Right for you if you’re working through a relationship,
separation or women concerns.
Individual, Couples and Teen Therapist
in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.
Jennifer Clarke - Registered Psychotherapist
Individual, Couples and Teen Therapist
Populations Served: Adults, Youth (14+) and Couples
Services: Individual and Couples Counselling
Therapies Practiced: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Yoga, Person-Centered Therapy, and Family Systems.
Focus: anxiety, depression, family and relationship conflict, separation and divorce, parenting and co-parenting challenges, work- and school-related stress, bullying and social aggression, life transitions, trauma, difficulties with coping skills, emotional and behavioural regulation, issues of self-esteem and self-compassion, as well as matters of spirituality
Languages Spoken: English
Insurance Designation: Master of Science in Family Relations and Human Development, Registered Psychotherapist
Jennifer Clarke, Registered Psychotherapist in Waterloo
​
Looking for a therapist in Waterloo who understands how your past experiences can affect the way you feel, think and connect with others?
​
I’m Jennifer Clarke, a Registered Psychotherapist at Beyond Happiness Counselling in Waterloo. I bring 26 years of experience supporting people through life's challenges, along with a Master of Science degree and training as a Certified Yoga Teacher.
I work with preteens, teenagers, adults and older adults, as well as couples and families. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, navigating relationship difficulties or trying to make sense of experiences from your past, therapy can offer a space to slow down, reflect and explore what you need.
​
My approach is warm, collaborative and flexible. Rather than using the same approach with everyone, I draw from different therapeutic approaches to create support that fits you, your circumstances and your goals.
​
At Beyond Happiness Counselling, I offer in-person therapy in Waterloo,v irtual therapy across Ontario and Walk-and Talk in the KW Area.
​
I support clients experiencing a range of concerns, including:
-
Anxiety and excessive worry
-
Depression and low mood
-
Stress and emotional overwhelm
-
Trauma and difficult past experiences
-
Relationship challenges
-
Family conflict
-
Parenting concerns
-
Life transitions and major changes
-
Self esteem and self worth
-
Self compassion
-
School related stress
-
Peer and relationship difficulties
-
Divorce and relationship changes
-
Codependency
-
Women's concerns
-
Feeling disconnected from yourself
-
Difficulty coping with emotions or everyday responsibilities
​
I am also a Certified Yoga Teacher and often weave in mindfulness and gentle trauma-informed yoga practices (to those who are interested) to support healing in both mind and body. My hope is that you leave each session feeling heard, supported, and a little more grounded as you move forward.
Throughout my career in research and clinical practice, I have worked with a number of school boards, non-profit agencies, domestic violence shelters, and health care settings such as SickKids Hospital in Toronto.
In my downtime, I maintain balance by spending quality time with friends and family, yoga, and my cello and piano lessons.
I look forward to working with you. I'll put the kettle on. Come in for a cup of tea.
​
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. We can start wherever you are.
​
How I can help
People seek therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes there is a specific challenge that feels difficult to manage. Other times, you may notice the same emotional patterns or relationship struggles repeating, without fully understanding why.
​
I support clients navigating:
Anxiety, stress and overthinking
Anxiety can show up as constant worrying, racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, self doubt or feeling as though you always need to be prepared for something to go wrong. Together, we can explore what may be contributing to your anxiety and develop practical ways to manage stress, regulate emotions and feel more grounded.
​
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Past experiences can continue to influence how you see yourself, respond to stress and relate to other people. Therapy can help you explore these experiences at a pace that feels manageable, understand patterns that may have developed to protect you and build a stronger sense of safety and resilience.​
​
Relationships, couples and family conflict
Relationships can bring connection and meaning, but they can also be a source of pain, frustration and confusion. You may find yourself having the same arguments, struggling to communicate your needs or feeling disconnected from someone important to you.
​
I work with individuals, couples and families to explore communication, emotional patterns, attachment, boundaries and ways to build healthier connections.
​
When you feel persistently low, disconnected, overwhelmed or unlike yourself, even everyday responsibilities can become difficult. Therapy can help you better understand what you are experiencing, reconnect with your strengths and identify realistic steps toward feeling better.
​​
Self esteem, boundaries and self compassion
You might find yourself putting other people first, struggling to say no, questioning your decisions or being much harder on yourself than you would be on someone else. Therapy offers an opportunity to explore these patterns and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
​
Parenting, family changes and life transitions
Changes in family relationships, parenting responsibilities, separation, school, work or other major life events can affect your sense of identity and stability. We can work together to navigate uncertainty, understand your needs and identify ways to move forward.
​
Teen and preteen mental health
Growing up can bring pressure around friendships, school, family expectations, identity and self-esteem. I support younger clients in understanding their emotions, developing coping strategies and navigating relationships and challenges with greater confidence.​
My approach to therapy
I believe meaningful change begins with feeling understood and having the space to explore your experiences without judgment.
​
My approach draws on several therapeutic perspectives, allowing us to find strategies that reflect your individual needs and goals.
​
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you recognize connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and develop more helpful ways of responding to difficult situations.
​
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can support you in making room for difficult emotions while taking steps toward the values and relationships that matter to you.
​
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed strategies can help you strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.
​
Mindfulness and compassion focused approaches can help you become more aware of your internal experiences, respond to yourself with greater kindness and develop practical ways to manage stress.
