LGBTQ+ Therapists in Chinatown, Toronto, ON

Photo of Jeffrey Shepherd - Shepherd Psychotherapy, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Shepherd Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
We're also passionate about working with fellow queer / 2SLGBTQ+ folks and our allies.
Experiencing a lot of stress/anxiety? Having a hard time overcoming your past? Therapy can help. We're a team of kind, passionate and experienced counsellors based in Ottawa offering psychotherapy to adult individuals online and in-person. Our goal is to help you get curious about what’s getting in the way of your mental health, and to find clarity, acceptance and motivation to start feeling better. Our work is trauma-informed and you can expect to feel safe, accepted and empowered in session. Visit our website to view our intro videos, what to expect in session, and how to book.
We're also passionate about working with fellow queer / 2SLGBTQ+ folks and our allies.
Experiencing a lot of stress/anxiety? Having a hard time overcoming your past? Therapy can help. We're a team of kind, passionate and experienced counsellors based in Ottawa offering psychotherapy to adult individuals online and in-person. Our goal is to help you get curious about what’s getting in the way of your mental health, and to find clarity, acceptance and motivation to start feeling better. Our work is trauma-informed and you can expect to feel safe, accepted and empowered in session. Visit our website to view our intro videos, what to expect in session, and how to book.
(343) 801-1269 View (343) 801-1269
Photo of Holly Elizabeth Naraine, BSc, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Holly Elizabeth Naraine
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
I am interested in supporting teens and young adults who are in the early stages of exploring their queer identities.
Have you experienced internal conflict between your racial and queer identities? If you are searching for a therapist with similar lived and identity related experience, look no further. Hey! I’m Holly, a proud Black-Biracial queer femme with Caribbean ancestry, and I am here to accompany you on your journey- wherever you are at! I know it sounds cliche, but it really is okay to not be okay, and our sessions are where you can feel safe and embrace your vulnerabilities. I’m in YOUR corner!
I am interested in supporting teens and young adults who are in the early stages of exploring their queer identities.
Have you experienced internal conflict between your racial and queer identities? If you are searching for a therapist with similar lived and identity related experience, look no further. Hey! I’m Holly, a proud Black-Biracial queer femme with Caribbean ancestry, and I am here to accompany you on your journey- wherever you are at! I know it sounds cliche, but it really is okay to not be okay, and our sessions are where you can feel safe and embrace your vulnerabilities. I’m in YOUR corner!
(647) 370-0451 View (647) 370-0451
Photo of Steph Cooper, MEd, BA, Registered Psychotherapist
Steph Cooper
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, BA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
My lived experience as a queer woman is deeply important to me.
Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.
My lived experience as a queer woman is deeply important to me.
Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.
(437) 371-2419 View (437) 371-2419
Photo of Sawyer Johnson, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Sawyer Johnson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ and/or have experiences with polyamory in any way I may be that person for you.
Are you looking for a therapist that understands what it means to be a part of the queer and trans community? Hi! My name is Sawyer and I use they/them pronouns. I’m a queer, transgender, non-binary registered social worker, and therapist working with Positive Space Consulting. I’m looking to connect deeply with the queer and trans community in a relational and curious way. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the Univesity of Calgary.
If you are part of the LGBTQ+ and/or have experiences with polyamory in any way I may be that person for you.
Are you looking for a therapist that understands what it means to be a part of the queer and trans community? Hi! My name is Sawyer and I use they/them pronouns. I’m a queer, transgender, non-binary registered social worker, and therapist working with Positive Space Consulting. I’m looking to connect deeply with the queer and trans community in a relational and curious way. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the Univesity of Calgary.
(437) 372-5463 View (437) 372-5463
Photo of Imogen Chudyk-Barr, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Imogen Chudyk-Barr
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
As a queer, trans, and neurodiverse therapist, I’m committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for you to recover from trauma and improve your relationships.
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; feeling inherently broken and unlovable: if you are neurodiverse, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I specialize in working with queer and non-monogamous couples.
As a queer, trans, and neurodiverse therapist, I’m committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for you to recover from trauma and improve your relationships.
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; feeling inherently broken and unlovable: if you are neurodiverse, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I specialize in working with queer and non-monogamous couples.
(249) 493-7999 View (249) 493-7999
Photo of Gavin Bejaimal, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Gavin Bejaimal
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
Folks often reach out to me to explore their queer identity or gender, family dynamics or trauma and much more.
Do you feel your authentic self needs a space to be seen, heard or explored? Hi there! I’m Gavin. I'm an indo-caribbean/ POC, neurodivergent/ ADHD, spiritual, Queer therapist who strives to embrace the complexity of who you are. I know sometimes identifying with many things, or even just being part of the LGBTQ+ community, can create hurdles or blocks to how we feel on the inside and in the world. All your feelings are valid, and I would be honoured to give them and you a safe space to explore the many sides that make you unique!
