LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cochrane, AB
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.
I am a Queer woman and am enthusiastically Queer and Trans Affirming.
I aim to be an unusual therapist. I harness imagination, energy, enthusiasm, poetry, and humour in my effort to understand your story and elevate your voice. Whether you are considering the past, the present, or the future, I believe that therapeutic conversations can expand the options, responses, and actions we have available to us to heal ourselves heart, mind, and spirit. It is a privilege to come alongside you and join you in this journey. I practice the art of paying attention, which means what you say to me and who you are-is extremely important. I will work hard during our time together to listen, to understand, and to help.
I am a Queer woman and am enthusiastically Queer and Trans Affirming.
I aim to be an unusual therapist. I harness imagination, energy, enthusiasm, poetry, and humour in my effort to understand your story and elevate your voice. Whether you are considering the past, the present, or the future, I believe that therapeutic conversations can expand the options, responses, and actions we have available to us to heal ourselves heart, mind, and spirit. It is a privilege to come alongside you and join you in this journey. I practice the art of paying attention, which means what you say to me and who you are-is extremely important. I will work hard during our time together to listen, to understand, and to help.
Ron Griffith
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BKin, MC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C
I work with adults of all backgrounds and I enjoy supporting people in the LGBTQ+ communities.
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 work with adults of all backgrounds and I enjoy supporting people in the LGBTQ+ communities.
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.
Kara-Leah Gonty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MEd, RSW, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C
My goal is to create an expansive space dedicated to offering compassionate, ethical, queer-inclusive individual, couples and sex therapy.
My areas of interest include supporting clients when navigating the challenges of relationships, sexuality, family, separation, and divorce. Specifically, I have a strong interest in sexual expansion and empowerment, affirming sexual expression, identity, and orientation, increasing intimacy, trust and sexual satisfaction through communication and exploration.
My goal is to create an expansive space dedicated to offering compassionate, ethical, queer-inclusive individual, couples and sex therapy.
My areas of interest include supporting clients when navigating the challenges of relationships, sexuality, family, separation, and divorce. Specifically, I have a strong interest in sexual expansion and empowerment, affirming sexual expression, identity, and orientation, increasing intimacy, trust and sexual satisfaction through communication and exploration.
Hi there, I'm Laura. I have over seven years of counselling experience and eight years of formal education. I'm here to help a wide range of people including ASD, ADHD, people with different physical abilities, youth (16+), seniors, First Responders, Queer, and Indigenous peoples. Everyone's journey is unique, challenging, and special, even through struggle. I'm here to help you work through that struggle by giving you tools and insight. You can make it through this, and whatever else your future holds. My space is safe, respectful, comfortable, and we might even laugh sometimes.
Hi there, I'm Laura. I have over seven years of counselling experience and eight years of formal education. I'm here to help a wide range of people including ASD, ADHD, people with different physical abilities, youth (16+), seniors, First Responders, Queer, and Indigenous peoples. Everyone's journey is unique, challenging, and special, even through struggle. I'm here to help you work through that struggle by giving you tools and insight. You can make it through this, and whatever else your future holds. My space is safe, respectful, comfortable, and we might even laugh sometimes.
I am here to work closely with individuals, offering my support in their journey to achieving their goals and navigating life's challenges. Counselling can sometimes seem intimidating and my primary aim is to create a warm and inviting space where you can feel safe, comfortable, and truly heard. My expertise lies in helping teenagers, families, and parents build connections, improve understanding, and enhance communication. I provide a nurturing space where everyone can express themselves openly and be understood.
I am here to work closely with individuals, offering my support in their journey to achieving their goals and navigating life's challenges. Counselling can sometimes seem intimidating and my primary aim is to create a warm and inviting space where you can feel safe, comfortable, and truly heard. My expertise lies in helping teenagers, families, and parents build connections, improve understanding, and enhance communication. I provide a nurturing space where everyone can express themselves openly and be understood.
Aspen Psychology
Psychologist, MEd, RPsych, CPT-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C
We practice using a cutting edge model of therapy designed to re-pattern the disorganization in the lower brain centers, which helps get to the heart of the healing process for clients. Life presents us with many challenges and we believe we all deserve to have someone in our corner. I truly believe in the importance of working collaboratively.
We practice using a cutting edge model of therapy designed to re-pattern the disorganization in the lower brain centers, which helps get to the heart of the healing process for clients. Life presents us with many challenges and we believe we all deserve to have someone in our corner. I truly believe in the importance of working collaboratively.
