LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cold Lake, AB
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.
Elizabeth Forbes - Ptsd Cptsd - Trauma
Psychologist, R Psych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cold Lake, AB T9M
Waitlist for new clients
Do strong emotions and intense memories impact how you live? Sometimes the past seems to become the present, despite our best efforts. Traumatic experiences and chronic stress can create negative thoughts and feelings that can interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being. Coping mechanisms are often developed to manage these distressing experiences, although they may become ineffective or even harmful over time. Addiction (substance/behavioural), anxiety/depression, etc., and other concerns can arise as a result of unresolved trauma. New to therapy? Tried other types of therapy? Call today for a consult.
Do strong emotions and intense memories impact how you live? Sometimes the past seems to become the present, despite our best efforts. Traumatic experiences and chronic stress can create negative thoughts and feelings that can interfere with daily functioning and overall well-being. Coping mechanisms are often developed to manage these distressing experiences, although they may become ineffective or even harmful over time. Addiction (substance/behavioural), anxiety/depression, etc., and other concerns can arise as a result of unresolved trauma. New to therapy? Tried other types of therapy? Call today for a consult.
Susan McGowan, BSW, MSW, is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Work. For almost 30 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults living with stress, depression, anxiety, anger, addictions and trauma. I am interested in helping people build upon their own strengths to better understand, manage and express their emotions, thoughts and behaviours. I will help you build and develop new skills to meet your life goals. If you're not sure what your goals are, I can help you with that too. People value my genuine nature and my ability to build strong working relationships with clients.
Susan McGowan, BSW, MSW, is a Registered Clinical Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Work. For almost 30 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults living with stress, depression, anxiety, anger, addictions and trauma. I am interested in helping people build upon their own strengths to better understand, manage and express their emotions, thoughts and behaviours. I will help you build and develop new skills to meet your life goals. If you're not sure what your goals are, I can help you with that too. People value my genuine nature and my ability to build strong working relationships with clients.
Candace Marie MacFarlane
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, BA, RSW
Verified Verified
Cold Lake, AB T9M
I am a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and culturally competent therapist with over 17 years of experience providing services to clients. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, neurodiversity, identity or general life stressors. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, offering inclusive and affirming individual and relationship therapy for clients of all sexual, gender, and relationship orientations.
I am a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and culturally competent therapist with over 17 years of experience providing services to clients. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, neurodiversity, identity or general life stressors. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, offering inclusive and affirming individual and relationship therapy for clients of all sexual, gender, and relationship orientations.
My goal is to provide an open, warm, and calming environment where you are free to discuss any issue that is affecting your life. I am committed to working together to make a plan to ease your distress, improve your insight, and create a path forward for you. "You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jon Kabat-Zinn
My goal is to provide an open, warm, and calming environment where you are free to discuss any issue that is affecting your life. I am committed to working together to make a plan to ease your distress, improve your insight, and create a path forward for you. "You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jon Kabat-Zinn
Are you struggling with daily life, goals, or your relationship with yourself or others? Do fear, anxiety, low self-worth, setting boundaries, or anger hold you back? I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach focused on helping you rediscover your self-worth and innate ability to navigate life's challenges. With a background in addiction treatment and a diverse upbringing, I integrate Eastern philosophy and spirituality into my practice. I presently exclusively offer online sessions while working closely with a dedicated team at Strength Counselling Services.
Are you struggling with daily life, goals, or your relationship with yourself or others? Do fear, anxiety, low self-worth, setting boundaries, or anger hold you back? I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental approach focused on helping you rediscover your self-worth and innate ability to navigate life's challenges. With a background in addiction treatment and a diverse upbringing, I integrate Eastern philosophy and spirituality into my practice. I presently exclusively offer online sessions while working closely with a dedicated team at Strength Counselling Services.
Alisha Datoo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, CDWF
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cold Lake, AB T9M
I am a fellow human being on a journey of learning, growing and healing. I have been supporting beautiful, messy and imperfect people through the ups and downs of life for over a decade. My goal is to provide you with an experience of feeling seen, heard and connected to a mental health professional who can provide a safe non-judgmental space. I feel that we are all whole (even if we feel broken) and it is through this safe therapeutic relationship we can open up universes of possibilities like making sense of your experiences together, connecting with yourself and others with self-compassion, and learning research-based techniques.
I am a fellow human being on a journey of learning, growing and healing. I have been supporting beautiful, messy and imperfect people through the ups and downs of life for over a decade. My goal is to provide you with an experience of feeling seen, heard and connected to a mental health professional who can provide a safe non-judgmental space. I feel that we are all whole (even if we feel broken) and it is through this safe therapeutic relationship we can open up universes of possibilities like making sense of your experiences together, connecting with yourself and others with self-compassion, and learning research-based techniques.
