LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Banff, AB
The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy
DipCHyp, HPD, NLPPrac, EFTPrac, BScPysc
Verified Verified
Banff, AB T1L
At the First Step to Freedom, we work together to re-wire and re-educate your mind so you can live your best life. Teaching you tools and techniques to help you manage every day events so you have the power and autonomy to feel how you want to feel every day.
At the First Step to Freedom, we work together to re-wire and re-educate your mind so you can live your best life. Teaching you tools and techniques to help you manage every day events so you have the power and autonomy to feel how you want to feel every day.
Most of how we feel, respond and think is based on unconscious patterning beliefs. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space for you to feel welcomed where ever you are at. By shedding light on what is unconscious through the pathway of increased awareness major transformation, healing and new neural connections can occur. The secret to feeling more ease lies in examining the core issues that are causing the distress and look directly into those places that we are avoiding. This approach arises from my experience that lasting change occurs when metal, physical, emotional and spiritual systems are all involved.
Most of how we feel, respond and think is based on unconscious patterning beliefs. I am committed to providing a safe and compassionate space for you to feel welcomed where ever you are at. By shedding light on what is unconscious through the pathway of increased awareness major transformation, healing and new neural connections can occur. The secret to feeling more ease lies in examining the core issues that are causing the distress and look directly into those places that we are avoiding. This approach arises from my experience that lasting change occurs when metal, physical, emotional and spiritual systems are all involved.
I offer counselling or coaching during the day or early evening. I'm meeting people face-to-face or through tele-therapy. Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, problems communicating in your relationship, addiction, trauma, or other life troubles, I'm here to support you to help you live the life you want! It's super easy to book on my online calendar or by phone or email. Call or email me for a free 15 minute consultation.
I offer counselling or coaching during the day or early evening. I'm meeting people face-to-face or through tele-therapy. Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, problems communicating in your relationship, addiction, trauma, or other life troubles, I'm here to support you to help you live the life you want! It's super easy to book on my online calendar or by phone or email. Call or email me for a free 15 minute consultation.
The COVID-19 Pandemic, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, runaway inflation, housing/food crisis, rise in violent crime, etc.; what do all of these events have in common? They subconsciously affect everyone's behaviour and thoughts. All of us are part of the same social fabric, and what affects the whole affects its parts, & vice-versa. No one is immune from these external influences; everybody feels the consequences of global, political & economic turmoil. The effects may be subtle, but our mood, energy & health are unequivocally impacted; our perception of ourselves & others may fluctuate wildly and our relationships suffer considerably.
The COVID-19 Pandemic, Russian-Ukrainian conflict, runaway inflation, housing/food crisis, rise in violent crime, etc.; what do all of these events have in common? They subconsciously affect everyone's behaviour and thoughts. All of us are part of the same social fabric, and what affects the whole affects its parts, & vice-versa. No one is immune from these external influences; everybody feels the consequences of global, political & economic turmoil. The effects may be subtle, but our mood, energy & health are unequivocally impacted; our perception of ourselves & others may fluctuate wildly and our relationships suffer considerably.
Areas of Specialization: Goal Setting and Personal Growth Coaching Spiritual Wellness and Emotional Wellness Physical Wellness and Mental Wellness Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management Trauma and PTSD, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss.
I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds through a wide range of challenges, including mindset, communication, boundaries, core beliefs, goal setting, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and cultivating mindfulness.
Areas of Specialization: Goal Setting and Personal Growth Coaching Spiritual Wellness and Emotional Wellness Physical Wellness and Mental Wellness Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management Trauma and PTSD, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss.
I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds through a wide range of challenges, including mindset, communication, boundaries, core beliefs, goal setting, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and cultivating mindfulness.
Helping folks with deep emotions transform their lives through online therapy in Alberta.
Helping folks with deep emotions transform their lives through online therapy in Alberta.
Online Therapists
I have a special interest working with the LGBTQ* community and strive to create a safe space for them.
I believe each person is the expert in their own life but sometimes along our journey the lens through which we see the world and ourselves becomes a bit muddied and this impacts the way we behave and react to new experiences. My role in your journey is to help you see clearly again through that lens so you can get back to living more true to your authentic self. I work primarily from an attachment lens and have a gentle, yet direct approach to therapy. I work best with clients who aren't afraid to bring a little humor into sessions when appropriate and safe to do so.
I have a special interest working with the LGBTQ* community and strive to create a safe space for them.
I believe each person is the expert in their own life but sometimes along our journey the lens through which we see the world and ourselves becomes a bit muddied and this impacts the way we behave and react to new experiences. My role in your journey is to help you see clearly again through that lens so you can get back to living more true to your authentic self. I work primarily from an attachment lens and have a gentle, yet direct approach to therapy. I work best with clients who aren't afraid to bring a little humor into sessions when appropriate and safe to do so.
