Spiritual Issues
Spiritual Issues Counselling
When questions of meaning and connection sit as a quiet, persistent weight, you can bring them into a session without having them resolved first.
When questions of meaning and connection weigh on you
Living spiritually means different things to different people: for many, it’s tied to a religious tradition; for others, it’s a broader search for meaning and connection. Bayridge has therapists who work specifically in this space, including some who offer Christian counselling for clients who want their faith woven into the therapeutic process.
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What spiritual struggles can look like
Questions of meaning tend to surface around a few connected areas: how you relate to yourself, how you relate to something larger than yourself, how you connect with community, and how you find forgiveness and reconciliation after being hurt or causing hurt. When any of these feel unresolved, it can sit as a quiet, persistent weight.
How counselling helps with spiritual questions
A therapist who works in this territory can hold space for spiritual questions alongside standard clinical approaches, rather than treating them as separate from your wellbeing. For clients who want it, that can include Christian counselling or other faith-integrated approaches.
You don’t need your questions resolved first
You don’t need to have your questions resolved, or even clearly articulated, before reaching out.
You might recognize some of this
You can start where you are.
- A longing for meaning that everyday life isn't answering
- Feeling disconnected from yourself, from God or the universe, or from the people around you
- Carrying hurt you've caused or received, and wanting forgiveness or reconciliation
This is a description of experiences, not a self-diagnosis checklist.
It may be time to talk to someone
You don't need to be in crisis to deserve support.
Consider reaching out if:
- When questions of meaning or faith weigh on you and you want somewhere to work through them.
- When a relationship with yourself, with others or with your community needs forgiveness or repair.
Bringing your faith or your doubts into a session doesn't require having them sorted out first.
Approaches a therapist may draw on
We match the approach to you, not the other way around. Your therapist may draw on one or several, depending on what fits.
Work through distress within your spiritual framework.
Can be integrated with a client's spiritual framework to work through distress connected to meaning, faith, or connection.
Therapists who work this way: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Your Christian faith woven into the work, not set aside.
Integrates a client's Christian faith directly into the therapeutic process, for clients who want it woven in rather than set aside.
Therapists who work this way: Christian CounsellingRoom for spiritual questions, with no set religious framework.
Holds space for spiritual or existential questions as part of the work, without requiring a specific religious framework.
Therapists who work this way: Spiritual TherapyA therapist who fits your situation
Our registered therapists have real experience helping people through what you are facing.
Cathy Penny
Registered Social Worker
BA, BSW, MSW, RRP, RSW
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Rev. Chad Tomlinson
Registered Psychotherapist
MTS, MEd, MA, OCT, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Dan Watterworth
Registered Psychotherapist
BTh, MDiv, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Joel Roberts
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
BA, MA, RP (Qualifying)
Individuals, Couples
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Lisa Bynoe-Stevens
Registered Psychotherapist
BASc, MDiv, CSFT, RP
Couples, Families, Individuals
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Michelle Pennells
Counsellor and Art Therapist
HBA, DTATI (Thesis Pending)
Families, Individuals
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Rebecca Billings (Rosenblat)
Registered Psychotherapist
PhD, RP, CSAT, CST, CLC
Couples, Individuals
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Common questions
Yes. Some of our therapists offer Christian counselling and spiritual counselling alongside standard therapeutic approaches, for clients who want their faith integrated into the process.
No referral is needed. You can reach out directly and we can usually connect you with a therapist within one business day.
Care you can lean on
Sessions with our registered therapists are covered by most extended health and workplace benefit plans. Not sure what yours includes? We're happy to help you check before you book.
Sessions typically start at $150 and vary by therapist. Not sure where to begin? Our Intake Specialists can talk through fees, coverage, and which therapist fits what you are facing. Call (905) 319-1488 during business hours.
Ready when you are. We're here to listen.
Browse our registered therapists and reach out when you're ready. We'll usually reply within one business day.