IMatter - Therapy for Creative & Intelligent Women
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C (Online Only)
I provide online therapy in AB, NS, & NB to women and therapists dealing with anxiety, trauma (single incident, complex, attachment, & family of origin), perfectionism, fertility issues, and the painful legacy of being an adult child of a narcissist. In therapy we will make space for all the parts of you and all the things you find hard to say and begin to understand how your beliefs about yourself developed in response to how you adapted to belong and survive in your life. I use psychodynamic, body-focused, mindfulness, EMDR, Flash, clinical hypnosis, and existential therapies to help you heal and get back to living well and fully.
I provide online therapy in AB, NS, & NB to women and therapists dealing with anxiety, trauma (single incident, complex, attachment, & family of origin), perfectionism, fertility issues, and the painful legacy of being an adult child of a narcissist. In therapy we will make space for all the parts of you and all the things you find hard to say and begin to understand how your beliefs about yourself developed in response to how you adapted to belong and survive in your life. I use psychodynamic, body-focused, mindfulness, EMDR, Flash, clinical hypnosis, and existential therapies to help you heal and get back to living well and fully.
Dr. McGrath believes we all have the ability to solve our problems. We may feel ‘stuck’ from past traumas or stresses or overwhelmed by present events. When we experience stress or trauma, it can be difficult to access these solutions because we are weighed down by our emotions. At Healing Change Centre, Dr. McGrath’s role is to facilitate finding solutions during a crisis so that people know ‘they can get through tomorrow’. He also aids his clients in becoming more aware of their emotions and expressing them in a different way, so they have the ability to stay connected.
Dr. McGrath believes we all have the ability to solve our problems. We may feel ‘stuck’ from past traumas or stresses or overwhelmed by present events. When we experience stress or trauma, it can be difficult to access these solutions because we are weighed down by our emotions. At Healing Change Centre, Dr. McGrath’s role is to facilitate finding solutions during a crisis so that people know ‘they can get through tomorrow’. He also aids his clients in becoming more aware of their emotions and expressing them in a different way, so they have the ability to stay connected.
I am proud to provide a high level of skill and expertise to adults and couples. If you are struggling managing life stressors, mental health challenges or behaviours that are preventing you from living the life you desire, we can help. I have experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, addictions, grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, relationship issues, anger and trauma, to name a few. In terms of couples, many come to couples therapy dealing with challenges such as communication issues, difficulties around sex, affairs, or considering a breakup.
I am proud to provide a high level of skill and expertise to adults and couples. If you are struggling managing life stressors, mental health challenges or behaviours that are preventing you from living the life you desire, we can help. I have experience working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, addictions, grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationships, relationship issues, anger and trauma, to name a few. In terms of couples, many come to couples therapy dealing with challenges such as communication issues, difficulties around sex, affairs, or considering a breakup.
I work primarily with adults who are interested in gaining insight into their behaviours and making changes in their life. Learning to understand our thoughts and feelings gives us the opportunity to do something different than what we have always done. These changes might include working on self-esteem issues, relationship issues, depression/anxiety, addiction, life transitions, or parenting struggles.
I work primarily with adults who are interested in gaining insight into their behaviours and making changes in their life. Learning to understand our thoughts and feelings gives us the opportunity to do something different than what we have always done. These changes might include working on self-esteem issues, relationship issues, depression/anxiety, addiction, life transitions, or parenting struggles.
15 Second Videos
Crys Vincent
Aspen Psychology
IMatter - Therapy for Creative & Intelligent Women
Tracy Dean
Strength Counselling Services
Tara Lee Perry
Ashley Vogelaar
Lori Johnstone
Kassandra Heap
Tayler Schenkeveld
Christina Hong
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, CCC, RCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Cochrane, AB T4C (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
Hi, I’m Taylor! I value honesty in my work, so let's be honest. Counselling is hard. It can be uncomfortable and uncertain. And...it can be really, really helpful. I'd like to support you through whatever you are dealing with right now; with humour, with honesty, and with empathy. I value the therapeutic relationship and will aim to create a safe space to both help validate you and to push you. Whether you are here to work on specific goals, or you are looking to work on personal growth, I would be happy to be a part of the process. Take a look around here, see if I'm a good fit for you, and when you're ready, let's get to work!
Hi, I’m Taylor! I value honesty in my work, so let's be honest. Counselling is hard. It can be uncomfortable and uncertain. And...it can be really, really helpful. I'd like to support you through whatever you are dealing with right now; with humour, with honesty, and with empathy. I value the therapeutic relationship and will aim to create a safe space to both help validate you and to push you. Whether you are here to work on specific goals, or you are looking to work on personal growth, I would be happy to be a part of the process. Take a look around here, see if I'm a good fit for you, and when you're ready, let's get to work!
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.
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.
