Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Mental Health Counseling Services in Waterloo
Shalom Counselling has been dedicated to fostering mental well-being in the Waterloo Region since 1983. Our mission centers on providing inclusive, accessible counseling services that integrate emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions to support individuals, couples, families, and communities. We prioritize affordability through an equity-based sliding fee scale, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to care. Our team of registered professionals adheres to best practices, emphasizing peace, excellence, and diversity in all aspects of service delivery.As a founding member of the Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region, we collaborate with local agencies to enhance community mental health resources. Our values reflect a commitment to anti-oppressive practices, cultural sensitivity, and holistic healing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. With over four decades of experience, we continue to adapt to evolving community needs while maintaining our core belief that supportive relationships and meaningful conversations are foundational to personal growth and resilience.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couple Counseling
Family Counseling
Group Therapy
Workplace Mental Health
Faith-Based Counseling
Community Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer sliding-fee scale services to ensure affordability for all clients.
- Our counselors are registered professionals with expertise in diverse therapeutic approaches.
- We prioritize anti-oppressive, culturally sensitive practices in a welcoming environment.
- As part of CCWR, we collaborate to expand local mental health resources.
- We integrate spiritual and emotional dimensions into personalized care plans.
Associations and certifications
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
- Counselling Collaborative of Waterloo Region (CCWR)
Services
Individual Counseling
Personalized counseling sessions address emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our registered therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Clients benefit from a safe, non-judgmental space to explore personal growth and healing.
Couple Counseling
Relationship therapy helps couples navigate communication issues, conflict resolution, and intimacy challenges. Sessions focus on strengthening emotional connections and fostering mutual understanding. Our counselors support diverse relationship structures with culturally sensitive, inclusive practices.
Group Therapy
Facilitated group sessions provide peer support for shared experiences like grief, anxiety, or parenting challenges. Participants gain insights through collective dialogue while maintaining confidentiality. Groups are led by experienced therapists to ensure structured, productive interactions.
Workplace Mental Health
Customized mental health programs for workplaces include stress management workshops and employee counseling. Services aim to enhance organizational well-being and reduce burnout through proactive strategies. Our team collaborates with employers to create supportive, inclusive environments.
Faith-Based Counseling
Counseling that incorporates spiritual exploration for clients seeking faith-aligned support. Therapists respect diverse beliefs and facilitate discussions on meaning, purpose, and ethical concerns. This service bridges psychological and spiritual dimensions for holistic healing.
People
Susan Schwartzentruber
Executive Director
With over two decades of leadership in mental health, Susan oversees Shalom's strategic direction and community partnerships. She advocates for accessible care and champions anti-oppressive practices across all programs.
Joelle Martin Root
Clinical Director
Joelle leads clinical operations, ensuring high standards in therapeutic practices and staff development. Her expertise in trauma-informed care shapes Shalom's approach to client-centered, inclusive services.
Andrea Areguy
Registered Social Worker
Andrea provides individual and family counseling with a focus on trauma recovery and resilience-building. Her client-centered approach emphasizes cultural sensitivity and holistic well-being.
Mark Gedcke
Registered Psychotherapist
Mark specializes in anxiety disorders and mindfulness-based therapies. He integrates spiritual exploration into counseling for clients seeking meaning-centered healing.
Greg Chandler Burns
Business and Operations Director
Greg manages Shalom's financial and operational systems, ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining accessibility for underserved populations.
Questions
What types of counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, couple, family, and group counseling, along with workplace and faith-based mental health services tailored to diverse needs.
Are your services affordable?
Yes, we use a sliding fee scale based on income to ensure accessibility, with 90% of clients receiving reduced rates through donor support.
Do you accept insurance?
Clients may submit receipts for reimbursement through private insurance plans covering registered social workers or psychotherapists.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us via phone during office hours or complete our online form to begin the intake process and discuss availability.
Are evening or weekend sessions available?
Evening appointments are offered, though office hours are Monday-Thursday. Crisis support referrals are provided for urgent needs.
What if I need immediate mental health support?
For crises, contact local emergency services, call 9-8-8, or reach out to Camino Wellbeing at 1-519-743-6333 for walk-in counseling.
Videos
Reviews (2)
K. Rh
Sep 16, 2020
Report
This place is very dangerous for mental health, an experience I dont wish upon anyone. Peter Boullata mocked my addiction, was judgemental, unprofessional, and the list goes on. Keep in mind counsellors are human too and not everything they say or do is right. This place is horrid, I would honestly urge anyone looking for support to consider other options.
B. A.
Aug 21, 2020
Report
I like this place. Katie (the receptionist) is very friendly and Melody (my counsellor) is awesome! Their rates are also lower than in most places.
