LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Sherwood Park, AB
My heart especially goes out to those who find themselves at the intersection of queerness and faith, and those who have suffered spiritual, emotional or sexual abuse and trauma.
My name is Naomi Isaac (she/her), and I am a queer therapist who specializes in working with individuals who may be struggling to integrate queer and spiritual identities. Queer people from religious faith backgrounds (and their families) are often marginalized by both the queer community and their faith community, and may feel alone in the struggle they may have to understand their queerness in the context of their faith or religious upbringing. Having a therapist who is familiar with both worlds, who will respect all aspects of their identity, is crucial in working through these unique challenges in counselling.
My heart especially goes out to those who find themselves at the intersection of queerness and faith, and those who have suffered spiritual, emotional or sexual abuse and trauma.
My name is Naomi Isaac (she/her), and I am a queer therapist who specializes in working with individuals who may be struggling to integrate queer and spiritual identities. Queer people from religious faith backgrounds (and their families) are often marginalized by both the queer community and their faith community, and may feel alone in the struggle they may have to understand their queerness in the context of their faith or religious upbringing. Having a therapist who is familiar with both worlds, who will respect all aspects of their identity, is crucial in working through these unique challenges in counselling.
Ignite Counselling & Wellness Services
Psychologist, MC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sherwood Park, AB T8A
I maintain a body positive, sex positive, poly, queer and trans friendly, safe(r) space within my practice.
At Ignite Counselling & Wellness Services we specialize in feminist, social justice focused, anti-oppressive counselling. Our team members have experience working collaboratively with clients on wide array of concerns. Please check out our website at www.ignitewellness.ca for our full bios or email hello@ignitewellness.ca for our availability.
I maintain a body positive, sex positive, poly, queer and trans friendly, safe(r) space within my practice.
At Ignite Counselling & Wellness Services we specialize in feminist, social justice focused, anti-oppressive counselling. Our team members have experience working collaboratively with clients on wide array of concerns. Please check out our website at www.ignitewellness.ca for our full bios or email hello@ignitewellness.ca for our availability.
Hello! My person-centered approach influences the therapy I offer clients, allowing the opportunity for emotional processing and self-exploration and growth in a non-judgmental atmosphere. My practice includes therapy for adults of all ages and genders, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. My clinical expertise is in treating clients who are living with a variety of issues such as depression, self-harm, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, stress, self-esteem concerns, and interpersonal struggles, relationship, marriage and family difficulties, LGBTQ+ and sexuality, addictions and substance abuse, and personality and mood disorders (i.e. bi-polar disorder), and anxiety.
Hello! My person-centered approach influences the therapy I offer clients, allowing the opportunity for emotional processing and self-exploration and growth in a non-judgmental atmosphere. My practice includes therapy for adults of all ages and genders, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. My clinical expertise is in treating clients who are living with a variety of issues such as depression, self-harm, grief and loss, abuse and trauma, stress, self-esteem concerns, and interpersonal struggles, relationship, marriage and family difficulties, LGBTQ+ and sexuality, addictions and substance abuse, and personality and mood disorders (i.e. bi-polar disorder), and anxiety.
I am LGBTQ friendly, accepting, and an ally.
I approach each individual with compassion and empathy. My work and lived experience, along with ongoing education is broad - having worked in hospital and community settings, concurring with years of experience working privately with individuals, couples, and families. I am passionate about my work and strive to build rapport, connections, self-worth, and provide strategies and tools for individuals to meet their goals and attain an overall life balance. If you are feeling "stuck or seeing patterns" in a relationship or within yourself, a job, family, health, or other areas of life, reach out, let's talk about it!
I am LGBTQ friendly, accepting, and an ally.
I approach each individual with compassion and empathy. My work and lived experience, along with ongoing education is broad - having worked in hospital and community settings, concurring with years of experience working privately with individuals, couples, and families. I am passionate about my work and strive to build rapport, connections, self-worth, and provide strategies and tools for individuals to meet their goals and attain an overall life balance. If you are feeling "stuck or seeing patterns" in a relationship or within yourself, a job, family, health, or other areas of life, reach out, let's talk about it!
My practice encompasses working with youth, adults, couples and families, and a wide range of clients, including uniformed personnel, First Nations (on reserve), culturally diverse, LGBTQ individuals, clients in care, the inner city population, as well as with young offenders in Brazil. The main issues that have been presented in my practice are complex trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and maladaptive behaviours.
