloo Region
Since 2021
Conveniently Located
Near the ION LRT with Free Parking
Explore Our Services
Who We Help
Individuals & Professionals
Navigate life’s complexities with clinical insight, clarity, and a thoughtful path forward.
Couples & Relationships
Build stronger communication, emotional connection, and a more secure foundation.
University Students
Support for stress, anxiety, transitions, and mental wellness during school years.
Teens & Youth
Helping young people navigate anxiety, school transitions, emotions, and growth.
Faith-Based & Christian Counselling
Therapy that respects your values while supporting emotional and spiritual growth.
Coping with Addiction
Support for healthier coping tools, understanding patterns, and meaningful change.
Anxiety & Stress Management
Practical support for overthinking, burnout, overwhelm, and feeling grounded again.
Find Your Therapist
Find Your Therapist
You don’t have to guess which therapist is right.
Compassionate care, thoughtfully matched to you. Answer a quick 60-second quiz and we’ll recommend the therapist who best fits your needs.
What brings you here today?
What feels hardest right now?
How would you like to meet?
Is Christian counselling important to you?
Finding your best match...
Best Match
Lydia Forge
Registered Social Worker
98% Match
Find Your Therapist
We’ll help you find the right therapist.
You don’t have to know exactly what kind of support you need before you begin.
Share a little about what brought you here, and we’ll offer a thoughtful place to start.
Usually takes less than 60 seconds.
What brought you here today?
Choose the option that feels closest. You do not need to know a diagnosis.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
One of our Client Care Coordinators would be happy to help you think through your options and recommend a therapist based on your goals.
Who are you looking for support for?
This helps us understand the kind of care you are looking for.
How would you prefer to meet?
Choose the option that feels easiest to begin with.
Anything especially important to you?
You can keep this simple. There is no wrong answer.
Thank you for sharing a little about what’s been going on.
We’re thoughtfully reviewing your preferences.
We think you may feel comfortable working with Lydia Forge.
This is a thoughtful starting point, not a fixed decision. You are always welcome to choose another therapist or speak with Client Care.
Your Personalized Recommendation
Lydia Forge
Registered Social Worker
Because you shared...
Why this recommendation
You may also connect well with
Not sure this feels right?
During your free consultation, we can talk through your goals together. If another therapist may be a better fit, we’ll help you find the right person.
Your recommendation has been refined based on your preferences.
How We Match You
With the Right Therapist
Finding a therapist shouldn’t feel like another difficult decision when you’re already carrying so much.
Whether you’re reaching out because of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, grief, trauma, burnout, or a major life transition, our goal is simple: to help you find a therapist who feels like the right fit from the very beginning.
Why the Right Therapist Matters
Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy isn’t a specific technique—it’s the relationship you build with your therapist.
When you feel understood, respected, and comfortable, it’s easier to open up, explore difficult experiences, and make meaningful progress. That’s why we thoughtfully match every client with a therapist whose experience, personality, and approach align with their needs.
Thoughtful Matching. Confident First Steps.
Every person arrives with a different story.
Our therapist matching process considers what you’re looking for support with, whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counselling, teen therapy, or university student support, your preference for in-person counselling in Waterloo or virtual therapy across Ontario, and any additional preferences that are important to you—including Christian counselling if you’d like faith to be part of your therapy.
Below are answers to some of the questions people commonly ask before starting therapy.
Common Questions
Questions You May Have
Before Starting Therapy
You don’t have to have all the answers before reaching out.
Starting therapy comes with questions. Whether you’re wondering how therapy works, whether it’s the right fit, or what to expect, we’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often.
Therapist Matching
Finding the Right Therapist
We know choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling.
Our goal is to help you begin therapy with someone who feels like the right fit from the start.
We consider what you’re looking for support with, the type of therapy you’re seeking, your preferences, and your goals before recommending a therapist who is likely to meet your needs. While no matching process can guarantee a perfect fit, it helps remove much of the guesswork so you can begin therapy with greater confidence.
Absolutely.
Finding the right therapeutic relationship is more important than staying with the wrong therapist.
If you feel another therapist on our team would be a better fit, we’ll help make that transition as smooth as possible.
Our goal isn’t simply to book an appointment—it’s to help you find a therapist you genuinely feel comfortable working with.
Yes.
Faith is only included in therapy if you want it to be.
You do not need to be Christian to work with one of our therapists who offers Christian counselling.