Folks often reach out to me to explore their queer identity or gender, family dynamics or trauma and much more.
Do you feel your authentic self needs a space to be seen, heard or explored? Hi there! I’m Gavin. I'm an indo-caribbean/ POC, neurodivergent/ ADHD, spiritual, Queer therapist who strives to embrace the complexity of who you are. I know sometimes identifying with many things, or even just being part of the LGBTQ+ community, can create hurdles or blocks to how we feel on the inside and in the world. All your feelings are valid, and I would be honoured to give them and you a safe space to explore the many sides that make you unique!
(437) 529-4543 View (437) 529-4543
Photo of Greg Mendelson, PsyD, Psychologist
Greg Mendelson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults in the LGBTQ community.
Seeking help takes courage, and I would love to help you on your process of change. I am committed to providing compassionate treatment in a private and confidential manner. In terms of my services, I offer individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Some presenting concerns often include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, sexual identity and gender identity. I adapt my therapeutic approach to the unique needs of my clients, and utilize both skill-based and insight-oriented approaches
I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults in the LGBTQ community.
Seeking help takes courage, and I would love to help you on your process of change. I am committed to providing compassionate treatment in a private and confidential manner. In terms of my services, I offer individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Some presenting concerns often include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, sexual identity and gender identity. I adapt my therapeutic approach to the unique needs of my clients, and utilize both skill-based and insight-oriented approaches
(647) 360-8250 View (647) 360-8250
Photo of Sly Sarkisova, MSW, RSW, BA, BSW, Registered Social Worker
Sly Sarkisova
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BA, BSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
I am a non-binary trans, first generation settler, living with C-PTSD.
In whatever way you find yourself here, rest assured we can build the tools you need to unpack and resolve the issues you face. Whether you are exploring your identity, opening up or managing the health of your relationship(s), processing experiences from your past, or needing space to explore a sense of unrest - I will meet you in co-creating a compassionate space of deep empathy, gentle exploration, strengthening and resolution. If you feel ready to explore the next phase of your healing or recovery work, I offer a unique and experiential lens guided by integrity, consent, reflexivity and accountability.
I am a non-binary trans, first generation settler, living with C-PTSD.
In whatever way you find yourself here, rest assured we can build the tools you need to unpack and resolve the issues you face. Whether you are exploring your identity, opening up or managing the health of your relationship(s), processing experiences from your past, or needing space to explore a sense of unrest - I will meet you in co-creating a compassionate space of deep empathy, gentle exploration, strengthening and resolution. If you feel ready to explore the next phase of your healing or recovery work, I offer a unique and experiential lens guided by integrity, consent, reflexivity and accountability.
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Photo of Adrian Comeau, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Adrian Comeau
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
I have a passion for working with neurodiverse, trans/ LGBTQ+ people who are struggling to love and accept themselves in a world that often tells them they are broken.
Are you navigating what it means to be LGBTQ+ in a hetero-normative world or are transitioning and could use someone with lived experience? Hi! I'm Adrian she/they. I'm a trans identified, neurodivergent/ADHD, gamer, and I understand what it feels like to have your Queerness not seen and validated by others. Let me start by saying everything you are feeling is valid and I'm here to provide you an open, safe and collaborative space so we can approach these experiences at your pace. Working together I know we can connect, express, and find joy in your authentic self. I truly belive you deserve it!
I have a passion for working with neurodiverse, trans/ LGBTQ+ people who are struggling to love and accept themselves in a world that often tells them they are broken.
Are you navigating what it means to be LGBTQ+ in a hetero-normative world or are transitioning and could use someone with lived experience? Hi! I'm Adrian she/they. I'm a trans identified, neurodivergent/ADHD, gamer, and I understand what it feels like to have your Queerness not seen and validated by others. Let me start by saying everything you are feeling is valid and I'm here to provide you an open, safe and collaborative space so we can approach these experiences at your pace. Working together I know we can connect, express, and find joy in your authentic self. I truly belive you deserve it!
(226) 602-4640 View (226) 602-4640
Photo of Nicola Brown, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Nicola Brown
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical psychology practice focusses on working with adults who are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, life transitions, wanting to work on family and relationship issues, trauma, loss and grief, self-esteem and assertiveness, and workplace stress/burnout. The practice is also LGBT-competent for those looking to explore their sexuality or gender, or for support planning a transition. Clients get the most out of therapy when they come with a focus and are ready to work between sessions.