My practice encompasses working with youth, adults, couples and families, and a wide range of clients, including uniformed personnel, First Nations (on reserve), culturally diverse, LGBTQ individuals, clients in care, the inner city population, as well as with young offenders in Brazil. The main issues that have been presented in my practice are complex trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and maladaptive behaviours.
I offer individual, couple, family, and group counselling for the following: abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), addictions, anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting, post-partum depression, relationships, self esteem & assertiveness, sexual and gender minority ( LGBTQ), and trauma (PTSD).
I believe the quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial to the effectiveness of psychotherapy. My goal as therapist is to establish a relationship with my client that will allow me to effectively understand them in a nonjudgmental way and challenge them to grow and gain new perspective. I seek to be emotionally present, authentic, respectful, open, honest, and deeply empathic. In building on my client's existing inner strengths, they are empowered to seek and make the changes needed to live full and satisfying lives.
I offer individual, couple, family, and group counselling for the following: abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), addictions, anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting, post-partum depression, relationships, self esteem & assertiveness, sexual and gender minority ( LGBTQ), and trauma (PTSD).
I believe the quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial to the effectiveness of psychotherapy. My goal as therapist is to establish a relationship with my client that will allow me to effectively understand them in a nonjudgmental way and challenge them to grow and gain new perspective. I seek to be emotionally present, authentic, respectful, open, honest, and deeply empathic. In building on my client's existing inner strengths, they are empowered to seek and make the changes needed to live full and satisfying lives.
Lyvia Hughes
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherwood Park, AB T8A
I am also trained in LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I am a kink-conscious, trauma-informed therapist that works with couples, ENM, and Polyamorous individuals, as well as sex therapy. I also take on a number of individual clients, that deal with a myriad of issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma related concerns. I primarily serve adults and couples, but have experience with families and children.
I am also trained in LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I am a kink-conscious, trauma-informed therapist that works with couples, ENM, and Polyamorous individuals, as well as sex therapy. I also take on a number of individual clients, that deal with a myriad of issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma related concerns. I primarily serve adults and couples, but have experience with families and children.
Mackenzie Thomas
Pre-Licensed Professional, BSc Hon
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherwood Park, AB T8B
Life can be challenging, and sometimes it feels overwhelming to navigate it all on your own. Whether you're facing anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or navigating big life transitions, it can be hard to find clarity and balance. As someone passionate about supporting teens and adults, I’m here to help you make sense of these complex experiences. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together toward self-understanding, acceptance, and meaningful change. By exploring the unique blend of factors influencing your life, I can help you discover new ways to cope, grow, and thrive.
Life can be challenging, and sometimes it feels overwhelming to navigate it all on your own. Whether you're facing anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, or navigating big life transitions, it can be hard to find clarity and balance. As someone passionate about supporting teens and adults, I’m here to help you make sense of these complex experiences. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where we can work together toward self-understanding, acceptance, and meaningful change. By exploring the unique blend of factors influencing your life, I can help you discover new ways to cope, grow, and thrive.
My name is Sydney McKenzie-Hougestol (she/her) and I am a Registered Psychologist. I chose to go into this field because I love people and I believe in people. I have worked with people in the field of mental health, addictions, and trauma for 8 years. I think often the key to unlocking what is going on for a person is looking into the ways they have learned to judge themselves for what they feel and think and challenging those assumptions. I am passionate about working with people and empowering them find new ways of looking at themselves, their relationships, and the world.
My name is Sydney McKenzie-Hougestol (she/her) and I am a Registered Psychologist. I chose to go into this field because I love people and I believe in people. I have worked with people in the field of mental health, addictions, and trauma for 8 years. I think often the key to unlocking what is going on for a person is looking into the ways they have learned to judge themselves for what they feel and think and challenging those assumptions. I am passionate about working with people and empowering them find new ways of looking at themselves, their relationships, and the world.
I work with children and teens and have a special interest in trauma, dissociative processes in children, ADHD, and Autism. I am a Certified Autplay Therapist, which is a neurodiverse affirming approach to play therapy. I have almost completed my play therapy training for certification with the CAPT and am currently completing my supervision hours. I am a Certified EMDR therapist, EMDR Consultant-in-Training and an EMDR Child Specialist. I have attended many trainings focused on dissociation in children and worked extensively with attachment trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and neglect.
