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Erin Lipsitt, MSW, RSW

Psychotherapy and Counselling Services 

Erin Lipsitt provides professional counselling support to adolescents and adults who are struggling with emotional, situational or relationship issues.  Using various evidenced-based therapies, Erin works with clients to create an individualized treatment approach that will focus on skill development, insight  and direction for meaningful change.

more about me

Is Counselling Right for Me?

If you’re wondering if counselling is for you, here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you get overwhelmed by intense feelings and just don’t know what to do with them?
  • Do feel like there’s something wrong with you because you seem more sensitive than other people?
  • Are you confused by the conflict you have in your relationships and struggle asserting yourself without feeling guilty or frustrated?
  • Do you struggle with motivation and getting things done that you feel you should be able to do?
  • Are you a parent, who feels worried or helpless about your child or teen and you are wondering where the two of you got off track?

If you answered yes to any of the above, I’m glad you’re here.

You have options.  You can continue to manage the way you’ve been have been.  You’ve likely gotten through some pretty tough situations and feelings already using some coping strategies you already have – but maybe they just aren’t working as well as they used to – or they have always come with their side effects and limitations.  Maybe it doesn’t have to be this hard…

What Can I Talk About? Is My Issue Too Big?

No issue is too big or too small.  My goal is to ensure you are at ease and that this is a good experience for you. People come to counselling for a variety of reasons, some really big and some not so big. Here is just some of what teens and adults talk about:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety /Panic
  • Addiction
  • Relationship Conflicts
  • Perfectionism
  • Loneliness
  • Self Esteem
  • Body Image
  • Grief and Loss
  • Low motivation
  • Self Harm
  • Thoughts of Suicide

About Me

Hello... I'm Erin.

I am a Master’s Level trained social worker with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, families and adults.  I’ve been told that my warmth, compassion, and ability to make sense of confusing thoughts and feelings brings insight and hope, which is key to creating meaningful change. 

Currently I work as a therapist at the University of Guelph in the Counselling Services department, and I have previously worked in a number of community and hospital based programs supporting mental health.  My approach to therapy integrates principles from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).  If you don’t know what each of these therapies are right now, no worries, skip ahead to get to know more about me outside of work. As we work together, I can introduce you to the approaches that we use as we go.

When I take my therapist hat off, you’ll find me at yoga, spin class, running or frolicking with my adorable puppy, Theo.  Moving makes me feel connected, present and engaged in life and it is one of the ways I cope with strong emotional experiences.  I’m also the mother of two incredible teenage boys, Jacob and Nate, who continue to teach me daily the importance of letting go of the word “should” and embracing the you that you are.

I look forward to connecting soon

Therapeutic Services

Mood Therapy

Whether it be depression, anxiety or other intense feelings, it can be challenging to apply skills in the moment to manage these feelings effectively. Knowing what to do and how to do it can be confusing and overwhelming. Often we end up blaming ourselves for not doing what we think we should do, which makes change difficult. Fortunately, there are many proven techniques we can implement so you can be more productive and content in the life you want to live.

Building Healthy Relationships

Relationships are often a trigger for strong emotions. It can be incredibly hard to express what you need if you're afraid of disappointing others or have trouble setting boundaries. Perhaps you struggle with a sense of belonging or experience strong conflict in your relationships? Identifying needs, as well as healthy ways to communicate them is an important interpersonal skill that can help you live a more fulfilling life.

Finding Direction

Adolescence and adulthoodhood is a time when we start to prioritize what’s important and find our meaning and purpose. Sometimes it's similar to what our family, culture or peers believe is important. Often it's different. This can lead to a strong sense of confusion and a time of questioning ourselves. Or sometimes we find ourselves in the later stages of life, looking at career options, changes in family life or structure. Life changes can take their toll and having support through these transitions can provide clarity to make the choices that best suit your needs.

Parenting support

Children and teens are in a constant process of exploring and changing. It can be difficult to know how to best support their growth at the various stages of change. There is nothing that pulls at our vulnerabilities more than the well-being of our child. It can be challenging to balance being supportive and communicating your own boundaries, as a parent and within your own family. Having space to support you along your journey can make your parenting experience more meaningful and in line to your own parenting values.

Are You Ready?

If you’re ready to move closer to living your life with meaning and purpose, counselling might be the right next step for you.

You may be wondering if reaching out and feeling vulnerable is worth it?  Or, maybe you’re anxious, unsure what to expect?  Counselling can often be a big unknown – what happens in therapy, anyway? 

At our first session, we will spend some time going over the intake forms, and beginning to get to know you and your story at your own pace. You can ask questions or bring a list of things you would like to cover. Based on your goals and concerns, we will start to put together a plan of support for you. Every session is individualized based on your own personal needs.

If it’s helpful to connect in person, email or on the phone to talk where you are at and what you might need, I would be happy to do so.  

Warmly,

Erin

FAQ & Other Helpful Information

The therapy office is located at 22 Mill Street, Waterdown ON.  It is the red brick building just south of The American House restaurant, with the entrance and parking off Mill Street (which turns into Waterdown Road as it goes south toward Burlington). Parking is free of charge. When you enter through the door at the front of the building and have a seat in the waiting area and I will come out to greet you.

The first session, perhaps the first few sessions, the focus will be on getting to know you and your needs.  This means I will ask you questions such as who you live with, your relationships, school, work, what you enjoy, and what changes you want to make in your life.  After I have a clearer understanding of what brought you to therapy, I will share my impressions and ideas about what could be helpful moving forward.   I am a big believer in taking therapy out the door with you, meaning I will encourage you to either practice skills or notice insights discovered together throughout the week.  


Trust and confidentiality are central to therapy.  This means that information that is shared in the session is kept confidential and not shared with people outside the session without your consent.  There are limitations however which we will review in person at the first session.

Your confidentiality is the priority.  In some situations parental involvement can be helpful.  Whether it is understanding your parent’s concerns, giving a general description about our direction for therapy or involving them so that they can learn how to support change, we will talk together to see if you’re comfortable with this and if it makes sense based on your situation.

If you are a parent, I’d encourage you to click here for FAQ for parents of teens who are starting counselling:

For Parents of Teens Starting Counselling

60 Minute sessions are $150

Many extended health benefit programs will cover the cost of counselling with a Registered Social Worker. Additionally, services provided by a Registered Social Worker are tax deductible as a medical expense.  Upon payment, you will be provided with a receipt which you can submit for reimbursement. 

Please check with your insurance company to clarify your coverage plan before the first session.

Payment is due at each session and payable by cash, cheque, or email transfer (please ask for the e-transfer password to use prior to sending).

The process of therapy is difficult to accurately describe in general terms. It’s a very diverse journey for each person, depending on their unique personality, experiences, and circumstances. Because therapy involves talking about difficult situations and/or emotions, it can sometimes be a stressful process; you won’t always feel ‘better’ or ‘happy’ at the end of a session. On the other hand, therapy often leads to improved quality of relationships, problem solving skills, reduced distress, and an increase in overall resiliency.

Read more here on ‘What is Therapy?’

Contact

Contact me

email: info@erinlipsitt.com
phone: 289-230-5504

Availability

In-person & virtual options

Address

22 Mill Street, South
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0

Everybody is Welcome at
Erin Lipsitt Psychotherapy and Counselling Services

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