Are you looking to improve your mental health? Or bumping into issues in your relationship? I work with individuals and couples to achieve their mental health goals. I strive to provide safe spaces for individuals of all cultural identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. I approach sessions from a client-centered framework where I believe you are the expert on your life and that you hold the power to heal within. I am here to support you to discover this healing strength. I use an eclectic approach to therapy where together we find the best approach to meet your goals as efficiently as possible.
Are you looking to improve your mental health? Or bumping into issues in your relationship? I work with individuals and couples to achieve their mental health goals. I strive to provide safe spaces for individuals of all cultural identities, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. I approach sessions from a client-centered framework where I believe you are the expert on your life and that you hold the power to heal within. I am here to support you to discover this healing strength. I use an eclectic approach to therapy where together we find the best approach to meet your goals as efficiently as possible.
Tired of your cycle? Are you wrestling in your relationships or tired of fighting the same fights? Are you weighed down by shame or carry the weight of your past? Do you subtly ask your partner "are you there for me?" and are afraid they wouldn't say yes? Do you carry your past around like luggage, feeling the weight of unhealed trauma, religious shame, relationship struggles, difficulties in sex or not being able to trust loved ones anymore? My best work is with those struggling with always being too much or never being enough and as a result not feeling respected or cherished the way they long for.
Tired of your cycle? Are you wrestling in your relationships or tired of fighting the same fights? Are you weighed down by shame or carry the weight of your past? Do you subtly ask your partner "are you there for me?" and are afraid they wouldn't say yes? Do you carry your past around like luggage, feeling the weight of unhealed trauma, religious shame, relationship struggles, difficulties in sex or not being able to trust loved ones anymore? My best work is with those struggling with always being too much or never being enough and as a result not feeling respected or cherished the way they long for.
My ideal client is committed to healing from his/her current or past trauma/grief and are open to various ways of healing. Their goals are to obtain new tools to utilize when they are in crisis, feeling anxious, sad or disillusioned. They want to be at peace in the present moment. They want to be happy, content and confident in their choices. Most of all, they have hope for the future and they have love and compassion for themselves. They are easily able to forgive themselves and pick up where they left off knowing mistakes are one of their greatest teachings.
My ideal client is committed to healing from his/her current or past trauma/grief and are open to various ways of healing. Their goals are to obtain new tools to utilize when they are in crisis, feeling anxious, sad or disillusioned. They want to be at peace in the present moment. They want to be happy, content and confident in their choices. Most of all, they have hope for the future and they have love and compassion for themselves. They are easily able to forgive themselves and pick up where they left off knowing mistakes are one of their greatest teachings.
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma (childhood and other experiences), life transitions, and relationship conflict.
Book a free consult using my website! You have taken a courageous step to be here, and I am so glad you did! We all move through challenges in life, and we deserve a space to learn and discover healthier ways of coping and living. Therapy is about creating new strengths, as well as helping you rediscover the ones that already exist within you. My ideal client is looking for a therapist to help them regain wellness and stability by exploring and changing unhelpful behaviors, patterns, beliefs, and relationships. I am here to welcome you exactly as you are, as this will be the starting point for the change we create together!
I work with anxiety, depression, trauma (childhood and other experiences), life transitions, and relationship conflict.
Book a free consult using my website! You have taken a courageous step to be here, and I am so glad you did! We all move through challenges in life, and we deserve a space to learn and discover healthier ways of coping and living. Therapy is about creating new strengths, as well as helping you rediscover the ones that already exist within you. My ideal client is looking for a therapist to help them regain wellness and stability by exploring and changing unhelpful behaviors, patterns, beliefs, and relationships. I am here to welcome you exactly as you are, as this will be the starting point for the change we create together!
15 Second Videos
Elizabeth Forbes - Ptsd Cptsd - Trauma
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Alisha Datoo
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Online Therapists
Dr. Suzie Le Brocq; Clinical Sexologist
PhD, MPhil, CCPCPR, CCS-AC, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Lloydminster, AB T9V
Suzie Le Brocq specializes in intimacy disorders and all area's of human sexuality / clinical sexology; including sex addiction, sex therapy and transgender care.
Dr. Suzie Le Brocq; Clinical Sexologist, Certified Sex Therapist, Sex Addiction Therapist, Transgender Care Therapist has worked in the human services / addiction field for more than 20 years, with stops in Europe, North America, and the South Pacific. Working in different countries has expanded her global knowledge base and provided her with exposure to many different and diverse populations, races, cultures, and treatment philosophies. That said, she works primarily with a trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral model of therapy, focusing on the relationship between a person’s thinking, emotions, and behaviors.
Suzie Le Brocq specializes in intimacy disorders and all area's of human sexuality / clinical sexology; including sex addiction, sex therapy and transgender care.