Ruby Rowan MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2R (Online Only)
I am non-binary and queer, and welcome members of queer and trans communities.
My approach to therapy is practical, creative, humorous, and interactive. Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step, and I aim to foster a comfortable, collaborative process. When the tools and skills that were previously helpful are no longer working, I support clients to cultivate new coping skills, and identify potential areas for change and/or acceptance. I am a seasoned therapist who is able to draw from a variety of modalities depending on what comes up for the client.
I am non-binary and queer, and welcome members of queer and trans communities.
My approach to therapy is practical, creative, humorous, and interactive. Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step, and I aim to foster a comfortable, collaborative process. When the tools and skills that were previously helpful are no longer working, I support clients to cultivate new coping skills, and identify potential areas for change and/or acceptance. I am a seasoned therapist who is able to draw from a variety of modalities depending on what comes up for the client.
I’m also a great fit for anyone who wishes to work with a trauma-informed Queer person of colour (POC).
I am passionate about helping people live their lives the best they can by helping with: lowering distress, healing from the past, regulating emotions, and piecing together a life worth living. Are emotions or thoughts running your life? If you feel defined by your past, have trauma that gets in the way, or want to change thinking patterns, behaviours, or emotional experiences, I would love to help you on your journey! I am trained in various treatments that can help with healing including DBT, CBT, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure.
I’m also a great fit for anyone who wishes to work with a trauma-informed Queer person of colour (POC).
I am passionate about helping people live their lives the best they can by helping with: lowering distress, healing from the past, regulating emotions, and piecing together a life worth living. Are emotions or thoughts running your life? If you feel defined by your past, have trauma that gets in the way, or want to change thinking patterns, behaviours, or emotional experiences, I would love to help you on your journey! I am trained in various treatments that can help with healing including DBT, CBT, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure.
McKenzie Lukacs
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BA, MC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2G
My practice is focused on decolonizing, fat-liberation, unlearning normative values, LGBTQ2IA+ and BIPOC advocacy, sexuality, kink, neurodiversity, sports performance, relationships, and boundary setting.
As a queer therapist, I understand the challenges of finding inclusive support and the transformative effects of collaborative therapy. I believe the most powerful aspect of therapy is a therapeutic partnership that learns and grows together. This means that I will bring my whole self into our work together and join you in your exploration and identify the things that matter to you. Healing and growth happen in the presence of safety and being truly seen and understood. I offer an anti-oppressive, queer, intersectional, and social justice approach to counselling.
My practice is focused on decolonizing, fat-liberation, unlearning normative values, LGBTQ2IA+ and BIPOC advocacy, sexuality, kink, neurodiversity, sports performance, relationships, and boundary setting.
As a queer therapist, I understand the challenges of finding inclusive support and the transformative effects of collaborative therapy. I believe the most powerful aspect of therapy is a therapeutic partnership that learns and grows together. This means that I will bring my whole self into our work together and join you in your exploration and identify the things that matter to you. Healing and growth happen in the presence of safety and being truly seen and understood. I offer an anti-oppressive, queer, intersectional, and social justice approach to counselling.
I see adult and adolescent clients from all sorts of different backgrounds, and who present with a variety of psychological concerns. However, I feel I’m especially well-suited to working with folks who are undergoing significant life change (e.g., job insecurity, divorce, bereavement, diagnosis, etc.), and who are experiencing anger, anxiety, or depression while traversing the flux. I’m also a keen advocate of mental wellbeing within a number of specific communities, including: veterans and first responders, men (cis and trans), LGBTQ+ folks, expatriates/immigrants, entrepreneurs, and people practicing consensual non-monogamy.
I see adult and adolescent clients from all sorts of different backgrounds, and who present with a variety of psychological concerns. However, I feel I’m especially well-suited to working with folks who are undergoing significant life change (e.g., job insecurity, divorce, bereavement, diagnosis, etc.), and who are experiencing anger, anxiety, or depression while traversing the flux. I’m also a keen advocate of mental wellbeing within a number of specific communities, including: veterans and first responders, men (cis and trans), LGBTQ+ folks, expatriates/immigrants, entrepreneurs, and people practicing consensual non-monogamy.
Mackenzie Kuzyk
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T3K (Online Only)
As a queer Indigenous person, I value relationality immensely and believe great healing can be done when in relationship.
