Transgender Therapists in Vancouver, BC
![Photo of David Minor, MSW, RSW, RCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/111476d5-dcab-4771-989b-aa9490c2ab60/2/320x400.jpeg)
David Minor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
I can help with: mental health, work stress, family conflict, gender dysphoria, couples counselling, and ADHD.
Do you want a counsellour who doesn't just talk and listen but helps you create a clear plan to solve your problems and challenges right now? If so you've come to the right place! I combine the best aspects of counselling and coaching to help you gain insight into your psychological barriers, and make real change in your life. If you feel stuck and want a structured plan to move forward I can help.
I can help with: mental health, work stress, family conflict, gender dysphoria, couples counselling, and ADHD.
Do you want a counsellour who doesn't just talk and listen but helps you create a clear plan to solve your problems and challenges right now? If so you've come to the right place! I combine the best aspects of counselling and coaching to help you gain insight into your psychological barriers, and make real change in your life. If you feel stuck and want a structured plan to move forward I can help.
![Photo of Dr. Mahsa Yaghoubirad, PhD, RCC, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fecb2df-c9d1-4484-9012-4817d4cd1893/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mahsa Yaghoubirad
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B (Online Only)
Reaching out to a counsellor may not be easy, but would it be worth it if your future self appreciated it? I am a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with BCACC. I work with adults with ADHD, perfectionism, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, gender dysphoria, and low self-esteem through CBT, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to my client's unique needs and worldview. I also offer couple counselling using Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and Gottman method to help couples improve their communication skills and understand themselves and each other better.
Reaching out to a counsellor may not be easy, but would it be worth it if your future self appreciated it? I am a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with BCACC. I work with adults with ADHD, perfectionism, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, gender dysphoria, and low self-esteem through CBT, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to my client's unique needs and worldview. I also offer couple counselling using Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy (CBCT) and Gottman method to help couples improve their communication skills and understand themselves and each other better.
![Photo of Vanessa Fernando - Vanessa Fernando Counselling, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6207147-0f8b-4048-9c0a-0b61aeb2fb8c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Fernando Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I'm a Registered Social Worker with a social justice oriented, anti-oppressive, and somatic lens. My areas of specialization include trauma, particularly sexual assault; intimate partner violence; and childhood abuse. I frequently (though not exclusively!) work with folks who identify as LGBTQ2S. I have been involved in community-based social justice work since my teens, and received my MSW from UBC in 2016.
I'm a Registered Social Worker with a social justice oriented, anti-oppressive, and somatic lens. My areas of specialization include trauma, particularly sexual assault; intimate partner violence; and childhood abuse. I frequently (though not exclusively!) work with folks who identify as LGBTQ2S. I have been involved in community-based social justice work since my teens, and received my MSW from UBC in 2016.
![Photo of Islai Rhys Rathlin, MA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cab76cec-7f4a-48ca-9053-18077a075a55/1/320x400.jpeg)
Islai Rhys Rathlin
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6H (Online Only)
Islai is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with queer, trans, and genderdiverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals experiencing life transitions. Islai works from an anti-oppressive framework and offers sex-positive, kink-friendly, non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship counselling.
Islai is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with queer, trans, and genderdiverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals experiencing life transitions. Islai works from an anti-oppressive framework and offers sex-positive, kink-friendly, non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship counselling.
![Photo of Matsui De Roo, MA, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15b07395-9708-4864-9bc0-a4b74131585d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with people who are seeking healing, growth, and joy in their relationships with themselves, their community, their culture and the world around them. My approach is relational and responsive to your needs, and I recognize that who you are matters in this work. I am committed to holding space for your whole and authentic self, and I often see clients with intersectional identities of culture, race, Indigeneity, class, gender, disability, neurodiversity, age, sexuality, and spirituality.
I work with people who are seeking healing, growth, and joy in their relationships with themselves, their community, their culture and the world around them. My approach is relational and responsive to your needs, and I recognize that who you are matters in this work. I am committed to holding space for your whole and authentic self, and I often see clients with intersectional identities of culture, race, Indigeneity, class, gender, disability, neurodiversity, age, sexuality, and spirituality.
![Photo of Clayre Sessoms - Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy, RP, RCC, RCAT, CCC, ATR, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa1ab2e3-84ff-4109-a2db-61066605b5d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RCC, RCAT, CCC, ATR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z (Online Only)
Are you overwhelmed by societal pressures to conform, questioning if your current life could embrace your truest form? I'm Clayre, a Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Registered Art Therapist. I work with adults at any age and stage of life who might be feeling stressed, stuck, or worn out. Using a blend of evidence-based practices tailored to your specific therapy goals, I can help if you're feeling anxious, depressed, grief-stricken, hopeless, or stressed to the max. We'll work together to help you reclaim your sense of wellbeing. Let's find your path to growth, healing, and change.