My clinical psychology practice focusses on working with adults who are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, life transitions, wanting to work on family and relationship issues, trauma, loss and grief, self-esteem and assertiveness, and workplace stress/burnout. The practice is also LGBT-competent for those looking to explore their sexuality or gender, or for support planning a transition. Clients get the most out of therapy when they come with a focus and are ready to work between sessions.
(647) 492-7978 View (647) 492-7978
Photo of Alejandra Lindan, MMT, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Alejandra Lindan
Registered Psychotherapist, MMT, RP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
I’m a white queer enby and Chilean adoptee, with a history of BPD traits.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
I’m a white queer enby and Chilean adoptee, with a history of BPD traits.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
(647) 559-3080 View (647) 559-3080
Photo of Sara Peters, Registered Psychotherapist
Sara Peters
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
I am white, queer, and nonbinary.
You may come to therapy because you feel worried, lost, trapped, isolated, heartbroken, furious, confused, hollow, fearful, betrayed, frustrated, or hopeless. Your mind may frighten, incapacitate, sadden, or bewilder you. You may be a survivor of abuse: sexual, emotional, physical, psychological. I want our work together to feel sufficiently safe (whatever that means to you) but also challenging; supportive and steadying, but also energizing. What each person needs and wants from therapy is necessarily unique, and ever-changing.
I am white, queer, and nonbinary.
You may come to therapy because you feel worried, lost, trapped, isolated, heartbroken, furious, confused, hollow, fearful, betrayed, frustrated, or hopeless. Your mind may frighten, incapacitate, sadden, or bewilder you. You may be a survivor of abuse: sexual, emotional, physical, psychological. I want our work together to feel sufficiently safe (whatever that means to you) but also challenging; supportive and steadying, but also energizing. What each person needs and wants from therapy is necessarily unique, and ever-changing.
(647) 360-5896 View (647) 360-5896
Photo of Kate McGee - Kate McGee, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Kate McGee
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
As a queer therapist, I'm committed to serving my community.
With gentleness, curiosity, and humour, I'll help you seek joy. We seek help to learn about the most difficult and mysterious parts of ourselves, but shedding light there can be surprising. Wonder and creativity build; you find a new sense of possibility and self-compassion. Over 15 years, I've walked with people at all ages and stages: facing mental illness or trauma, dealing with infertility or baby loss, embracing queer identity, wrestling with spirituality, living with disability. I work with creativity and flexibility, and I encourage my clients to draw on imagination and deep reflection as they heal.
As a queer therapist, I'm committed to serving my community.
With gentleness, curiosity, and humour, I'll help you seek joy. We seek help to learn about the most difficult and mysterious parts of ourselves, but shedding light there can be surprising. Wonder and creativity build; you find a new sense of possibility and self-compassion. Over 15 years, I've walked with people at all ages and stages: facing mental illness or trauma, dealing with infertility or baby loss, embracing queer identity, wrestling with spirituality, living with disability. I work with creativity and flexibility, and I encourage my clients to draw on imagination and deep reflection as they heal.
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Photo of Sherel Griffiths - Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services, MSW, LCSW, CFT, AFM, MSc, Registered Psychotherapist
Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW, CFT, AFM, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Through CFT training, an internship at MUSIC, and being a member of the transgender research group, I have developed a growing competency and keen interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized, immigrant clients and couples.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
Through CFT training, an internship at MUSIC, and being a member of the transgender research group, I have developed a growing competency and keen interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized, immigrant clients and couples.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
(438) 255-4340 View (438) 255-4340
Photo of Jenny Rajewski Gouin, MEd, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jenny Rajewski Gouin
Registered Social Worker, MEd, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
The day-to-day can feel like it’s too much sometimes. If you find yourself feeling constantly overstimulated, agitated, overwhelmed and unfocused- you are not alone. Shame may be speaking loudly and telling you that you’re the only one struggling in this way, that you are not enough. Together we can begin shifting your relationship with yourself, the inner critic, and the world around you. We can work towards finding your voice, your creativity and your authenticity even in the most challenging of spaces. It is possible to move to a place of fulfillment and purpose where you are empowered to be a compassionate ally for yourself.
The day-to-day can feel like it’s too much sometimes. If you find yourself feeling constantly overstimulated, agitated, overwhelmed and unfocused- you are not alone. Shame may be speaking loudly and telling you that you’re the only one struggling in this way, that you are not enough. Together we can begin shifting your relationship with yourself, the inner critic, and the world around you. We can work towards finding your voice, your creativity and your authenticity even in the most challenging of spaces. It is possible to move to a place of fulfillment and purpose where you are empowered to be a compassionate ally for yourself.
