Helping You Build a Life That Feels Authentic & Fulfilling.
Therapy For Individuals Who Are
Done Just Getting By.
Because therapy should do more than help you survive—it should help you feel grounded, confident, and fully yourself again.
In-Person Therapy in Waterloo, ON & Surrounding Areas
Virtual Services Across Ontario
I’m so glad you’re here.
I specialize in supporting high-achieving millennials, sensitive teens, and emotionally overwhelmed and anxious adults who are tired of just coping and ready to create lasting change.
Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, overachieving, a constant pressure to perform or the weight of unprocessed trauma. They often feel like they’re holding it all together on the outside while falling apart on the inside.
If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, disconnected from your true self, or unsure how to break free from old patterns, you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Together, we work to untangle those patterns
to understand the root cause of your
challenges, build your capacity to navigate difficult emotions and reconnect with your
loved ones and yourself.
We will strengthen your sense
of self-worth and confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Learn Practical Tools for Lasting Change
Together, we’ll build a toolbox of evidence-based strategies you can rely on when life feels overwhelming—so you’re not just surviving, but truly equipped to thrive.
You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, manage intense emotions without shutting down or spiralling, set boundaries without guilt, and respond to stress in ways that actually support your well-being.
Gain Confidence &
Redefine Your Self-Worth
You’ve spent so long trying to earn your worth through productivity and perfection.
But real confidence comes from finally seeing yourself clearly, not doing more.
Through therapy, you’ll learn to trust your inner voice and redefine your self-worth, so you can show up with confidence as your full, authentic self.
Build Connection & Community
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. In this space, you're not alone.
Together, we create a grounded and supportive environment where you can feel safe enough to be real, reflect on your patterns, and reconnect with your true self.
Services
Individual Counselling
& Psychotherapy
In-person sessions are available in Waterloo, Ontario, and & virtual sessions are available across Ontario
Individual therapy offers a personalized space to explore what’s weighing you down and develop the tools you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, or past trauma, we’ll work together to understand your patterns, strengthen your coping skills, and reconnect you with your sense of self.
Therapy with me is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices—designed to support real, lasting change.
DBT Group Therapy
DBT group sessions are offered virtually across Ontario
DBT group therapy offers a supportive space to learn practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and responding to stress in healthier ways.
You'll gain tools for mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication—alongside others who truly get what you're going through.
It's not just about coping, it's about building a life that feels more balanced, connected, and worth living.
Psychedelic- Assisted Psychotherapy
Offered in-person in Waterloo, ON.
Through my work with Field Trip Health, I offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Ketamine-assisted therapy offers a powerful, evidence-informed approach for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and emotional disconnection.
Combined with integrative psychotherapy, ketamine sessions can help quiet inner noise, increase emotional insight, and open space for healing that feels both deep and compassionate.
This is not a quick fix—it’s a supported inner journey, designed to help you reconnect with yourself and reimagine what’s possible for your life.
Coaching
Offered virtually to all.
Coaching is for individuals who feel stuck in old patterns and want guidance moving forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Whether you're navigating a major life transition, burnout, or a desire to feel more aligned in your relationships, career, or identity, coaching offers structured support to help you set meaningful goals, shift limiting beliefs, and take empowered action.
It’s future-focused, collaborative, and grounded in emotional insight—so you can create a life that feels truly your own.
Hi, I’m Vanessa Bauer
As a Registered Social Worker based in Kitchener-Waterloo, I’m someone who believes in doing the inner work and living life with intention.
As a therapist, I bring authenticity, warmth, and a deep respect for your lived experience into every session. I’ve walked my own path of growth and healing, and I know how heavy it can feel to carry everything on your own.
My approach is both compassionate and practical—rooted in evidence-based practices, but always tailored to you.
Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure of where to go next, I’m here to hold space, offer guidance, and help you reconnect with the version of yourself that feels calm, capable, and aligned.
About Me
I know what it’s like to look like you have it all together while quietly feeling like you're falling apart inside.
Through my own work and personal development I’ve walked the path of untangling perfectionism and overachieving. I’m learning to trust myself again and am building a life that I can feel proud of.
When I’m not supporting clients, you’ll find me trying out a new restaurant, getting lost in a thriller novel, spending time with my family, hiking a new trail or camping.
My Values
My mission is to help individuals build a life worth living, one that feels satisfying, fulfilling, and aligned with who they truly are.
Grounded in compassion, curiosity, and emotional integrity, I support clients in navigating life’s challenges with greater self-awareness, resilience, and clarity.
My work is rooted in the belief that even in the midst of overwhelm or uncertainty, it’s possible to create a meaningful life that enhances well-being and feels like yours.
