Cheryl’s counselling practice is currently on a waitlist. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please send an email on the contact page.

Cheryl offers personal counselling, psychotherapy, life coaching in Waterdown, Ontario, serving the areas of Burlington, Hamilton, Waterdown, and Guelph, and surrounding areas. Please email for more information on booking an appointment, and continue reading below for more information on services.

Cheryl sees youth from grade 7 and older, and adults of all ages.

Find on this page (in this order):

  • Information about Cheryl

  • "The Paperwork" to print off and bring to counselling

  • Information on rates and questions about coverage

  • Helpful mental health and motivational resources

  • More information about Cheryl's additional qualifications and training.

About Cheryl

In practice for over 10 years, Cheryl has worked as a counsellor in private practice as well as at both Sheridan College and at the University of Guelph. With a background and B.Ed in teaching and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she specializes in working with young people (see more on her approach with young people here), anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, grief, loss of direction, prenatal and post-natal support, and infertility struggles, as well as other life concerns. Cheryl welcomes all spiritual and religious practices, cultures, orientations, and lifestyles. Read more about the story behind how and why Cheryl started her counselling career here.

Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gottman Couple's Counselling approaches, and narrative and existential approaches, Cheryl works to meet your needs in a way that feels most comfortable for you. Compassionate and easy-going, you will feel welcomed and accepted in her office, where everything is completely safe and confidential.

She is a registered psychotherapist, R.P. #002253. See additional qualifications and training for Cheryl further down on this page.

Some of her favourite blog posts she has written:

Tips for parents of teens, looking for counselling for their teen:

If at all possible, have your youth, teen, or young adult look around on my site, and talk with them about the idea of attending counselling. If you can, try to help them be a partner in choosing their counsellor - whether it is me or whether it is someone else that they choose. The work we will be able to do together will be much more successful if they are part of the initial process so that they can have a voice in this choice and their experience with counselling will usually be much more rewarding and beneficial. Let me know if you have any questions about how to approach your youth, teen, or young adult about the idea of counselling. Be sure to also look at and review the FAQ for Parents document linked below in the forms section. My contact information can be found here. 

The Paperwork and Forms

On the day of your first appointment, you will need to bring the following completed four forms. The first is an intake form, which asks some basic information about you and what brings you to counselling - please select either the youth version or the regular version as appropriate.

The next form is a consent form around services and confidentiality, and an additional form after that about electronic  and other office communication.

The next is a consent form around payment and fees (if you are the parent of a teen, you can review and sign this form). They are linked here below:

1. For the regular Intake Form, click here, and for a youth Intake Form (still in school/university), click here. 

2. Please print, read carefully, and sign this confidentiality and consent form here.

3. Please print, read carefully, and sign this form regarding electronic and other office communications here.  

4. Please print, read carefully, and sign this fee and payment consent form here. 

*For PARENTS of teen clients - please read this information about counselling for your teen, here.

If you do not have access to a printer there these forms can be made available at the beginning of your session time, but to save time in your appointment, it helps if you are able to fill these forms out ahead of the appointment. All of these forms will be reviewed at the start of your first session. 

Your Appointment

Confidentiality:

Every session is confidential and at no time will any records be shared without your explicit written permission, unless a situation involving personal or public safety is involved that requires disclosure by regulations (see the consent form  under "The Paperwork" for full information and details).

Directions and Parking:

Cheryl's office is located in the office tower building at 35 Main St. North in Waterdown. There is parking at the back of the building. Enter through the double glass doors at the back left side of the building. Cheryl will give you further directions as you book an appointment.

Arriving:

Feel free to bring a book or work/homework with you while you wait. Please take a seat and Cheryl will come out to get you as she finishes with her previous client.

What To Expect?

For Cheryl's full blog post on What to Expect from Counselling, read more here. For other basic information about counselling with Cheryl, read more below.

Your First Meeting:

Feel free to bring a drink or snack to appointments if you want to. Cheryl will bring you to her office where you can set your things down. Cheryl will then go over the intake forms with you.

What Do You Talk About?

Once you get through the paperwork, there is really no right or wrong answer for this – the discussion tends to go wherever you need to take it. Counselling is a tool to help you address whatever concerns you may have in the way that you feel most comfortable. Cheryl may ask you about certain goals that you have for counselling, including what styles or approaches you may find helpful in your sessions together, as well as how she can be most helpful to you.

What Goes on in a Session?

This can be different for every person. Some people are looking for strategies, approaches, and skills, or to work through some aspects on a therapy approach like CBT. Some people are looking for a safe space to just talk through their concerns, feelings, and emotions, or are looking for a space to reflect, learn, or gain some insight or support. Think a bit about what you might find most helpful and feel free to share this with Cheryl.