​
Trauma informed and attachment informed approaches can help you explore how past experiences and relationship patterns influence your current emotional responses and connections with others.
​
Family systems and relationship focused approaches can help you understand the patterns that develop between people and explore healthier ways of communicating and relating.
​
As a Certified Yoga Teacher, I also bring an understanding of mindfulness and the connection between the mind and body into my work where appropriate. When it fits your goals and preferences, we can explore gentle, body aware strategies to support grounding and emotional regulation.
​
You remain an active participant in the process. We will work together to find an approach that feels useful and manageable for you.
Professional qualifications and continuing education
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with a Master of Science degree, 26 years of experience and training as a Certified Yoga Teacher. My professional development includes education in trauma-informed practice, attachment, couples and family relationships, anxiety, depression, mindfulness and emotional regulation.
​
Selected training and professional development
​​
Relationships, couples and family therapy
-
An Introduction to Relational Life Therapy, Terry Real, 2026
-
Staying Regulated and in Charge With Volatile Couples, Dr. Ellyn Bader, The Couples Institute, 2026
-
Turning Anxiety & Self-Doubt into Transformation with Your Clients, Dr. Ellyn Bader, The Couples Institute, 2026
-
Repairing Relationships with Emotionally Focused Therapy, Leading Edge Seminars, 2025
-
How to Identify and Treat Maladaptive Attachment Patterns, NICABM, 2025
-
How to Work with Patients Whose Trauma Triggers Problems in Their Current Relationships, NICABM, 2025
-
New Ways For Families, Community Justice Initiatives, 2017
-
Creative Family Therapy Techniques, Leading Edge Seminars, 2010
-
Tools for Life Training: Relationship-building Solutions, 2014
Trauma, attachment and mind-body approaches
-
Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery, The Embody Lab, 2026
-
Trauma, Attachment, and the Brain, NICABM, 2026
-
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence: Recognition, Response and Resource, CRPO, 2026
-
Trauma Assessment and Resiliency, The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, 2015
-
Childhood Trauma Practitioner's Conference, National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, 2014
-
Trauma, Addictions, and Spirituality Training, Wilfrid Laurier University, Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy, 2014
-
Mindfulness and Affect Regulation Approaches to Trauma Therapy, Leading Edge Seminars, 2013
-
Deconstructing Trauma: Memory Exposure, Mindfulness, and Existential Awareness in Psychotherapy, Leading Edge Seminars, 2010
-
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program, 2007
Anxiety, depression and mental health
-
Personality Traits vs Personality Disorders, MedCircle, 2025
-
Treatment Options and Long-Term Management of Suicidal Ideation, MedCircle, 2025
-
Three Ways to Manage Depression, Three Strategies to Manage Anxiety, MedCircle, 2025
-
Mental Health Guidelines, Homewood Health Centre, 2014
-
Youth Risk and Resiliency, Collaborating on Youth Prevention, 2010
Additional professional training
-
Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), Pranalife Yoga and Teacher Training, 2018
-
Use of Self: Guides for the Therapeutic Relationship, The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, 2015
-
Technology and Human Trafficking, Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART), 2014
​
In person, walk-and-talk, and virtual therapy in Waterloo, Ontario
I see clients at Beyond Happiness Counselling in Waterloo, conveniently located for people living, working or studying in the Kitchener Waterloo area.
​
Our office offers free parking. Virtual therapy is also available to clients across Ontario, subject to availability and eligibility.
​
Whether you prefer to meet in person or online, we can discuss the format that best suits your needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jennifer Clarke
Is Jennifer Clarke a Registered Psychotherapist? Yes. Jennifer Clarke is a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario and provides therapy through Beyond Happiness Counselling in Waterloo.
What does Jennifer specialize in? Jennifer's primary areas of focus include anxiety, depression and stress. She also works with concerns including trauma, relationships, family conflict, parenting, self esteem and life transitions.
Does Jennifer work with teenagers? Yes. Jennifer works with preteens and teenagers as well as adults and older adults.
Does Jennifer offer couples therapy? Yes. Jennifer works with couples as well as individuals and families.
Does Jennifer offer Walk & Talk therapy? Yes. Jennifer offers Walk & Talk therapy through Beyond Happiness Counselling. These sessions take place outdoors at an agreed upon location.
Does Jennifer use mindfulness or yoga in therapy? Jennifer is a Certified Yoga Teacher and may incorporate mindfulness and gentle trauma informed yoga practices when clients are interested and when they are appropriate for the therapeutic work.
Where does Jennifer Clarke provide therapy? Jennifer provides therapy through Beyond Happiness Counselling in Waterloo. The practice is located at Unit #105, 370 University Ave East, Waterloo, Ontario.
How do I know if Jennifer is the right therapist for me? The relationship you build with your therapist matters. If you are looking for a therapist who offers a warm, collaborative approach and support with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationships or life transitions, Jennifer may be someone to consider. If you are unsure, you can contact Beyond Happiness Counselling and we can help you find a therapist based on your concerns, goals and preferences.
Does Jennifer offer online therapy? Yes. Jennifer offers virtual therapy through Beyond Happiness Counselling for clients across Ontario.
Contact us
Address
Opening Hours
Waterloo
370 University Ave East
Unit #105
ON N2K 3N2
226-868-2192
Mon - Fri
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 3:00 pm