Areas of Focus: Indigenous Counselling, Trauma (including intergenerational, racism, impacts of heteronormativity/cisnormativity), 2S LGBTQ+ Affirming/Identity Exploration, Cultural Identity Exploration. I am a Two Spirit and Indigi queer human who resides in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary, Alberta). I come from mixed ancestry and am French, Irish, and Mi’kmaq. My Nation is in the south of Newfoundland at the mouth of the Conne River and is called Miawpukek First Nation. I am a white-presenting Indigenous person which has allocated me privilege in my life and has shaped my experiences.
As a queer Indigenous person, I value relationality immensely and believe great healing can be done when in relationship.
Areas of Focus: Indigenous Counselling, Trauma (including intergenerational, racism, impacts of heteronormativity/cisnormativity), 2S LGBTQ+ Affirming/Identity Exploration, Cultural Identity Exploration. I am a Two Spirit and Indigi queer human who resides in Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary, Alberta). I come from mixed ancestry and am French, Irish, and Mi’kmaq. My Nation is in the south of Newfoundland at the mouth of the Conne River and is called Miawpukek First Nation. I am a white-presenting Indigenous person which has allocated me privilege in my life and has shaped my experiences.
Danielle Switalsky
Registered Social Worker, BCR, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2T
Hi, I’m Danielle! I offer in person and virtual support for children, youth and adults. My approach to therapy is grounded in meaning making, developing insight and empowerment. I am an LGBTQ therapist who brings lived experience and understanding to my work with LGBTQ+ folks that goes beyond allyship. My areas of focus include neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ folks, women’s mental health, and helping professionals. I offer a discounted hourly rate for helping professionals to reduce barriers to mental health care for the helpers of our community.
Hi, I’m Danielle! I offer in person and virtual support for children, youth and adults. My approach to therapy is grounded in meaning making, developing insight and empowerment. I am an LGBTQ therapist who brings lived experience and understanding to my work with LGBTQ+ folks that goes beyond allyship. My areas of focus include neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ folks, women’s mental health, and helping professionals. I offer a discounted hourly rate for helping professionals to reduce barriers to mental health care for the helpers of our community.
Demi Laurin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T3E (Online Only)
I provide individual counselling for adults ages 18+ seeking support with trauma and sexual violence, LGBTQ+ and gender-identity related concerns, relationships, pregnancy options, post-abortion support, perinatal mental health, and sex and intimacy concerns.
We all need a space where we feel heard, validated and supported without judgment. The cultural messages we receive around our trauma, sexuality and gender can have a profound impact on the way we experience both ourselves and the world. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, inclusive and compassionate space for female-identified and LGBTQ+ clients as they embark on their journeys of self-discovery, healing and empowerment.
I provide individual counselling for adults ages 18+ seeking support with trauma and sexual violence, LGBTQ+ and gender-identity related concerns, relationships, pregnancy options, post-abortion support, perinatal mental health, and sex and intimacy concerns.
We all need a space where we feel heard, validated and supported without judgment. The cultural messages we receive around our trauma, sexuality and gender can have a profound impact on the way we experience both ourselves and the world. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, inclusive and compassionate space for female-identified and LGBTQ+ clients as they embark on their journeys of self-discovery, healing and empowerment.
My experiences as a neurodivergent queer non-binary individual has informed my therapeutic approach and desire to work with clients from similar backgrounds. I enjoy working with neurodivergent and queer clients who want to explore identity and community. I mainly work with clients on areas related to identity, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and PTSD, body acceptance, and gender and sexuality. I am sex-worker friendly, sex positive, kink-knowledgeable, and ENM-aware therapist. I strive to make my practice a safer space for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
My experiences as a neurodivergent queer non-binary individual has informed my therapeutic approach and desire to work with clients from similar backgrounds. I enjoy working with neurodivergent and queer clients who want to explore identity and community. I mainly work with clients on areas related to identity, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and PTSD, body acceptance, and gender and sexuality. I am sex-worker friendly, sex positive, kink-knowledgeable, and ENM-aware therapist. I strive to make my practice a safer space for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Ron Griffith
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BKin, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Calgary, AB T2T
I specialize in self-esteem, confidence, self-worth, social wellness, life/career transitions, clarifying values/purpose, depression, anger, anxiety, stress, loss/grief, men’s issues, sex/intimacy, non-traditional relationships, sexual orientation, gender identity.
My clients say they feel very comfortable working together and they appreciate my genuine, down-to-earth and direct counselling approach that focuses on clients taking concrete ACTION. My ability to create productive connections with clients is mostly due to my life experiences, especially my own difficult journey to achieving good mental health. I love helping my clients discover and apply new perspectives, new life skills, and new ways of being in the world so they can have more satisfying lives. Life shouldn’t only be about surviving... it should be much more about thriving! Book a free, 25-minute consult with me to learn more.