(437) 800-2513 View (437) 800-2513
Photo of Edith Kwan, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist
Edith Kwan
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
It can be difficult to reach out for support when we feel as though we are caught in the currents of life. Perhaps you've momentarily lost track of your anchor and don't know how to find your way back or maybe you've been floating in the ocean for as long as you remember. Your circumstances and experiences are unique, but you don't have to be alone on your journey. I strive to use my professional training and unique insight from my lived experience to create a safe, non-judgmental and collaborative space where you can be free to explore your identity, experiences and internal processes.
It can be difficult to reach out for support when we feel as though we are caught in the currents of life. Perhaps you've momentarily lost track of your anchor and don't know how to find your way back or maybe you've been floating in the ocean for as long as you remember. Your circumstances and experiences are unique, but you don't have to be alone on your journey. I strive to use my professional training and unique insight from my lived experience to create a safe, non-judgmental and collaborative space where you can be free to explore your identity, experiences and internal processes.
(437) 747-0973 View (437) 747-0973
Photo of Mariya Sytnyk, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Mariya Sytnyk
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
Do you feel like life is chaos and you’re all alone? Like none of your relationships are working out and that there’s always a crisis to address? Maybe you’ve been told you’re too much or too sensitive and that you need to get over things that have happened to you in the past. Whether you have been diagnosed with BPD, CPTSD, PTSD, or are struggling with feeling chronically suicidal, managing you addiction, or feel emotionally out of control, HopeStart Therapy is dedicated to validating and supporting individuals to address these experiences, figure out what’s going on, and find practical skills to grow into living the life you want.
Do you feel like life is chaos and you’re all alone? Like none of your relationships are working out and that there’s always a crisis to address? Maybe you’ve been told you’re too much or too sensitive and that you need to get over things that have happened to you in the past. Whether you have been diagnosed with BPD, CPTSD, PTSD, or are struggling with feeling chronically suicidal, managing you addiction, or feel emotionally out of control, HopeStart Therapy is dedicated to validating and supporting individuals to address these experiences, figure out what’s going on, and find practical skills to grow into living the life you want.
(365) 657-5918 View (365) 657-5918
Photo of Nina Jankovic, MA, RCC, CCC, Counsellor
Nina Jankovic
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
I offer psychodynamic group therapy. Members often have histories of growing up in invalidating or otherwise harmful environments in which they were not heard, and rarely attuned to. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, attachment injuries, heightened shame, existential questions, and have a desire to develop a better relationship with themselves along with others - they have largely moved beyond immediate trauma responses and are looking to explore more deeply.
I offer psychodynamic group therapy. Members often have histories of growing up in invalidating or otherwise harmful environments in which they were not heard, and rarely attuned to. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, attachment injuries, heightened shame, existential questions, and have a desire to develop a better relationship with themselves along with others - they have largely moved beyond immediate trauma responses and are looking to explore more deeply.
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Photo of Richie Han, MS, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Richie Han
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
As a therapist, I see myself as a facilitator of change and a witness to my clients' journeys of self-discovery. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and transformation, and I feel honored to accompany my clients on their path towards healing and wholeness. Taking after others who have inspired me, I encourage my clients to step into their power and courageously embrace their vulnerability as a source of strength and connection. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and curiosity. I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive environment where clients feel heard, seen, and understood.
As a therapist, I see myself as a facilitator of change and a witness to my clients' journeys of self-discovery. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and transformation, and I feel honored to accompany my clients on their path towards healing and wholeness. Taking after others who have inspired me, I encourage my clients to step into their power and courageously embrace their vulnerability as a source of strength and connection. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and curiosity. I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive environment where clients feel heard, seen, and understood.
(289) 803-9988 View (289) 803-9988
Photo of Melissa Hunt, BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Melissa Hunt
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
You enjoy close relationships, set clear goals, and have the drive to achieve. However, sometimes you become disconnected — Disconnected from your relationships and who you want to be. Maybe the disconnect is mild. Or maybe it’s more serious. You have spent months,… or years, striving to connect with your best self. This may be one of those times. You may have a goal but are unsure about how to get there. Perhaps you are struggling with motivation and self doubt, just surviving, but not thriving! Life isn't about survival its about living!
You enjoy close relationships, set clear goals, and have the drive to achieve. However, sometimes you become disconnected — Disconnected from your relationships and who you want to be. Maybe the disconnect is mild. Or maybe it’s more serious. You have spent months,… or years, striving to connect with your best self. This may be one of those times. You may have a goal but are unsure about how to get there. Perhaps you are struggling with motivation and self doubt, just surviving, but not thriving! Life isn't about survival its about living!
(437) 747-5832 View (437) 747-5832
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See more therapy options for Chinatown, Toronto

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.