Waves of Support

Sponsorship program for accessible & affordable therapy in Guelph, ON

Waves of Support is a community-supported counselling initiative created by Changing Tides Counselling to help reduce financial barriers to therapy. Through sponsorships, subsidized and zero-fee sessions, we aim to make compassionate mental health support more accessible to people who may otherwise go without care.


At Changing Tides Counselling, we believe therapy should feel accessible, compassionate, and human. Waves of Support was created to help reduce financial barriers to counselling for individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to access care.

Through community sponsorships, reduced-rate services, and sustainable funding initiatives, this program aims to increase access to meaningful mental health support within our community.

Waves of Support is a growing community initiative, and program availability may vary depending on current funding and therapist capacity. but here’s what you can expect:

  • Accessible care: Reduced-fee or zero-fee counselling sessions for those facing financial hardship.

  • Community-driven: The number of participants will depend on available funding.

  • Sustainable support: Proceeds from these sessions will go back into the program, allowing future clients to benefit as well.

By participating in Waves of Support, clients not only receive care for themselves — they also help sustain the program and extend a wave of support to others.

Mental health support should not depend on someone’s financial situation.

Help Create a Ripple Effect

Every contribution to Waves of Support helps reduce financial barriers to therapy for individuals and families within our community.

Whether you sponsor a single session or contribute monthly, your support helps someone access compassionate mental health care when they may otherwise go without it.


TAKING ON APPLICANTS FALL 2026/WINTER 2027

Check back soon for information on application process for those wishing to apply for support


Close-up of a large ocean wave curling at sunset with a dark sky and distant horizon.

How Waves of Support Works

  1. Apply for Support: Individuals and families can complete a short application to share their current financial situation, therapy needs, and preferences.

  2. We Review Applications: Our team carefully reviews each application to determine eligibility and therapist fit based on current program funding and availability.

  3. Get Matched With a Therapist: Approved applicants are connected with a therapist or intern therapist who aligns with their goals, preferences, and areas of support.

  4. Ongoing Community Impact: Sponsors help fund reduced-fee or zero-fee counselling sessions, allowing more individuals and families to access care over time.

Who May Benefit From Waves of Support?

This program may be a fit for:

  • Individuals without extended health benefits

  • Students or young adults with limited income

  • Single parents or caregivers experiencing financial strain

  • Individuals on disability or reduced income

  • People navigating unexpected life changes or crises

  • Those facing barriers to accessing ongoing mental health support

We understand that financial hardship can look different for everyone. Applying does not guarantee placement in the program, but we encourage you to reach out if therapy feels financially out of reach.

Why This Program Matters

Many individuals delay or avoid therapy because of cost. Unfortunately, this can lead to increased stress, worsening mental health concerns, relationship strain, and feelings of isolation. Waves of Support was created to help bridge that gap by offering accessible counselling support rooted in compassion, dignity, and community care. Every sponsored session helps someone feel seen, supported, and less alone. A Small Contribution Can Create a Big Ripple.

A single sponsored session may help someone:

  • attend therapy for the first time

  • navigate grief or trauma

  • access parenting support

  • receive help during a mental health crisis

  • continue therapy they may otherwise have to stop

Whether you contribute once or monthly, your support helps make therapy more accessible within our community.

Program Availability

Waves of Support is funded through community sponsorships and reduced-rate services offered by our team. The number of available spaces may vary depending on current funding and therapist availability. While we wish we could support everyone immediately, applications may be placed on a waitlist during periods of high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does applying guarantee funded sessions? No. Availability depends on current program funding and therapist capacity.

  2. How much funding can someone receive? Support levels vary depending on individual circumstances and available program resources.

  3. Can I apply if I’ve attended therapy before? Yes.

  4. Can sponsors receive tax receipts? You will receive a receipt upon payment, however, this is a sponsorship based program, not a donation. Please check with your accountant to inquire about tax write-offs.

  5. Are sessions confidential? Yes. All services follow the same privacy and confidentiality standards as our regular counselling services.

  6. Who provides the counselling? Clients may work with registered therapists or supervised student interns, depending on fit and availability.


Please Note: We are currently seeking SPONSORS for this program

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Please Note: We are currently seeking SPONSORS for this program 〰️

A diverse group of people gathered around a table with their hands stacked in the center, in a gesture of teamwork or unity.

At Changing Tides Counselling, we’ve seen firsthand how financial barriers can prevent people from accessing meaningful support. Waves of Support was created as a way for our community to come together and help make therapy more accessible, sustainable, and human.

Under a bridge with graffiti that says 'let's love our community' and a small heart symbol beneath, there is a black trash can labeled 'Litter' on the sidewalk. Behind the bridge, there are leafless trees.