If you prefer a non-faith-based approach, sessions can focus entirely on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief, burnout, life transitions, or any other concern without prayer, Scripture, or spiritual discussion.
Getting Started
Starting Therapy
Yes.
You don’t have to wait until things feel “bad enough” to ask for help.
Heart & Mind Therapy supports clients experiencing depression, low mood, emotional numbness, loss of motivation, burnout, grief, and feeling unlike themselves.
Our therapists provide counselling for depression in Waterloo, Kitchener, and virtually across Ontario. Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on emotional support, understanding patterns, building coping strategies, improving daily functioning, strengthening self-compassion, or working through grief, trauma, relationship stress, or life transitions that may be contributing to how you feel.
Many people wonder whether their struggles are “serious enough” for therapy.
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.
Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, grieving, navigating relationship challenges, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, therapy can provide a safe space to explore what’s happening and move forward.
If you’re unsure whether therapy is the right next step, a complimentary consultation is a great place to start.
That’s completely normal.
Many people begin therapy without knowing exactly where to start.
Your therapist isn’t expecting you to have the right words or a perfectly organized story. Together, you’ll explore what’s been happening, what feels most important, and where you’d like support. Therapy is a conversation—not a test.
Your first session is about getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy.
There is no pressure to have everything figured out before your first appointment.
Some therapists begin with a structured intake, while others focus more on learning about your goals and exploring where you’d like support.
If you’re unsure what your goals are yet—or you don’t know what to say—that’s completely okay. Many people come to therapy feeling exactly that way.
Cost & Privacy
Practical Questions
Many extended health insurance plans cover psychotherapy, counselling, or social work services.
After every appointment, we’ll provide the documentation you need for reimbursement.
We also offer direct billing for TELUS Health, Sun Life, GreenShield, and Blue Cross, with additional providers being added over time.
If you’re unsure what your plan covers, we’re happy to help you understand your benefits whenever possible.
Our fees range from $90–$185 per session, depending on your therapist’s education, experience, and credentials.
We offer several fee options so you can choose care that fits your needs and budget.
If you’re unsure which therapist is right for you, we’re happy to help you explore your options during a complimentary consultation.
Yes.
Your privacy is one of our highest priorities.
Everything you share in therapy is confidential except in the limited situations where therapists are legally or ethically required to share information, such as concerns about immediate safety or certain requirements under Ontario law. Your therapist will explain confidentiality in detail during your first appointment and answer any questions you may have.
We understand that confidentiality is especially important for professionals, healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, students, and members of close-knit communities. Our goal is to provide a space where you can speak openly, honestly, and without fear of judgment.
No.
You can book therapy whenever you feel ready.
You do not need a doctor’s referral to begin therapy at Heart & Mind Therapy.
Many clients are able to schedule their first appointment within a few business days, and we currently do not maintain a waitlist.
If you plan to use extended health insurance, some benefit plans have their own requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check with your provider if you’re unsure.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because every person’s goals and circumstances are different.
Therapy lasts as long as it continues to be helpful for you.
Some people come for a specific challenge and achieve their goals in a handful of sessions. Others choose longer-term therapy to work through deeper patterns, relationships, trauma, or personal growth.
Research suggests that many people begin noticing meaningful improvement after approximately 8–12 sessions, although this varies depending on the person and the concerns being addressed.
Some clients choose to continue because they value the accountability, support, and ongoing personal growth they experience. Others prefer to return only when new challenges arise—similar to checking in with a trusted healthcare provider. Some even work with different therapists throughout different seasons of life.
There is no “right” length of therapy. Together, you and your therapist will regularly review your goals to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.
Here’s How It Works
Starting therapy is simple.
We guide you every step of the way.
Free Consultation
Book a complimentary 20-minute video call to discuss your goals and how we can support you.
Find Your Therapist
We’ll match you with a therapist who specializes in your needs and feels like the right fit.
Begin Therapy
Start sessions in-person in Waterloo or virtually from Guelph and across Ontario.
Ready to take the next step?
Book My Free ConsultationMaking therapy easier to access
We remove barriers so you can focus on healing.
Simple billing and student benefits, because support should feel possible.
Insurance made simpler
We offer direct billing to most insurance providers and provide receipts for reimbursement.
Student coverage
Many students receive up to 80% therapy coverage through their school benefits.
Sliding scale counselling
Sliding scale counselling will be available starting October 2026.