Are you overwhelmed by societal pressures to conform, questioning if your current life could embrace your truest form? I'm Clayre, a Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Registered Art Therapist. I work with adults at any age and stage of life who might be feeling stressed, stuck, or worn out. Using a blend of evidence-based practices tailored to your specific therapy goals, I can help if you're feeling anxious, depressed, grief-stricken, hopeless, or stressed to the max. We'll work together to help you reclaim your sense of wellbeing. Let's find your path to growth, healing, and change.
![Photo of Taya Nowlan](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dc06ce8-7817-421f-a66f-25ddfd4e3729/1/320x400.jpeg)
Taya Nowlan
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor Candidate
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6L (Online Only)
Struggling to focus? Exploring your Identity? Not feeling like you fit in? Feeling lonely? Just wanna talk about things you have been struggling with?
Struggling to focus? Exploring your Identity? Not feeling like you fit in? Feeling lonely? Just wanna talk about things you have been struggling with?
![Photo of Adrianna Faliszewski, CCC, MA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec634c60-85b8-4c87-aba0-b3b6cf1e3d2e/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a queer and trans therapist, my experience allows me to attend to many ways of being that are not always understood. I am ideally suited to those who walk along one or more of these paths, including queerness, transness, neurodivergence, ethical non-monogamy, kink- and power exchange-based relationships, and parenting in structures outside of the hetero nuclear family.
As a queer and trans therapist, my experience allows me to attend to many ways of being that are not always understood. I am ideally suited to those who walk along one or more of these paths, including queerness, transness, neurodivergence, ethical non-monogamy, kink- and power exchange-based relationships, and parenting in structures outside of the hetero nuclear family.
![Photo of Alejs Lluis Gonzalez - Embodied Mind Therapy, MEd, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/959be0da-8daa-4896-8426-b1c8fd0b69b5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alejs Lluis Gonzalez - Embodied Mind Therapy
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Alejs, pronounced 'Alex'. My areas of focus are: LGBTQIA+ issues. Trauma & C-PTSD (adverse childhood experiences, sexualized violence, religious trauma). Non-normative relationships & lifestyles. 1st gen. & immigrant Canadians. Deep thinkers who want to explore their emotions but don't know where to start. My genuine warmth, humour and curiosity play a big role in my counselling approach. It’s important to me that my clients feel well-supported when digging into difficult material. My goal is to support you in finding new ways to explore and attend to the places and parts of yourself where you feel stuck or lost.
Hello! I'm Alejs, pronounced 'Alex'. My areas of focus are: LGBTQIA+ issues. Trauma & C-PTSD (adverse childhood experiences, sexualized violence, religious trauma). Non-normative relationships & lifestyles. 1st gen. & immigrant Canadians. Deep thinkers who want to explore their emotions but don't know where to start. My genuine warmth, humour and curiosity play a big role in my counselling approach. It’s important to me that my clients feel well-supported when digging into difficult material. My goal is to support you in finding new ways to explore and attend to the places and parts of yourself where you feel stuck or lost.
![Photo of Bess McCarville, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64e854d7-39ab-42a2-a9e9-527c0999cf8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bess McCarville
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z (Online Only)
I trust in the body’s innate wisdom and capacity to heal from difficult emotional experiences and know that this work can only truly happen when the body feels safe. I see my role as that of a trusted collaborator, allying with you to co-create a space of safety, dignity, and belonging around whatever it is you are seeking to work through and heal. I believe that you hold all of the skill and knowledge you need to move forward in your life and toward the things that matter most to you. I am here to support you along the way.
I trust in the body’s innate wisdom and capacity to heal from difficult emotional experiences and know that this work can only truly happen when the body feels safe. I see my role as that of a trusted collaborator, allying with you to co-create a space of safety, dignity, and belonging around whatever it is you are seeking to work through and heal. I believe that you hold all of the skill and knowledge you need to move forward in your life and toward the things that matter most to you. I am here to support you along the way.
![Photo of Audrey Wolfe, MA, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8572b6c-a845-49da-8d6c-e601d6aa53df/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling worried or depressed? Is life getting to be too much? Are you navigating the complexities of gender identity and sexual orientation? You may be dealing with societal pressures, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, or trauma from past experiences. You seek a supportive and affirming space to explore your life and work through your struggles. Your goals often include gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, building resilience, improving emotional regulation, and finding joy in your life.
