DEFININg
JOURNEYs
Navigating your defining journeys together -
with support and guidance for the moments that change everything.
Sessions are virtual and can be covered under extended health benefits. Sliding scale available.
the support you deserve
Whether you’re navigating life after cancer, a life-altering health diagnosis, infertility, building your family through surrogacy, or facing loss and uncertainty, you’re not alone.
⋒ Counselling & Therapy⋒
We offer individual counselling for those navigating fertility challenges, reproductive trauma, oncofertility, perinatal mental health, cancer diagnoses, life-altering health conditions & diagnosis's , grief, loss, and more.
Whether you’re coping with uncertainty, recovering from a diagnosis, processing the emotional toll of infertility, or navigating the complexities of parenthood after trauma or a journey, this is a space to feel seen, supported, safe and understood.
My approach blends clinical expertise with lived experience, offering a compassionate, trauma-informed lens to help you move through what feels unspoken or misunderstood.
We offer personalized, one-on-one counselling to help INTENDED PARENTS navigate every step of the surrogacy process. From finding a match, to understanding ethical, medical, legal, financial, and emotional considerations, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care on your journey from a-z.
We also offer personalized one-on-one support for SURROGATES to ensure they feel informed, supported, and empowered, because everyone on this journey deserves ethical, compassionate care. We prioritize education, advocacy, and space to ask questions, share concerns, and feel truly valued.
With both lived experience and professional insight, our surrogacy support is honest, transparent, grounded, compassionate, and tailored to your unique journey. You don’t have to go through this alone. Your journey is unique, your support should be too.
⋒ surrogacy support ⋒
MEET THE FOUNDER OF DEFINING JOURNEYS
Hi, I’m Marisa Bernardo!
BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
I specialize in supporting people through infertility, oncofertility, surrogacy, reproductive loss, and life-altering health conditions and more.
As an intended mother via surrogacy and a cancer survivor myself,
I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to every session and support space.
My practice blends counselling, practical surrogacy guidance, and community support for those navigating the emotional complexities of fertility and health journeys, whether you’re grieving, exploring third-party family building, or adjusting to life after treatment or parenthood.
