Student Counselling for Uwaterloo and Laurier Students - Trillium Counselling

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University life brings many new experiences—and with them, new pressures and challenges. It’s common for students to find it hard to prioritize their mental well-being while balancing school, work, and social expectations. At Trillium Counselling, we understand these unique challenges and are here to support you every step of the way.

Our therapy team have helped students across Ontario discover practical strategies and renewed confidence, and we’re committed to making therapy accessible—even on a student budget. You deserve support as you build the life you want.

Fortunately, many colleges and universities are starting to recognize that students are struggling, as well as the value of therapy to support them. Many students have tight budgets and fear that therapy is too expensive. However, an increasing number of student benefit plans are set up to make mental health services accessible

It's worthwhile to explore your benefits even if you're not ready to start therapy, so you are prepared. College life moves fast, and you deserve the support you need when things get tough. We are proud to offer direct billing to students under the above plans, in order to ease the barrier of entry and make it as accessible as possible.

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Stress Reduction

Simply having someone who will listen to your problems without judging you can ease the pressure you feel. Talking things through in a safe environment is often a great start to feeling better. A therapist can give you perspective on what you're dealing with and help you explore potential solutions.

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Developing Skills

Therapy can help you build skills that help you navigate daily stress and conflict. From organizational techniques to coping mechanisms for anxiety, a therapist can equip you to live the life you want.

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Healing from Trauma

You don't have to be controlled by trauma responses such as PTSD. Therapy can guide you to confront and overcome experiences that haunt you. It can be scary to talk about difficult subjects, but it's a powerful way to reclaim your life.

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Prepare for the future

College is supposed to educate you, so you can be successful in life. Therapy can do the same thing, setting you up for better mental health down the road. Paying attention to your emotional needs now can help you avoid problems in the future.

Next, you will typically talk about what brings you to therapy and your goals for the process. This step directs what comes next. Are you there to address a specific issue, such as procrastination? If so, you will typically plan to meet certain measurable goals. Especially if you're using a therapist who uses an approach such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, you can expect to make progress in a limited number of sessions.

On the other hand, if your goal is open-ended, such as exploring past trauma or difficult emotions, your goals may take longer and be less concrete. Regardless, you should have an idea of what to expect next. As therapy progresses, you will probably reassess your goals periodically. It's perfectly reasonable to adjust your expectations and approach if you want to.

Again, a professional therapist won't be offended by you advocating for yourself and your needs.

Therapy works best when the 'fit' is right with your therapist. That’s why we carefully match you with someone whose expertise fits your needs and preferences. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key to creating a supportive and effective experience.

Before meeting your therapist, you’ll complete a brief intake form. Your first 50‑minute session focuses on what brings you in, your goals, relevant history, and what success would look like. We’ll explain confidentiality and co‑create a plan so you know what comes next. It’s normal to feel nervous—your therapist will guide the pace.

The frequency of sessions depends on your needs and goals. Many people start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments and adjust as they make progress. The total number of sessions is unique to you—your therapist will work with you to find the right approach.

University life comes with its own set of demands—juggling assignments, friendships, work, and major life transitions.

At Trillium Counselling, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your personal journey.

Our therapists may use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you manage stress and anxious thoughts, EMDR to address difficult memories or trauma, or Solution-Focused Therapy to create practical steps forward.

Our therapists can also draw on Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you find strength, clarify your values, and build resilience as you navigate this important time. Every approach is personalized to support you with warmth and understanding.

Yes. Both University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier students have extended health benefits that cover counselling with our team.

University of Waterloo students: Coverage is up to $800 per benefit year (Sept–Aug), with a maximum of 80% per visit. Services are covered when you see a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW), Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Trillium Counselling can direct bill through Securian/Greenshield, making it easier to access care.
Wilfrid Laurier students: Coverage is up to $1000 per benefit year (Sept–Aug), with a maximum of $100 per visit (or 80% if less than $100). Sessions are covered when you see a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW), Registered Psychotherapist (RP). We also offer direct billing for Laurier students, so you won’t need to submit receipts yourself.