I will be accepting clients in the fall when my registration is complete. Feel free to reach out to get on my wait list. Justine has a wide range of work experience using art, storytelling, and music to promote wellness in the lives of children, youth, adults, and communities at large. She likes to explore how our social contexts affect the stories we tell and the choices we make. Justine can work with you through grief, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, trauma, identity issues, and more.
I will be accepting clients in the fall when my registration is complete. Feel free to reach out to get on my wait list. Justine has a wide range of work experience using art, storytelling, and music to promote wellness in the lives of children, youth, adults, and communities at large. She likes to explore how our social contexts affect the stories we tell and the choices we make. Justine can work with you through grief, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, trauma, identity issues, and more.
Sometimes the challenges we face in our daily lives become too difficult to manage alone. We may need someone to talk to who can help us find solutions. Whether you are struggling with depression, stress management, are having difficulty in your current relationship, have issues from your past which are having a negative impact on your current functioning, or whether you are looking for someone to help support you in making positive changes in your life, I can help. With over seven years of clinical experience, I can help tailor a therapy program designed to meet your personal/family’s counselling needs.
Sometimes the challenges we face in our daily lives become too difficult to manage alone. We may need someone to talk to who can help us find solutions. Whether you are struggling with depression, stress management, are having difficulty in your current relationship, have issues from your past which are having a negative impact on your current functioning, or whether you are looking for someone to help support you in making positive changes in your life, I can help. With over seven years of clinical experience, I can help tailor a therapy program designed to meet your personal/family’s counselling needs.
We all struggle to understand why we’re feeling, behaving, or thinking a certain way sometimes. We might get frustrated when something inside blocks us from connecting with our loved ones. We might suddenly realize that we lost our true self along the way because we’ve been too busy surviving. You are not alone. I believe healing happens when you can be your true self and not feel judged. When you can feel safe and totally understood. Therapy is scary. I’ll honour your courage by meeting you where you're at and respecting your identities and their intersections. I won’t push you to do anything you don't want to do.
We all struggle to understand why we’re feeling, behaving, or thinking a certain way sometimes. We might get frustrated when something inside blocks us from connecting with our loved ones. We might suddenly realize that we lost our true self along the way because we’ve been too busy surviving. You are not alone. I believe healing happens when you can be your true self and not feel judged. When you can feel safe and totally understood. Therapy is scary. I’ll honour your courage by meeting you where you're at and respecting your identities and their intersections. I won’t push you to do anything you don't want to do.
Life comes with its challenges. The pain of past regrets, future anxieties, and an overwhelming present can often overshadow opportunities for engagement, connection, and meaningful experiences in the here and now. Amidst it all, I believe there is an inherent potential for you to thrive in meaningful and authentic relationships—with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. Despite the struggles you may face, I firmly believe in your ability to make choices that prioritize your well-being so you can build a rich and fulfilling life.
Life comes with its challenges. The pain of past regrets, future anxieties, and an overwhelming present can often overshadow opportunities for engagement, connection, and meaningful experiences in the here and now. Amidst it all, I believe there is an inherent potential for you to thrive in meaningful and authentic relationships—with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you. Despite the struggles you may face, I firmly believe in your ability to make choices that prioritize your well-being so you can build a rich and fulfilling life.
Andrea Beck
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C
Waitlist for new clients
There are times in all our lives when we could use a little support. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, insomnia, stress & overwhelm, or a sexual health concern, it can feel like a constant battle with your emotions, thoughts, and body. Some people are experiencing these challenges for the first time and aren't sure what to do. Others have been struggling for years and need a new sense of hope for lasting change. Seeking treatment can help you feel less lost and provide you with a roadmap for well-being.
There are times in all our lives when we could use a little support. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, insomnia, stress & overwhelm, or a sexual health concern, it can feel like a constant battle with your emotions, thoughts, and body. Some people are experiencing these challenges for the first time and aren't sure what to do. Others have been struggling for years and need a new sense of hope for lasting change. Seeking treatment can help you feel less lost and provide you with a roadmap for well-being.
Stephanie L Patterson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cochrane, AB T4C
Stephanie brings the experience of 17 years as a Registered Social Worker, working with children, youth, adults, and families who have experienced the impact of trauma, interpersonal violence, attachment difficulties, life transitions, grief/ loss, and difficult family dynamics. Helping clients work through these difficulties in a collaborative, safe and respectful manner in a healing relationship is her top priority.
Stephanie brings the experience of 17 years as a Registered Social Worker, working with children, youth, adults, and families who have experienced the impact of trauma, interpersonal violence, attachment difficulties, life transitions, grief/ loss, and difficult family dynamics. Helping clients work through these difficulties in a collaborative, safe and respectful manner in a healing relationship is her top priority.