Are you feeling worried or depressed? Is life getting to be too much? Are you navigating the complexities of gender identity and sexual orientation? You may be dealing with societal pressures, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, or trauma from past experiences. You seek a supportive and affirming space to explore your life and work through your struggles. Your goals often include gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, building resilience, improving emotional regulation, and finding joy in your life.
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![Photo of Justine Little, RSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e42f6d6-7dfc-4858-bec7-427462f0d288/1/320x400.jpeg)
Justine Little
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
![Photo of Brett Richardson, MEd, CCC, RCC, RCT, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fe9c450-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I draw on the commonalities that exist between therapeutic approaches, and am aligned with anti-oppression perspectives. I utilize deep, introspective practices and pragmatic, solution-oriented practices to help clients cultivate greater self-compassion; achieve greater effectiveness in their relationships and communities; and grow towards deeper fulfillment in their lives. I am also able to offer a truly holistic therapy, combining talk therapy, mindfulness, and movement. I am a good fit for those impacted by marginalization, those with shame and self-esteem challenges, those impacted by trauma and addiction, and for couples.
I draw on the commonalities that exist between therapeutic approaches, and am aligned with anti-oppression perspectives. I utilize deep, introspective practices and pragmatic, solution-oriented practices to help clients cultivate greater self-compassion; achieve greater effectiveness in their relationships and communities; and grow towards deeper fulfillment in their lives. I am also able to offer a truly holistic therapy, combining talk therapy, mindfulness, and movement. I am a good fit for those impacted by marginalization, those with shame and self-esteem challenges, those impacted by trauma and addiction, and for couples.
![Photo of Nathan MacRae, RSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0eb2315d-8aa2-4ceb-86f5-0a8eb20cefe6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nathan MacRae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5N (Online Only)
There is a path forward to a fulfilling and happy future for everyone. Working together, I can support you in cultivating compassion for yourself and others, taking pride in who you are, navigating relationships and moving through the difficulties that arise in life. As a queer trans person, I use an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional framework, supporting the queer, trans, kink, and non-monogamous communities in unpacking identity, sex and relationship concerns, emotional dysregulation, trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. I offer gender-affirming hormone and top and gonadectomy surgical readiness assessments.
There is a path forward to a fulfilling and happy future for everyone. Working together, I can support you in cultivating compassion for yourself and others, taking pride in who you are, navigating relationships and moving through the difficulties that arise in life. As a queer trans person, I use an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional framework, supporting the queer, trans, kink, and non-monogamous communities in unpacking identity, sex and relationship concerns, emotional dysregulation, trauma, depression, anxiety and addiction. I offer gender-affirming hormone and top and gonadectomy surgical readiness assessments.
![Photo of Jen Marino, CCC, LMHC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7be469b-1910-406a-a8ea-4f05705200c1/4/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, and human in general, I am passionate about creating space for the stories and emotions that are so often pushed away, hidden from view, and disavowed. I believe that to be seen, heard, and accepted in these tender places can be a profoundly healing experience, even (and especially) when there is "nothing to do about it," other than bear witness and grieve. An important piece of this process is moving towards a way of being that centers less around achieving, perfecting and “doing” and much more around “being.” Being present, being messy, being perfectly imperfect and ok with slow processes and uncertainties.
As a therapist, and human in general, I am passionate about creating space for the stories and emotions that are so often pushed away, hidden from view, and disavowed. I believe that to be seen, heard, and accepted in these tender places can be a profoundly healing experience, even (and especially) when there is "nothing to do about it," other than bear witness and grieve. An important piece of this process is moving towards a way of being that centers less around achieving, perfecting and “doing” and much more around “being.” Being present, being messy, being perfectly imperfect and ok with slow processes and uncertainties.
![Photo of Poe Liberado - Hive Counselling & Consultancy, MSW, RSW, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/780b2742-3c0e-4dc4-b2af-e88c2b90c5f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hive Counselling & Consultancy
Counsellor, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K (Online Only)
Are you different? So am I. I specialize in working with people who break the mold. This includes neuro-diverse adults (ADHD, Autistic, C-PTSD), chronically ill, 2SLGBTQ, and racialized people. Focusing on resiliency and emotional intelligence, I use evidence-based practices and creative interventions to use the wounds of the past as seeds for growth. Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and relationship fractures disrupt our feelings of safety and trust. In order to thrive, we need to heal.