I work with children and teens and have a special interest in trauma, dissociative processes in children, ADHD, and Autism. I am a Certified Autplay Therapist, which is a neurodiverse affirming approach to play therapy. I have almost completed my play therapy training for certification with the CAPT and am currently completing my supervision hours. I am a Certified EMDR therapist, EMDR Consultant-in-Training and an EMDR Child Specialist. I have attended many trainings focused on dissociation in children and worked extensively with attachment trauma, sexual and physical abuse, and neglect.
She specializes in helping adults with a wide range of issues, including trauma, personality disorders, emotion regulation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, women's issues, life transitions, stress and burnout, self-esteem, and exploration of gender and sexual orientation.
Jenny is a Doctoral Level Practicum Student with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology. Jenny is passionate about fostering growth and change in individuals from all walks of life. She is committed to supporting people as they navigate the complexities of life. Jenny works closely with her clients to promote healing, personal growth, and an enhanced sense of well-being. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is built on collaboration, empathy, and customized interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each person she works with.
She specializes in helping adults with a wide range of issues, including trauma, personality disorders, emotion regulation, loneliness, depression, anxiety, women's issues, life transitions, stress and burnout, self-esteem, and exploration of gender and sexual orientation.
Jenny is a Doctoral Level Practicum Student with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Psychology. Jenny is passionate about fostering growth and change in individuals from all walks of life. She is committed to supporting people as they navigate the complexities of life. Jenny works closely with her clients to promote healing, personal growth, and an enhanced sense of well-being. She believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is built on collaboration, empathy, and customized interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each person she works with.
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I believe people experience psychological/emotional suffering because they are not able to relate deeply enough to certain aspects of themselves. This disconnection causes "symptoms" and pain. Depression and anxiety are the most common, but they can further develop into problems with identity, addictions, anger, suicidal feelings, despair, problems in relationships, personality disorders etc. To relieve suffering and to further ones personal development, a deeper connection with self is needed. The clients I usually work with are people who feel thwarted in their attempts to be happy, have satisfying relationships, achieve success.
I believe people experience psychological/emotional suffering because they are not able to relate deeply enough to certain aspects of themselves. This disconnection causes "symptoms" and pain. Depression and anxiety are the most common, but they can further develop into problems with identity, addictions, anger, suicidal feelings, despair, problems in relationships, personality disorders etc. To relieve suffering and to further ones personal development, a deeper connection with self is needed. The clients I usually work with are people who feel thwarted in their attempts to be happy, have satisfying relationships, achieve success.
At Wholeness Psychology Centre, we work with a variety of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, identity crisis, and relationship conflict. We recognize that short-term, solution-focused modalities are appropriate for some presenting concerns. For others, a more heart-centred, holistic, depth-oriented approach to therapy is necessary. Our team has the skills and training in both areas to best meet your therapeutic needs and goals. Our approach is multifaceted and involves working with several layers simultaneously and getting to the core of your experience and needs in assessments and counselling.
At Wholeness Psychology Centre, we work with a variety of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, addictions, identity crisis, and relationship conflict. We recognize that short-term, solution-focused modalities are appropriate for some presenting concerns. For others, a more heart-centred, holistic, depth-oriented approach to therapy is necessary. Our team has the skills and training in both areas to best meet your therapeutic needs and goals. Our approach is multifaceted and involves working with several layers simultaneously and getting to the core of your experience and needs in assessments and counselling.
I am honoured to support people in finding their path to healing. I believe that we have our own capacity to move through difficult times and know that taking this step can be pretty tricky. My approach is gentle and fairly eclectic, I tend to use the modality that best suits the clients needs with an attachment based lens. I tend to focus on play therapy and emotion focused therapies with children as well as utilize some dyad work. With adults I tend to use EMDR, trauma processing, solution focused therapy, person centred and emotion focussed therapy modalities. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to ensure I am the right fit.
I am honoured to support people in finding their path to healing. I believe that we have our own capacity to move through difficult times and know that taking this step can be pretty tricky. My approach is gentle and fairly eclectic, I tend to use the modality that best suits the clients needs with an attachment based lens. I tend to focus on play therapy and emotion focused therapies with children as well as utilize some dyad work. With adults I tend to use EMDR, trauma processing, solution focused therapy, person centred and emotion focussed therapy modalities. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to ensure I am the right fit.