Dr. Suzie Le Brocq; Clinical Sexologist, Certified Sex Therapist, Sex Addiction Therapist, Transgender Care Therapist has worked in the human services / addiction field for more than 20 years, with stops in Europe, North America, and the South Pacific. Working in different countries has expanded her global knowledge base and provided her with exposure to many different and diverse populations, races, cultures, and treatment philosophies. That said, she works primarily with a trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral model of therapy, focusing on the relationship between a person’s thinking, emotions, and behaviors.
R.A. Swanson Psychological Services
Psychologist, MC, RPsych, CSAT, CFTP
Verified Verified
Plamondon, AB T0A
I am a Trauma & Addiction Specialist and am currently working on my PhD in Clinical Sexology with a Transgender Care Specialization.
I am a Registered Psychologist/Mental Health Therapist. I have been working in the area of Human Services for over 30 years. For the past 18 years I have worked in the area of clinical counselling assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health issues. I have worked with couples, families as well as groups. My passion has always been to empower individuals with focus on their health and I am committed to doing the best I can to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
I am a Trauma & Addiction Specialist and am currently working on my PhD in Clinical Sexology with a Transgender Care Specialization.
I am a Registered Psychologist/Mental Health Therapist. I have been working in the area of Human Services for over 30 years. For the past 18 years I have worked in the area of clinical counselling assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health issues. I have worked with couples, families as well as groups. My passion has always been to empower individuals with focus on their health and I am committed to doing the best I can to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Newlife Psychology - Mental Health & Addiction
Counsellor, PhD, CSAT-S, CCPCPR
Verified Verified
Lloydminster, AB T9V (Online Only)
Every person and couple stumbles at some point in their life and sometimes they need support along the way. Whether you are struggling individually, or you are a couple who needs support healing a hurting relationship, or if you are dealing with mental health concerns including depression, anxiety or trauma; we bring many years of combined clinical experience and work with our clients affordably and confidentially to help you move forward in your life and relationships. We use a state-of-the-art online platform and together we will help you move out of anxiety, addiction, hurt and shame toward a more balanced and joyful life.
Every person and couple stumbles at some point in their life and sometimes they need support along the way. Whether you are struggling individually, or you are a couple who needs support healing a hurting relationship, or if you are dealing with mental health concerns including depression, anxiety or trauma; we bring many years of combined clinical experience and work with our clients affordably and confidentially to help you move forward in your life and relationships. We use a state-of-the-art online platform and together we will help you move out of anxiety, addiction, hurt and shame toward a more balanced and joyful life.
Lindsay Haverslew
Counsellor, MA, RTC, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vermilion, AB T9X (Online Only)
Are you trying to figure out how to move forward after having your relationship end or discovering your partner's emotional or physical betrayal? My team at Lost & Found Counselling specializes in betrayal trauma recovery. Betrayal trauma is very real and can occur when the sense of safety and security in a relationship is broken due to cheating, unexpected ending of the partnership, abuse and/or lies. Experiencing this type of trauma can completely shake our beliefs about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us. This can feel lonely, scary, overwhelming and confusing.
Are you trying to figure out how to move forward after having your relationship end or discovering your partner's emotional or physical betrayal? My team at Lost & Found Counselling specializes in betrayal trauma recovery. Betrayal trauma is very real and can occur when the sense of safety and security in a relationship is broken due to cheating, unexpected ending of the partnership, abuse and/or lies. Experiencing this type of trauma can completely shake our beliefs about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us. This can feel lonely, scary, overwhelming and confusing.
Shayla S Dube
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RCSW, RSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Vegreville, AB T9C
Waitlist for new clients
Wamkelekile- Welcome & thank you for being here. I am a Bantu woman who has spent the last 13 years walking alongside people from different walks of life and holding space for their healing journeys with compassion and curiosity. I believe in de-pathologizing and re-humanizing mental health, while seeing and valuing people in their authentic wholeness. Although my targeted people are: those who are racialized as Black, Indigenous peoples and all equity seeking humans who might be struggling with identity-based trauma, intergenerational trauma and/or racial trauma, I am open to working with all those who feel aligned with my values.
Wamkelekile- Welcome & thank you for being here. I am a Bantu woman who has spent the last 13 years walking alongside people from different walks of life and holding space for their healing journeys with compassion and curiosity. I believe in de-pathologizing and re-humanizing mental health, while seeing and valuing people in their authentic wholeness. Although my targeted people are: those who are racialized as Black, Indigenous peoples and all equity seeking humans who might be struggling with identity-based trauma, intergenerational trauma and/or racial trauma, I am open to working with all those who feel aligned with my values.
See more therapy options for Cold Lake
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.