What's Next?

After your first appointment, Cheryl will talk with you about what you would like to see as a plan for your time together in counselling. You can talk about how many sessions you are hoping for, the spacing and timing of sessions, and what goals you may have. Appointments tend to be booked either weekly, every other or every three weeks, as a monthly check-in point, or in a book-as-needed style.

Cheryl will also ask how the session was for you. Did her approach match your needs? Is there anything she can do differently to be more helpful to you?

The Counselling Relationship

The most important aspect that determines the success of your time in counselling is your relationship with your therapist, so if there is anything Cheryl can do to better meet your needs, please let her know. She wants you to feel comfortable with your sessions above all else. The speed, the topics, and the direction of counselling are all up to you - and Cheryl can make suggestions as to what you can work on next if you get stuck.

Counselling relationships are dynamic, collaborative relationships where honesty and openness is most helpful, and feedback is always welcome, so feel free to share and build your plan together. Cheryl can help guide you as you go.

Appointment Frequency

Many clients start out with weekly sessions and then move to bi-weekly, every third week, or monthly sessions as needed once some of the work is underway. Cheryl works to fit each client's needs and preferences, so just let her know what you had in mind for setting up a schedule. Please inform Cheryl of any session limits (financial considerations through benefits, time constraints, etc.) to be aware of when starting sessions.

Rates and Coverage

Rates are $195 per 50 minute therapeutic session (appointments are booked for an hour time slot, with 50 therapeutic minutes, and the extra 10 minutes for payment and rescheduling).

*Please note that cancellations require 24 hours notice, or a full charge for the session applies. In times of inclement weather, Cheryl’s in-person cancellation policy matches the school closures - if schools are closed, then clients are able to cancel with no charge after the 24-hour time period if they feel they cannot make it to their appointment safely. Virtual services can be arranged as an alternate option as well.

Am I Covered By Insurance?

Many insurance policies cover psychotherapy delivered by Registered Psychotherapists - please check with your individual provider prior to your first appointment, as every individual plan holder (i.e. employer, rather than overall company like SunLife, etc.) is in charge of setting up their own specific coverage details.

What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, and a Psychotherapist?

A Psychologist holds a Ph.D, while an Psychotherapist (RP) holds a Master's degree or equivalent. A Psychologist has the ability to diagnose clients and do certain diagnostic testing, which an RP cannot do. Your family doctor is also able to diagnose for mental health and they are covered by OHIP (if that is something you are looking for).

A Psychologist may be a good choice for complex and persistent mental illnesses, or if you require specific testing, or assessments, reports, and so on, as they do have a more specific level of training in those areas. Both RP's and Psychologists are trained in and offer therapy approaches like CBT, ACT, trauma-based, and narrative approaches, as well as safe and supportive counselling spaces for clients.

A Psychiatrist has gone to medical school to become a doctor, and has chosen to specialize in mental health and mental illness. They have their M.D., and to see one, generally require a referral from a family doctor. Psychiatrists are covered by OHIP, and their service can vary with each provider regarding how much ongoing therapy they offer, wait lists, and how much they focus on medication and symptom management. You may be able to ask your family doctor these questions as you are seeking the right treatment for your needs.

Questions?

Please don't hesitate to contact Cheryl if you have any additional questions or concerns about the counselling process.

Helpful Resources

These are some of my favourite resources I often refer clients to:

Brene Brown Videos (Vulnerability, Shame, and Trust):

TEDtalks and Motivational Videos:

Mental Health Websites and Online CBT modules:

Anxiety and Stress Management:

Relationships:

  • 5 Languages of Love - Learn what your love language is, how you communicate best with your partner, and how to work together to find a communication style that meets both of your needs

LGBTQ+ Resources:

  • It Gets Better – A campaign of videos from celebrities as well as every day youth and adults sharing their story on how life gets better, and not to give up hope during difficult times arise in dealing with your sexual orientation. See here for a video from It Gets Better Canada. http://ok2bme.ca/videos/802

  • To My Grade 7 Self – a video from the perspective of bullies looking back on their actions towards LGBTQ youth and sharing their insight towards change from Get REAL

  • Born This Way Foundation – Supporting and empowering youth and a portal to share stories of bravery for all diversity and individuality

Grief and Loss:

  • Bereaved Families of Ontario - Provides opportunities for the bereaved to share their experiences; and to receive support, understanding, and compassion from others who are also bereaved. The organization offers peer support groups and other supportive programming and workshops.

  • The Coping Centre – located in Cambridge, this is a resource centre that you can visit to freely engage in the process of grieving and mourning, as well as connect with others that may be experiencing grief and loss

  • Dr. Alan Wolfelt – books and resources to help with grief and mourning that focus on working through and supporting grief and mourning, instead of “treating” the emotions as if they were a disorder.

