Andre Watkis, MSW

Registered Social Worker

Verified

“I provide compassionate, evidence-informed therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, eating concerns, mood difficulties, stress, life transitions, school challenges, and relationship conflict. My approach combines empathy with practical strategies to support meaningful and lasting change.”

About Me

I am the co-founder and Clinical Director of W Experience Counselling and Wellness Services and have over sixteen years of experience supporting mental health and well-being across the lifespan. I am a Registered Social Worker with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Human Exceptionality in Learning, and French, as well as a Bachelor and Master of Social Work with a specialization in health. My clinical experience includes work in community and grassroots agencies, addictions services, specialized children’s mental health programs, eating disorder clinics, and hospital-based psychiatry. I value building authentic, non-judgmental relationships and creating a space where clients feel understood, respected, and supported. If you’re considering therapy, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how I can support you. Free 15-minute consultations are available.

Approach

I am trained in the following modalities: -Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) -Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT (Eating Disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression) -Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) -Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) -Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) -Motivation Interviewing -Polyvagal Theory -Prolonged Exposure Trauma Therapy (PE)

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Basic Information

Waterloo, Canada

In-person & Online

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Services

I offer support to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. I have online and in-person availability.

Services Offered:

Family Therapy
A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.
Learn more about Family Therapy
Psychiatric Social Work
Social work services for people with mental health conditions, assisting with access to care, housing, benefits, and community integration.
Trauma Counselling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counselling
Relationship Counselling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Divorce Counselling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
Learn more about CBT
Adolescent Therapy
Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.
Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
Addiction Counselling
Counselling specifically focused on substance use or behavioural addictions, addressing the psychological drivers and patterns of dependence.
Learn more about Addiction Counselling
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.
Learn more about ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Children
Communities
Couples
Elderly
Families
Individuals
Parents
Organisations

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Addiction
A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.
Learn more about Addiction
Relationship Issues
Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.
Learn more about Relationship Issues
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma
Suicidal Thoughts
Thoughts about ending one's own life, ranging from passive wishes to active plans. This is a sign of severe emotional distress that requires professional support.
Learn more about Suicidal Thoughts
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
Bipolar
A mood disorder involving episodes of mania (abnormally elevated mood and energy) alternating with episodes of depression, affecting judgement, sleep, and daily functioning.
Learn more about Bipolar
Child Behaviour
Behavioural difficulties in children, such as tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or defiance, that signal emotional distress or developmental needs.
ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
Depression
A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.
Learn more about Depression
Family Issues
Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.