What is important in a therapist?

It is essential that both partners experience a sense of connection with the therapist and that both feel a sense of hope in his/her ability to help. Ensure that your therapist has the background training and experience in a well researched approach to couple work. The therapeutic relationship is a primary contributing factor to success in therapy.

How many couples sessions would we need?

This depends on the state of the relationship at the onset of therapy, how willing and able you are to do supplemental work between sessions, how deep one or both partners is feeling hurt and whether there has been attachment trauma (infidelity, a sense of abandonment during vulnerable times such as childbirth, a death, etc.).

Are there steps we can take outside of therapy?

Yes, there are many self-help resources available for you to use that can be helpful also as a supplement to therapy.

What is the cost of therapy?

The cost varies depending on the type of therapy (individual, couples, and families), duration of session, and the therapist's rates. We will discuss these fees with you during your first session. Many insurance plans (extended health benefits and EAP – Employee Assistance Plans) provide funds for therapy if offered by a therapist with an MSW/RP qualification. Therapy fees similarly qualify to be submitted as a medical expense on your tax return. If you are looking for couples therapy and your relationship is basically healthy, you might consider a Couples Retreat, which is a relationship enhancement experience and an economical alternative.

By no means! Many people typically wait to come to therapy years after problems have arisen and patterns become established. EFT has been shown to reduce distress in the most challenged relationships provided both partners are committed to the process of time and work.

Meet the Therapists at Fresh Beginnings Therapy

Mary Luard

Registered Psychotherapist

Registered Social Worker

ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor

I started working with mothers in 1975 when I was a new mother myself, first training in the role of counsellor through La Leche League International with mothers and nursing babies. This evolved naturally into midwifery training and practice between 1978-2002, attending about 1000 births.

Academic Background and Transition to Mental Health

In the course of shifting focus while preserving my best use of self, experience and skills, I attended teacher training at Western University 2002-2003 in secondary school English and Music. I went straight on to be accepted to study for a Master’s degree at WLU and have worked full time in mental health with individuals, couples and families since 2005.

Clinical Practice and Specialized Training

I worked part-time on Family Health Teams (2005-2017), an interdisciplinary setting providing therapy to clients across the age spectrum, working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting issues, trauma, domestic abuse and addictions. I lead the first Hold Me Tight workshops on a Family Health Team in Ontario starting in the spring of 2017. My private practice is primarily couples and I work exclusively from an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) model. I lead the first Hold Me Tight/Let Me Go workshop for parents and teens in March, 2017. I read widely in my field and attend regular professional development workshops and conferences. I began to study Somatic Experiencing® treatment methods for resolution of symptoms of trauma in 2017 and completed requirements for SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner) status.

Global Outreach and Personal Life

I raised five children and lost one adult child in a sudden tragic death. I have two adult step-children and three small grandchildren. I have worked in several countries abroad on medical teams (Burkina Faso and Ghana, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Haiti) and as a teacher (Tanzania) of English and Music and providing HIV awareness workshops to secondary school students. In spring of 2015 I travelled to Hanoi, Vietnam where I introduced EFT and provided mental health trainings to professionals. I travelled to Uganda in Spring, 2018 to work with victims of war trauma and introduced basic EFT to trainees of the Centre for Victims of Torture. During my journey I studied at U of Waterloo for an Hons. B.A. in English literature (1972) and at WLU for an Hons. B. Music degree in Voice (piano second study – 1996) as well as a B. Ed. in English and Music. I am also an active musician (voice, piano and flute), seamstress and avid reader.

Current Clinical Focus

Now I work almost exclusively in the area of trauma recovery and attachment relationships with Individuals, Couples and Families.
Working with couples and families is of special interest to me. I learned early in my adult life the value of a solid and loving relationship as the foundation of a family and a protective feature in development of resiliency and overall well-being. Conversely, a distressed relationship contributes to poor mental, emotional and physical health. I had the privilege to watch the seeding and growth of families as a midwife.

‍It is a joy for me to be part of restoring and enhancing healthy couple and family relationships. I have been trained in the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) approach based on adult love attachment theory developed and researched by Dr. Sue Johnson (www.holdmetight.com). I am Certified with the International Centre for Excellence in EmotionallyFocused Therapy. I have attended a Hold Me Tight couples retreat with my husband and have lead many HMT weekends in Waterloo-Wellington since February, 2015. I have experience with and feel very comfortable working with couples from different cultures, cross-cultures, same gender couples, couples of all ages. I find meaning in fostering and restoring connection in this world, one relationship at a time.

‍Along with my colleagues, I am working hard to master the art of working with individuals through the EFT lens (EFIT – Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy). I marvel at the effectiveness of this work.The website outlining my trauma work can be found here: www.safetywithin.com.

Molly Molnar

Registered Psychotherapist

Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and it’s so important to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable to truly connect. I deeply understand how hard that first step can be because my own journey in psychotherapy has been profoundly shaped by my personal experiences. My path has not been a straight line. I’ve faced my own struggles and losses, which have informed my work and deepened my empathy for those navigating life’s difficulties.

Commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

In addition to my personal journey, my work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has been a cornerstone of my practice. I have had the privilege of connecting with individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities, each facing unique challenges. This work has shown me not only the depth of the struggles this community endures but also the incredible strength and resilience within it. Witnessing this resilience has only deepened my passion for helping people feel truly heard, heal past wounds, and step into their personal growth.

Therapeutic Approach and Couples Work

This passion has naturally extended to my work with couples. My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) has given me a powerful lens to understand attachment and connection. Working with couples to help them explore and share their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities with one another has been transformative and impactful. I remain committed to honing my skills to help partners strengthen their bonds and navigate their relationships with deeper understanding and compassion.

Clinical Scope and Populations Served

It has been an incredible joy to work alongside people as they heal, grow, and develop. I work with both individuals and couples from all walks of life, embracing diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, ranging from young adults to seniors. Each client brings their own unique story, and it’s a privilege to support them in navigating their personal and relational challenges.

Professional Development and Therapeutic Space

I have completed advanced EFT couples training to deepen my expertise, and I attend ongoing individual and group supervision to refine my skills and ensure the best care for my clients. I also regularly immerse myself in the world of EFT through reading and study to stay up to date with the latest insights in the field. Above all, I am committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and supported as we work together on your journey toward healing and connection.