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Defining Journeys

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Therapy and Counselling

We provide individual counselling for people navigating the complexities of health, fertility, grief, and major life transitions. This may include support with infertility, cancer and oncofertility, surrogacy, reproductive loss, perinatal and postpartum challenges, or other life-altering experiences that can leave lasting impacts. My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and grounded... Read More

We provide individual counselling for people navigating the complexities of health, fertility, grief, and major life transitions. This may include support with infertility, cancer and oncofertility, surrogacy, reproductive loss, perinatal and postpartum challenges, or other life-altering experiences that can leave lasting impacts.

My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and grounded in both professional training and lived experience. Having personally walked through infertility, cancer, and surrogacy, I bring a deep understanding of the emotional weight these journeys carry. Together, we’ll create a space where you can process what you’re carrying, find meaning in your story, and develop strategies that feel supportive for where you are now.

Sessions are held virtually, making them accessible and flexible no matter where you are in your journey.

Surrogacy Counselling

Surrogacy Counselling Defining Journeys offers counselling tailored to intended parents navigating surrogacy in Canada. Services include: • Initial counselling sessions – a comprehensive introduction to the A–Z of surrogacy in Canada, covering legal, medical, emotional, and relational aspects of the process. • Follow-up sessions – for those who have purchased a Surrogacy Counselling Mult... Read More

Surrogacy Counselling

Defining Journeys offers counselling tailored to intended parents navigating surrogacy in Canada. Services include:
• Initial counselling sessions – a comprehensive introduction to the A–Z of surrogacy in Canada, covering legal, medical, emotional, and relational aspects of the process.
• Follow-up sessions – for those who have purchased a Surrogacy Counselling Multipack and wish to continue receiving support throughout their journey.
• One-time sessions – flexible, standalone appointments to address specific questions or situations as they arise.

Whether you are just beginning to explore surrogacy, actively preparing for treatment, or seeking ongoing support, these sessions provide informed guidance and a safe space to process the practical and emotional complexities of the surrogacy journey.

Implications Counselling & Assessments for Intended Parents, Gestational Carriers, and Donors

Defining Journeys offers implications counselling and assessments for individuals and couples pursuing fertility treatment, including IVF and third-party reproduction (egg, sperm, or embryo donation, or the use of a surrogate). These sessions create a safe and supportive space to explore the emotional, ethical, and practical considerations involved, while also meeting the requirements set out b... Read More

Defining Journeys offers implications counselling and assessments for individuals and couples pursuing fertility treatment, including IVF and third-party reproduction (egg, sperm, or embryo donation, or the use of a surrogate). These sessions create a safe and supportive space to explore the emotional, ethical, and practical considerations involved, while also meeting the requirements set out by fertility clinics.

Each service includes one counselling session and one written report, which clients can provide directly to their clinic as part of the approval process. Additional time or fees may apply, and these will always be confirmed in advance.

With extensive experience in the surrogacy and IVF community, I bring both professional expertise and a deep understanding of the unique complexities of these journeys to every session and report.

Marisa Bernardo
(She/Her/Hers)

Marisa Bernardo, BSW, RSW (MSW Candidate) is the founder of Defining Journeys, a counselling, psychotherapy, and reproductive support practice dedicated to individuals and families navigating infertility, surrogacy, reproductive loss, oncofertility, postpartum adjustment, parenthood transitions, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, palliative journeys, and other life-altering health experiences. As a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and surrogacy specialist, Marisa provides both clinical support and practical guidance to those facing complex emotional and medical decisions related to family building and health.

Marisa’s path into this work is both professional and deeply personal. Following a cancer diagnosis that resulted in the loss of her ability to carry a pregnancy, she pursued parenthood through surrogacy, ultimately becoming a mother through three journeys. Through this experience, she witnessed firsthand how overwhelming, isolating, and difficult to navigate fertility and surrogacy can feel without informed, compassionate support. This realization led to the creation of Defining Journeys — a space designed to offer ethical education, emotional care, and steady guidance from the earliest questions through decision-making, treatment, and life beyond.

Today, Defining Journeys has grown into a full counselling and psychotherapy practice supporting individuals and families navigating infertility, oncofertility, reproductive trauma, postpartum transitions, parenthood after infertility or surrogacy, grief and loss, cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, palliative care journeys, and major life changes. Marisa’s work blends therapeutic support, education, and advocacy, helping clients feel grounded, informed, and emotionally supported throughout their journeys.

In addition to her clinical work, Marisa is an active leader within the fertility and surrogacy community. She serves as a board member with the Oasis Fertility Support Network, where she develops resources, facilitates free support groups, and advocates for greater awareness, accessibility, and equity in reproductive care, and a Fertility Friends Foundation partner and ambassador. Through education, community initiatives, and public advocacy, she has supported hundreds of intended parents and families and has reached millions by sharing informed, compassionate guidance online.

Marisa brings a unique combination of professional training and lived experience to her work. Her approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that no one should have to navigate infertility, surrogacy, health challenges, palliative experiences, or major life transitions alone.

Marisa Bernardo, BSW, RSW (MSW Candidate) is the founder of Defining Journeys, a counselling, psy... Read More

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Need Help? marisa@definingjourneys.com