You wake up in the middle of the night with ruminating thoughts or nightmares. When you wake, you feel anxious and your heart races. You’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work. You keep yourself busy during the day but you can’t seem to find joy in the things you once had. You find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and you contemplate calling in sick for work. And because you often feel ‘on edge,’ you’ve noticed your personal relationships are being impacted. You’ve already taken the first step by searching
You wake up in the middle of the night with ruminating thoughts or nightmares. When you wake, you feel anxious and your heart races. You’ve tried everything but nothing seems to work. You keep yourself busy during the day but you can’t seem to find joy in the things you once had. You find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and you contemplate calling in sick for work. And because you often feel ‘on edge,’ you’ve noticed your personal relationships are being impacted. You’ve already taken the first step by searching
Shilton Therapy strive to help achieve a common goal in relationships, work, mental health, addictions and the impact of these in daily life. We are committed to helping achieve a balance in daily life, with overcoming hardships and unforeseen circumstances, through a therapeutic process. Exploring in sessions involves aiding individuals in solving their real-life problems and teaching them to modify their distorted thinking, dysfunctional behavior, and distressing affect. A developmental framework is used to understand how life events and experiences led to the development of core beliefs, underlying assumptions, and coping strategies, particularly in clients with mental health concerns and addictions.
Shilton Therapy strive to help achieve a common goal in relationships, work, mental health, addictions and the impact of these in daily life. We are committed to helping achieve a balance in daily life, with overcoming hardships and unforeseen circumstances, through a therapeutic process. Exploring in sessions involves aiding individuals in solving their real-life problems and teaching them to modify their distorted thinking, dysfunctional behavior, and distressing affect. A developmental framework is used to understand how life events and experiences led to the development of core beliefs, underlying assumptions, and coping strategies, particularly in clients with mental health concerns and addictions.
Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you ready for a new approach? The field of psychology has exploded with exciting approaches and new ways to help people. I am dedicated to lifelong learning have become proficient in new models of practice and ways of working with clients to help them to heal. While my training is on the leading edge of the field, I also have 15+ years’ experience and worked in many mental health settings. I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, eating/body related issues, self-acceptance and addictions. I work with adults, youth, couples, parents and families.
Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you ready for a new approach? The field of psychology has exploded with exciting approaches and new ways to help people. I am dedicated to lifelong learning have become proficient in new models of practice and ways of working with clients to help them to heal. While my training is on the leading edge of the field, I also have 15+ years’ experience and worked in many mental health settings. I specialize in working with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, eating/body related issues, self-acceptance and addictions. I work with adults, youth, couples, parents and families.
I provide a nonjudgmental space that encourages clients to be themselves. I encourage and utilize humour within sessions and believe therapy is most effective when clients are involved in the development of goals and treatment approaches for their specific needs. I provide counselling services to teens (12+ with limited availability), adults, seniors, and couples. My areas of experience and interest include: Anxiety, BPD, Couples and Relationships (Monogamous & Alternative Lifestyles, Kink friendly), Depression, LGBTQ2S+, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality and Gender Identity, Stress Management, Trauma & PTSD.
I provide a nonjudgmental space that encourages clients to be themselves. I encourage and utilize humour within sessions and believe therapy is most effective when clients are involved in the development of goals and treatment approaches for their specific needs. I provide counselling services to teens (12+ with limited availability), adults, seniors, and couples. My areas of experience and interest include: Anxiety, BPD, Couples and Relationships (Monogamous & Alternative Lifestyles, Kink friendly), Depression, LGBTQ2S+, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality and Gender Identity, Stress Management, Trauma & PTSD.
I'm passionate about providing mental health support to adults, children, couples, and teens. Common challenges may include anxiety, depression, relationships dynamics, separation or changes in family systems, life transitions, self esteem and general life stressors. Currently I am available in Strathmore, Alberta at Rebloom Community Health and Wellness accepting adults, teens, and couples. As well as Aspen Psychology in Cochrane, Alberta accepting children, teens, adults, and couples.
I'm passionate about providing mental health support to adults, children, couples, and teens. Common challenges may include anxiety, depression, relationships dynamics, separation or changes in family systems, life transitions, self esteem and general life stressors. Currently I am available in Strathmore, Alberta at Rebloom Community Health and Wellness accepting adults, teens, and couples. As well as Aspen Psychology in Cochrane, Alberta accepting children, teens, adults, and couples.
See more therapy options for Cochrane
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Cochrane
See More LGBTQ+ CounsellorsNearby Searches for Cochrane
See More CounsellorsLGBTQ+ 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.