Are you ready to make a change? Would you like to worry less? Perhaps your relationship could use a tune up? Together we can make these changes happen. As a Registered Psychologist, I specialize in helping people improve their overall well-being, reduce symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I aspire to support each client to find hope and solutions to empower their lives.
Are you ready to make a change? Would you like to worry less? Perhaps your relationship could use a tune up? Together we can make these changes happen. As a Registered Psychologist, I specialize in helping people improve their overall well-being, reduce symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety. I aspire to support each client to find hope and solutions to empower their lives.
Kubra Sansarlioglu
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sherwood Park, AB T8A
Feeling safe, valued, and heard is an incredible experience! That is something we can offer you at Midnight Sun Wellness. I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and I truly believe in the importance of bringing compassion, non-judgemental, open and safe space to the therapy experience for individuals to explore, heal, and grow. I work with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, MVA, chronic pain, life transitions, relationship and self-esteem concerns. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I also offer sessions in Turkish.
Feeling safe, valued, and heard is an incredible experience! That is something we can offer you at Midnight Sun Wellness. I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist and I truly believe in the importance of bringing compassion, non-judgemental, open and safe space to the therapy experience for individuals to explore, heal, and grow. I work with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, MVA, chronic pain, life transitions, relationship and self-esteem concerns. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I also offer sessions in Turkish.
I love working with trauma and have specialized experience with first responders. I get how it changes the way you think, feel and act so can work with emotional dysregulation and behavioural issues too. Addiction is common, and often a way to cope, and it's the underlying issues I enjoy nurturing and healing. At times, I work with people struggling in relationships, sometimes with themselves, or as they adjust to relational changes or losses. Other times I support people as they navigate life transitions like career changes, pregnancy/parenthood, health issues, or the effects of aging.
I love working with trauma and have specialized experience with first responders. I get how it changes the way you think, feel and act so can work with emotional dysregulation and behavioural issues too. Addiction is common, and often a way to cope, and it's the underlying issues I enjoy nurturing and healing. At times, I work with people struggling in relationships, sometimes with themselves, or as they adjust to relational changes or losses. Other times I support people as they navigate life transitions like career changes, pregnancy/parenthood, health issues, or the effects of aging.
My focus is to assist clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery. Specializing in trauma counselling for CAF, RCMP, EMS, CSC, and other front line workers. I am experienced with VAC assessments, with an in depth knowledge of VAC policies, and benefits. My approach is strength based, and solution focused using research based methods. My unique life experiences as a female Veteran provide compassionate empathy, and understanding of the great need for trauma counselling.
My focus is to assist clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, and trauma recovery. Specializing in trauma counselling for CAF, RCMP, EMS, CSC, and other front line workers. I am experienced with VAC assessments, with an in depth knowledge of VAC policies, and benefits. My approach is strength based, and solution focused using research based methods. My unique life experiences as a female Veteran provide compassionate empathy, and understanding of the great need for trauma counselling.
While therapy can sometimes be uncomfortable, it can also be enlightening, healing, restorative and even fun! I do my best to create a safe, supportive space for my clients. I am passionate about showing up with a non-judgmental, compassionate and empathetic approach.
While therapy can sometimes be uncomfortable, it can also be enlightening, healing, restorative and even fun! I do my best to create a safe, supportive space for my clients. I am passionate about showing up with a non-judgmental, compassionate and empathetic approach.
Michelle McKenzie
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BA, MACP
Verified Verified
Sherwood Park, AB T8A
I strive to create a warm, supportive, non-judgemental environment for my clients to work on issues causing distress. I believe in using a person-centered approach and empowering others to address issues in their lives. I incorporate various therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and solution focused approaches to provide clients with practical skills they can incorporate into daily life. Some of my areas of interest include intergenerational trauma, burnout, boundary setting, complex relationships, grief, anxiety, and depression.
I strive to create a warm, supportive, non-judgemental environment for my clients to work on issues causing distress. I believe in using a person-centered approach and empowering others to address issues in their lives. I incorporate various therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, and solution focused approaches to provide clients with practical skills they can incorporate into daily life. Some of my areas of interest include intergenerational trauma, burnout, boundary setting, complex relationships, grief, anxiety, and depression.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Sherwood Park
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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.