I specialize in self-esteem, confidence, self-worth, social wellness, life/career transitions, clarifying values/purpose, depression, anger, anxiety, stress, loss/grief, men’s issues, sex/intimacy, non-traditional relationships, sexual orientation, gender identity.
My clients say they feel very comfortable working together and they appreciate my genuine, down-to-earth and direct counselling approach that focuses on clients taking concrete ACTION. My ability to create productive connections with clients is mostly due to my life experiences, especially my own difficult journey to achieving good mental health. I love helping my clients discover and apply new perspectives, new life skills, and new ways of being in the world so they can have more satisfying lives. Life shouldn’t only be about surviving... it should be much more about thriving! Book a free, 25-minute consult with me to learn more.
Maybe you never feel enough, and what "enough" even looks like may feel uncertain. You might be exhausted from feeling the guilt and shame you don't know how to talk about. Perhaps you think your overwhelming past experiences will never leave you. I work with folks who long to accept and connect with themselves & others but feel stuck and in a loop of self-criticism. As a Korean-Canadian Psychologist with many intersecting identities, I also understand and work with many personal and systemic challenges faced by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities. I offer care, skills, and insights to support your growth and discovery of new possibilities.
Maybe you never feel enough, and what "enough" even looks like may feel uncertain. You might be exhausted from feeling the guilt and shame you don't know how to talk about. Perhaps you think your overwhelming past experiences will never leave you. I work with folks who long to accept and connect with themselves & others but feel stuck and in a loop of self-criticism. As a Korean-Canadian Psychologist with many intersecting identities, I also understand and work with many personal and systemic challenges faced by BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities. I offer care, skills, and insights to support your growth and discovery of new possibilities.
Avery Briggs
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q)
Verified Verified
Calgary, AB T2M (Online Only)
My passion lies in couples counselling and helping trans folks (and those who love them) thrive.
My practice is founded on the belief that connection and community are the only way forward. I believe therapy should be collaborative, non-punitive, and accessible. I strive to create a non-judgmental and compassionate space where your experiences, emotions, and challenges are genuinely heard, respected, and held. I view you as an equal partner in this journey. Our work is grounded in the belief that you possess the knowledge and wisdom to navigate your unique path to well-being - you just might need some help getting there.
My passion lies in couples counselling and helping trans folks (and those who love them) thrive.
My practice is founded on the belief that connection and community are the only way forward. I believe therapy should be collaborative, non-punitive, and accessible. I strive to create a non-judgmental and compassionate space where your experiences, emotions, and challenges are genuinely heard, respected, and held. I view you as an equal partner in this journey. Our work is grounded in the belief that you possess the knowledge and wisdom to navigate your unique path to well-being - you just might need some help getting there.
I’m a transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent therapist who offers support to adolescents and adults. I specialize in working with queer folks in areas such as gender and sexuality, sex work, sexual violence, depression, anxiety, trauma, and neurodiversity. My work is informed by values of anti-racism, queer theory, and harm reduction. I take a client-centred, affirming approach to sex work, kink, and non-traditional family orientations. I often integrate humour into client interactions to foster genuine connection and build authentic rapport for therapeutic support.
I’m a transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent therapist who offers support to adolescents and adults. I specialize in working with queer folks in areas such as gender and sexuality, sex work, sexual violence, depression, anxiety, trauma, and neurodiversity. My work is informed by values of anti-racism, queer theory, and harm reduction. I take a client-centred, affirming approach to sex work, kink, and non-traditional family orientations. I often integrate humour into client interactions to foster genuine connection and build authentic rapport for therapeutic support.
I identify as a Jewish, Indigenous, queer cis female.
I have been a nurse since 1984 and completed my master's of psychology in 2019. Since then I have continued my studies for a doctorate in psychology and I have a private practice. I use my unique position as a nurse and psychotherapist to promote a holistic approach, meeting clients where they are, seeking to understand their situation and what brought them to therapy. I am passionate about collaborating with clients to explore their challenges, strengths, goal setting, and practical skill development. I aim to create a space to support clients as they discover a life that is more meaningful to them.
I identify as a Jewish, Indigenous, queer cis female.
I have been a nurse since 1984 and completed my master's of psychology in 2019. Since then I have continued my studies for a doctorate in psychology and I have a private practice. I use my unique position as a nurse and psychotherapist to promote a holistic approach, meeting clients where they are, seeking to understand their situation and what brought them to therapy. I am passionate about collaborating with clients to explore their challenges, strengths, goal setting, and practical skill development. I aim to create a space to support clients as they discover a life that is more meaningful to them.
See more therapy options for Banff
LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalisation in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.