Break Free from Overwhelm, Anxiety, People-Pleasing & Perfectionism
Empowering millennials and teens to reconnect with who they truly are—and create a life that feels
aligned, balanced and calm.
In-Person Therapy in Waterloo, ON &
Virtual Services Across Ontario
Learn Practical Tools for Lasting Change
Learn evidence-based tools to regulate your emotions, set boundaries, and manage stress in real life—not just in theory.
Gain Alignment & Clarity
Explore the root causes of your challenges and develop a deeper understanding of what’s important to you. Clarify your values, trust your inner voice, and start making decisions from a place of confidence—not pressure or perfectionism.
Create Inner Balance
Build healthier relationships—with others and with yourself. Learn how to slow down, honor your needs, and stop swinging between burnout and avoidance.
You’ve Mastered the Art of Holding It All Together—
But At What Cost?
On the outside, you seem like you’ve got it all together—driven, reliable, the one others count on.
But inside, you’re exhausted from striving, second-guessing, and saying “yes” when you’re already overwhelmed.
You’ve tried the tools, read the books, but nothing seems to stick.
You’re not broken—you’ve just been carrying too much for too long.
Now, you’re ready for something different: clarity, alignment, and finally feeling like enough.
This is Different.
Maybe you’ve tried therapy, journaling, or podcasts—only to find yourself stuck in the same emotional patterns.
That’s because this isn’t about coping harder. It’s about understanding the why behind your overwhelm and learning how to live in alignment with who you truly are.
Together, we’ll uncover what’s driving your emotional patterns, shift the beliefs keeping you stuck, and build practical tools for lasting change—from self-doubt to self-trust, from survival mode to balance.
Services
Individual Counselling &
Psychotherapy
In-person sessions are available in Waterloo, On & virtual sessions are available across Ontario
Therapy that’s as unique as you are. In a safe, nurturing space, I’ll guide you through life’s challenges, helping you build emotional resilience, rediscover your inner strength, and create the lasting growth and well-being you’ve been craving. Together, we’ll find the clarity and balance that aligns with who you are and what you need.
DBT group sessions are offered virtually across Ontario
DBT group therapy offers a nurturing space where you can connect with others who truly understand your struggles. Together, we’ll explore powerful tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and strengthen your relationships. You’ll gain practical skills while being supported by a like-minded community, empowering you to create real and lasting change.
DBT Group Therapy
Psychedelic- Assisted Psychotherapy
Offered in-person in Waterloo, ON.
Through my work at Field Trip Health, I offer psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy—a powerful, integrative approach to healing that combines traditional talk therapy with the transformative potential of psychedelics. This approach can help you break through emotional blocks, gain new perspectives on past traumas, and access deep states of healing and insight.
Offered virtually to all.
Through coaching, we’ll work together to build confidence, clarify your goals, and develop actionable strategies for thriving in both your personal and professional life. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, striving for balance, or looking to unlock your full potential, coaching provides the support and guidance you need to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Coaching
Hi, I’m Vanessa Bauer
As a Registered Social Worker and Coach based in Kitchener-Waterloo, I help high-achieving millennials break free from emotional overwhelm, perfectionism, and people-pleasing—so they can finally feel calm, confident, and aligned in their lives.
I blend evidence-based therapy, practical coaching strategies, and my own lived experience with high-functioning anxiety to offer something deeper than just coping skills—I help you reconnect with your true self.
My work is rooted in helping you understand why you feel stuck and overwhelmed, not just how to manage it. Whether you’re navigating burnout, struggling to set boundaries, or trying to quiet your inner critic, I’ll guide you with clarity, compassion, and tools that work.
You don’t need to keep pushing through or proving yourself.
You need space to breathe, tools to self-regulate, and support that sees all of you.
Let’s create lasting change—so you can stop performing, and start living in alignment with who you really are.
About Me
My journey of personal growth and transformation fuels my passion for helping others create lasting change.
I’ve walked the path of self-discovery, and healing, and I’m here to guide you through your own journey with authenticity and care.
When I'm not guiding clients, you’ll find me spending time with my family, savouring a delicious meal, getting lost in a gripping novel, or embracing nature whether on hikes or camping trips.
My Values
I believe in the transformative power of self-discovery, fueled by curiosity, growth, and deep empathy. I honour the healing power of forgiveness, the importance of validation, and the strength found in embracing change. These values guide my work and my commitment to helping you reconnect with your authentic self, allowing you to step into your fullest potential.
I also believe that every individual possesses the strength to overcome challenges and create a life they love to live. As your therapist, I am honoured to walk beside you on this journey, providing support, gudiance and a roadmap to the best version of yourself.
"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. We'll discuss your goals, and what you hope to gain from this experience. We will also explore whether we are a good fit to work together. It often involves an overview of the therapeutic process and establishing rapport.
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 in forming a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2: Assessment
This is the core phase of therapy where you’ll actively engage in interventions, strategies, and discussions to address your concerns, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change.
Step 3: Treatment
Step 4: Termination
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.
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 for up to date info, resources, education and more!
FAQs
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.