"This isn’t about fixing you—it’s about guiding you back to the version of yourself that’s always been there: grounded, intuitive, and free from the need to prove or please.”
— Vanessa Bauer
Get Started Today & Take The First Step In Your Healing Journey
Get Started Today & Take The First Step In Your Healing Journey
The 4 Easy Steps To Take as A New Client
Begin with a free consultation. This is a chance for us to talk about your goals, and what you hope to gain from this experience. We’ll explore whether we are a good fit to work together and any logistics and any questions you have.
Step 1: Book a Consultation
The first 1-2 sessions will be more of a collaborative assessment where we’ll dive deeper into understanding your challenges, strengths, and goals. This stage helps us develop your treatment plan which is always tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Assessment
This is the core phase of therapy where you’ll actively engage in reflective dialogue. It’s about helping you understand and address emotional, cognitive and behavioural challenges through open discussions and building techniques that support your personal growth and lead to positive changes.
Step 3: Treatment
Therapy concludes when goals are met, and you feel more confident in managing challenges independently. This stage involves reviewing progress, discussing relapse prevention, and providing closure to ensure a smooth transition out of therapy.
With that being said, I have an open-door philosophy and welcome anyone who wants to reengage in therapy, whether they need more support, have new goals or want to explore different aspects themselves.
Therapy can be adaptive and flexible meeting you where you are at.
Step 4: Termination
The Calmer, More Confident You!
Get immediate access to this FREE guide!
In this guide, you will get access to 3 evidence-based techniques to help you manage anxiety more effectively. These strategies are designed to empower you to regain control, reduce stress, and build lasting confidence.
Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for practical tools to add to your toolkit, this guide will provide actionable steps you can start using right away.
Let’s Connect
Follow along on social media and join the community
for up-to-date info, resources, education and more!
FAQs
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Rates are $170/ hour.
Some sliding scale spots are available. If you required a reduced rate contact support@vanessabauer.ca for more information.
In order to be respectful of the needs of other clients we ask that you let your therapist know promptly if you are unable to attend your appointment. Appointments are in high demand and a booked appointment is time that is scheduled for your exclusive use.
Providing early cancellation gives use the opportunity to provide care to another individual.
If you need to cancel your scheduled appointment, we require that you either cancel it in your online schedule or email us at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments that are not cancelled within policy guidelines will incur a charge equivalent to the scheduled sessions full fee.
Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstance. Outstanding balances must be paid in full prior to rescheduling.
To cancel appointments email us at support@vanessabauer.ca or sign in here. -
Hopefully! Most benefit plans cover our services.
It is up to you to ensure that your benefits cover Masters of Social Work (MSW) or Registered Social Worker (RSW). It can be helpful to look into your benefit coverage before your first session so that you have any idea of coverage before hand. This information is helpful to share in your first session as it can support your treatment plan and sessions moving forward. After each session, you will be given an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
If you don't have coverage you can claim services as medical expense when filing your income tax returns. -
The first session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. Typically the session starts by going over paperwork and answering any questions you may have before the process begins. Next your therapist will invite you to share what is bringing you to therapy and what you will like to get out of the process. They will listen deeply and ask you questions along the way with the hope that by the end of the conversation your therapist will have a better understanding of what your goals are. They can then recommend a treatment plan or approach that would best suit your needs and discuss a plan for your work together.
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Finding the right therapist is an important decision and can greatly impact your therapeutic journey. It's crucial that you feel comfortable and confident in the person you're choosing to guide you. A free consultation can be an excellent opportunity to get a sense of the therapist's approach and whether it resonates with you.
When considering a therapist, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Comfort and Trust: Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? It's essential to feel at ease sharing your thoughts and feelings with them, as a trusting relationship is the foundation for effective therapy.
Confidence in Their Approach: Does the therapist come across as confident and knowledgeable in their work? A therapist who believes in their approach and expertise can help you feel more secure in the process.
Alignment with Your Needs: Does their approach match what you're looking for? It’s important that their methods and philosophy align with your specific needs and goals.
Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Has the therapist done their own inner work? A therapist who has invested in their own personal growth can better empathize with your experiences and guide you effectively through your own process.
It's okay do ask your therapist questions about the above so you can get a better sense of who they are and how they may be able to best support you!
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The frequency of therapy sessions is as unique as you are—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on your personal history, goals, and the support systems you have in place. Some clients come for a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others benefit from ongoing therapy for months or even years especially as they work through more complex issues. At Bauer Counselling and Psychotherapy we work with you for as long as you need at a pace that works best for you.
Starting with weekly or bi-weekly sessions can be a great way to build momentum and create meaningful progress. Over time, the frequency can be adjusted based on your goals, time availability, or budget. Together, we’ll find a pace that works best for you and your needs.