24/7 Help Phonelines:

Mental Health Phone Apps:

  • Headspace – (free, android and iphone) - for mindfulness meditation

  • Buddhify - (one time fee, android and iphone) - 80 guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.

  • Always There - (free, android and iphone) - App from KidsHelpPhone to get support on the go, safely and anonymously.

  • Be Safe - (free, android and iphone) – create a safety plan for yourself that you can access quickly in times of need.

  • Mindshift - (free, android and iphone) - help cope with anxiety by learning how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and indentify steps to help take charge of your anxiety.

  • Pacifica - (free, android and iphone) - tool to help track mood, goals, health, CBT exercises, thought patterns, and relaxation exercises.

  • PositiveU - (free, android) - practice the things you like about yourself and work on your relationship with yourself.

  • 7 Cups of Tea - (free, android and iphone) - connect through chat to a trained listener to discuss any problems you may be having, to vent, or to get some advice or resources, or just to talk. Free, anonymous, and confidential. Also can be used in your browser.

  • Rise up + Recover - (free, android and iphone) App to help with eating disorders - food, dieting, exercise, and body image.

  • Sleep Cycle - ($0.99, android and iphone) - App that monitor's your sleep cycle and wakes you at the lightest point of sleep so you can wake up feeling less drowsy

  • Walk Me Up - (free, android and iphone) Alarm that wakes you up by requiring you to walk a certain amount of steps to help you make it to early morning classes or get you out of bed on difficult days

  • Blue Light Dimming - search for this on your device's app store, they are free and easy to use, use it on your device at least 30 minutes before you plan to sleep.

Qualifications and Training

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - M.A.C.P.

  • Yorkville University, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Bachelor of Education, B.Ed - I/S Biology and Math

  • University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Oshawa, Ontario

Bachelor of Science (Honours), B.ScH in Biology and Psychology

  • Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

Guidance 1 Additional Qualification Course

  • University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario

Social Sciences Additional Basic Qualification Course

  • University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario

Professional Development and Additional Qualifications

  • Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT) 2 Day Course - Lindsay Chipman, Mark Vail, Feb and Oct 2020

  • IFS Informed EMDR Treatment - Bruce Hersey, April 2019

  • EMDR Trained - EMDRIA-Approved Training Levels 1 and 2 - April 2018

  • Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy: Assessment, Intervention, and Co-Morbidities - The Gottman Institute

  • EMDR Trauma Therapy - EMDRIA Basic Training - 2017

  • Internal Family Systems for Trauma Therapy - Dr. Richard Schwartz, Toronto

  • Level 1 Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy - The Gottman Institute

  • The Heart and Soul of Therapy - Dr. Scott Miller - University of Guelph

  • 10 Best-Ever Depression Management Techniques – Leading Edge Seminars

  • Solution-Focused Therapy – John Beaton – University of Guelph

  • Summit on Mental Health and Substance Abuse for Schools, Colleges, and Universities

  • Working with the Problem of Low Self-Esteem – Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

  • Summit on Children and Youth Mental Health – Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health

  • Companioning vs. Treating the Mourner – Dr. Alan Wolfelt – 2 days

  • Youth Advocacy Training Institute (YATI) Training for Peer Mentors

  • Aboriginal Cultural Safety, Phone Apps, and Circle of Care: OUCHA Conference

  • MHFA: Mental Health First Aid for Adults Who Interact With Youth (MHFA)

  • Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB) – 2-Day Certification

  • Therapist Creativity, Playfulness, and Presence - Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

  • ASIST Training – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

  • Healing and Flourishing Through Personal Meaning – 2-Day INPM Conference

  • Working with Trauma and Awareness of Occupational Trauma – OCC Conference

  • Solution-Focused Therapy Basic Skills (SFBT) – TAPE studies

  • Opioid Problems, Treatment Solutions – CAMH

  • Narrative Therapy with Grief and Loss – Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

  • Mapping Narrative Therapeutic Conversation – Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

  • Special Features of Sudden Death, Trauma Loss & Suicide Grief – Dr. Alan Wolfelt

  • Exploring Eight Critical Questions for When Someone Dies – Dr. Alan Wolfelt

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Direct Service Workers – Hincks-Dellcrest Centre

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy – Hincks-Dellcrest

  • Anxiety Traps and CBT Antidotes – Dr. Christine Padesky

  • safeTALK Certification – Suicide Awareness Training

  • LGBTTIQ Training – Sheridan College

AODA/Accessibility

Please email cherylmbradshaw@gmail.com if you require any of the above information in an alternate format in compliance with AODA.