real love is built, not found. transform your relationship

Hi, I’m Amanda—a couples counsellor, lifelong learner, and someone who cares deeply about helping people rediscover what it means to truly connect.

But I didn’t always know how to build a lasting connection. I had to learn it the hard way—through heartbreak, healing, and the help of others.

I grew up in a deeply disconnected family, like so many others. My mom worked shifts, my dad kept to himself, and home often felt empty. I didn’t even realize how alone I felt because I was also disconnected from myself. There was a scared little part of me I kept locked away for years. That part didn’t begin to thaw until I became a mother.

I had my son at 22 and raised him on my own for almost two decades. During those years, I faced heartbreak, chronic pain, depression, and the aftermath of a serious accident. I was hit by a transport truck and the years that followed brought physical and emotional challenges. I was also trying to get away from an abusive relationship with my son’s father. For a long time, I felt like I was barely surviving. And yet, I kept searching.

I found help—from government services, support groups, books, courses, counsellors, and kind souls who took the time to care. Slowly, I started to heal. I began to understand my patterns, face my pain, and find my worth. I realized that love isn’t something you find. It’s something you build. But you need the right tools.

Eventually, I met Matthew. And something different began—something safe, mutual, and real. We’ve now been married over eleven years and I can say with certainty: life is so much better when it’s shared.

That’s why I do this work. Because I’ve lived both sides. I know what it’s like to feel painfully alone—even in a relationship. And I know how transformational it is to feel seen, supported, and loved.

For over 25 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of couples, helping them navigate everything from daily disconnection to deep relational crisis. I’m certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), one of the most respected approaches in the field, and I’m currently a supervisor-in-training for other EFT practitioners. I also hold a Master of Social Work and am a Registered Social Worker.

I live in Kitchener, Ontario with my husband Matthew and our Jack Rascal—sorry, Jack Russell—Charlie, who keeps us both on our toes.

Over the years, I’ve written and taught on what makes relationships thrive. My book, The Butterfly Blueprint: Revitalize Your Relationship and Keep Your Heart Fluttering Forever, grew out of my work with couples who were longing for more than just better communication—they wanted something deeper, something lasting. That same spirit continues to guide my practice today.

I specialize in working with couples who feel stuck, disconnected, or caught in patterns they can’t seem to shift—whether there’s ongoing conflict or just a quiet sense that something meaningful is missing. My practice is inclusive and welcoming of all couples. While my primary focus is couples work, I also see a small number of individuals navigating relationship concerns.

When you reach out to Koru Couples Counselling, you’re connecting with me directly. I’ll be the one responding to your message and sitting with you in session, holding space for what matters most.

If you're ready to move beyond surface-level fixes and into something more real, more alive, and more deeply shared, I’d be honoured to support your journey.

Let’s begin.