Are you different? So am I. I specialize in working with people who break the mold. This includes neuro-diverse adults (ADHD, Autistic, C-PTSD), chronically ill, 2SLGBTQ, and racialized people. Focusing on resiliency and emotional intelligence, I use evidence-based practices and creative interventions to use the wounds of the past as seeds for growth. Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and relationship fractures disrupt our feelings of safety and trust. In order to thrive, we need to heal.
![Photo of Dr. Margaret Drewlo, RPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55f05d8d-3c97-4593-840d-9cc9b0a566a3/3/320x400.jpeg)
All grief is not the same. You might think that you cannot survive your traumatic loss and life will never seem right again. You might think that the pain you are in now will never end. You wonder how other people get through the day. My clients seek to make sense of what has happened in their lives, to be understood and have a place of safety to explore new ways of living. Having helped clients in many areas of counselling and psychotherapy and with most age groups over the past 20 years, my experience is broad and deep. This informs my current work with clients, who like you, are looking for hope that life can get better.
All grief is not the same. You might think that you cannot survive your traumatic loss and life will never seem right again. You might think that the pain you are in now will never end. You wonder how other people get through the day. My clients seek to make sense of what has happened in their lives, to be understood and have a place of safety to explore new ways of living. Having helped clients in many areas of counselling and psychotherapy and with most age groups over the past 20 years, my experience is broad and deep. This informs my current work with clients, who like you, are looking for hope that life can get better.
![Photo of Sonder Haven (They Them) - Sonder Haven Counselling, MA, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18bfb5b3-894d-4ad5-bdfa-648f3e47696c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a genderqueer trans counsellor who works with adults, youth, and families to gently explore difficulties while affirming the ways people are already working towards their own healing. Right now we are dealing with a lot: COVID-19, the ongoing and escalating police violence against Black and Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing racism against Asian and South Asian communities and Hispanic and Latin communities. In these times we need to find ways to support each other through the isolation, uncertainty and hardships. I offer several sliding scale options to make counselling as accessible as possible.
I'm a genderqueer trans counsellor who works with adults, youth, and families to gently explore difficulties while affirming the ways people are already working towards their own healing. Right now we are dealing with a lot: COVID-19, the ongoing and escalating police violence against Black and Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing racism against Asian and South Asian communities and Hispanic and Latin communities. In these times we need to find ways to support each other through the isolation, uncertainty and hardships. I offer several sliding scale options to make counselling as accessible as possible.
![Photo of Beckham Ronaghan, MSW , RSW , BAH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e99d10f5-0d0e-4246-bf4d-f1398390948f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beckham Ronaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , RSW , BAH
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5K (Online Only)
I am currently only accepting new clients for my DBT weekly virtual skills group. Everyone has the ability to change. Traumatic experiences often leave us stuck in patterns that hold us back from enjoying life. With my clinical knowledge and personable approach, we will work together to figure out a plan forward. I am a Registered Social Worker with expertise in trauma treatment, concurrent disorders, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I am an advocate for and a member of the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about working with individuals and families to strengthen relationships.
I am currently only accepting new clients for my DBT weekly virtual skills group. Everyone has the ability to change. Traumatic experiences often leave us stuck in patterns that hold us back from enjoying life. With my clinical knowledge and personable approach, we will work together to figure out a plan forward. I am a Registered Social Worker with expertise in trauma treatment, concurrent disorders, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I am an advocate for and a member of the LGBTQ+ community and am passionate about working with individuals and families to strengthen relationships.
![Photo of Jamila Nazerali Hilborn, MC, RCC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48eb5441-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work primarily with children (ages 5 +), youth, and their families. A strong focus of mine is working with trauma, abuse, issues surrounding belonging, abandonment, divorce/separation, addiction, eating disorders, impacts of cultural genocide/colonization, anxiety, gender transitioning/identity, and depression. I strive to walk with clients to further support them in building the necessary tools to navigate challenging life events, and to experience more beauty and growth. I understand that reaching out is never easy and I aim to provide a safe, trusting, compassionate space to explore or process issues. Please Inquire for fees.
I work primarily with children (ages 5 +), youth, and their families. A strong focus of mine is working with trauma, abuse, issues surrounding belonging, abandonment, divorce/separation, addiction, eating disorders, impacts of cultural genocide/colonization, anxiety, gender transitioning/identity, and depression. I strive to walk with clients to further support them in building the necessary tools to navigate challenging life events, and to experience more beauty and growth. I understand that reaching out is never easy and I aim to provide a safe, trusting, compassionate space to explore or process issues. Please Inquire for fees.
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Transgender Counsellors
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognise a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognise a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.