LGBTQ+ Therapists in Downtown, Toronto, ON
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto, ON. I use a psychodynamic lens to support individuals struggling with diverse mental health issues, with a focus on LGBTQ+ clients, depression and suicidal ideation, disordered eating, ADHD, and complex trauma. I value client-centered therapy and tailor the therapy experience to my client’s individual needs. I work with clients to improve daily functioning and mood, and gain capacity for emotional regulation. I look forward to joining you on your therapy journey!
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto, ON. I use a psychodynamic lens to support individuals struggling with diverse mental health issues, with a focus on LGBTQ+ clients, depression and suicidal ideation, disordered eating, ADHD, and complex trauma. I value client-centered therapy and tailor the therapy experience to my client’s individual needs. I work with clients to improve daily functioning and mood, and gain capacity for emotional regulation. I look forward to joining you on your therapy journey!
With over 20 years of seasoned experience in mental health and substance use, I bring advanced expertise to my practice. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, and major life transitions. I employ harm reduction to help individuals understand substance use and experiences in their lives. Drawing from extensive front-line social work, I assist workers facing grief, loss, and burnout. As a non-binary, queer member of the 2SLGBTQ community, I bring lived experiences to issues of coming out and gender journeys. I work with all communities, offering a compassionate, informed, and tailored approach to your unique needs.
With over 20 years of seasoned experience in mental health and substance use, I bring advanced expertise to my practice. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, and major life transitions. I employ harm reduction to help individuals understand substance use and experiences in their lives. Drawing from extensive front-line social work, I assist workers facing grief, loss, and burnout. As a non-binary, queer member of the 2SLGBTQ community, I bring lived experiences to issues of coming out and gender journeys. I work with all communities, offering a compassionate, informed, and tailored approach to your unique needs.
Carla Barbosa
Registered Social Worker, MSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Life can be messy, random, and stressful. Yet, it can be breathtaking, fulfilling, and remarkable. The unpredictability of our human experiences can make our lives unravel and destabilize. My great passion is to create space for people who are overwhelmed by life and help them find their way to safety and wellness. I am a queer, cisgender, woman and I have experienced episodes of mental unwellness myself. My personal experiences allow me to connect with others from a place of empathy and profound respect for their strengths.
Life can be messy, random, and stressful. Yet, it can be breathtaking, fulfilling, and remarkable. The unpredictability of our human experiences can make our lives unravel and destabilize. My great passion is to create space for people who are overwhelmed by life and help them find their way to safety and wellness. I am a queer, cisgender, woman and I have experienced episodes of mental unwellness myself. My personal experiences allow me to connect with others from a place of empathy and profound respect for their strengths.
Dr Caroline Maykut, Ontario Sex Therapy
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5A
Dr. Caroline Maykut has been involved in research, teaching, and clinical practice related to sexuality for several years. She enjoys working with people of all sexualities and genders in individual and relationship therapy. She is affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities. Her therapeutic approach is warm, engaged, collaborative, and evidence-based. Dr. Maykut's goal is to help clients develop insight and awareness into their current concerns and work actively towards meaningful change. She is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining current with best practices in the field.
Dr. Caroline Maykut has been involved in research, teaching, and clinical practice related to sexuality for several years. She enjoys working with people of all sexualities and genders in individual and relationship therapy. She is affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities. Her therapeutic approach is warm, engaged, collaborative, and evidence-based. Dr. Maykut's goal is to help clients develop insight and awareness into their current concerns and work actively towards meaningful change. She is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining current with best practices in the field.
Assessment and Psychotherapy Services: During our appointments, we will work together to understand what is happening for you in its larger context, including your past experiences and your social world. Using this holistic, collaborative and relational approach will ensure the work we do is helpful and meaningful for you. My therapeutic approach is neurodiverse-, queer-, trauma-informed, using a combination of CBT, IPT, IFS, IPT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches provide an effective perspective from which to understand factors that may contribute to and maintain mental health difficulties.
Assessment and Psychotherapy Services: During our appointments, we will work together to understand what is happening for you in its larger context, including your past experiences and your social world. Using this holistic, collaborative and relational approach will ensure the work we do is helpful and meaningful for you. My therapeutic approach is neurodiverse-, queer-, trauma-informed, using a combination of CBT, IPT, IFS, IPT, DBT, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches provide an effective perspective from which to understand factors that may contribute to and maintain mental health difficulties.
Tara Jane Wodelet
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5C (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
Welcome! I am a queer and gender expansive therapist, offering individual online therapy across most Canadian jurisdictions. I offer a contextualizing, self-compassionate, and strengths based approach. While life's hardships will never disappear, I can help you come to more peace and aliveness within yourself. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to be seen, heard, and grow within. Therapy is kind of like detangling a big ball of yarn; it can be both hard yet relieving (you're not broken, just tangled!), and ultimately allows room for more consciousness/choice to flow in: now that your threads are free, what would you like to weave?
Are you seeking a queer & neurodivergent affirming therapist? Hi! I'm XT, I centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships to the community. I have lived experience being queer & AuDHD, I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, move from understanding, to processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I have vast experience supporting individuals & couples move through challenges such as non-monogamy, sexuality, spirituality, gender, attachment, intimacy, infidelity, trauma, communication & trust.
Are you seeking a queer & neurodivergent affirming therapist? Hi! I'm XT, I centre the 2SLGBTQ+ community & those in close relationships to the community. I have lived experience being queer & AuDHD, I aim to support you in exploring self, your relationships, move from understanding, to processing & unburdening the past and move toward healing. I centre the topics you bring, while affirming fluidity & queering my therapy lens'. I have vast experience supporting individuals & couples move through challenges such as non-monogamy, sexuality, spirituality, gender, attachment, intimacy, infidelity, trauma, communication & trust.
Scott Howcroft
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I work with a range of clients, including the LGBTQ+ community, from different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I work with a range of clients, including the LGBTQ+ community, from different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Michael Adia (Hope Leads Mental Health Care)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
As a racialized queer and bilingual speaker (English and Tagalog), Michael uses a culturally sensitive and responsive approach to support you in therapy.
Michael provides counseling and psychotherapy to adults, 18 years and older. He can support you in learning practical skills in managing mood and dealing with experiences of oppression. Michael is also here to help you build tools in working through grief and loss, non traditional relationships (i.e. open, polyamorous), gender journey, and complex health/mental health challenges including addictions. He is also a goal oriented therapist and works to ensure that each therapy session is productive.
As a racialized queer and bilingual speaker (English and Tagalog), Michael uses a culturally sensitive and responsive approach to support you in therapy.
Michael provides counseling and psychotherapy to adults, 18 years and older. He can support you in learning practical skills in managing mood and dealing with experiences of oppression. Michael is also here to help you build tools in working through grief and loss, non traditional relationships (i.e. open, polyamorous), gender journey, and complex health/mental health challenges including addictions. He is also a goal oriented therapist and works to ensure that each therapy session is productive.
My queer experience, neurodivergence (ADHD), and childhood trauma has afforded me a deep grounding in compassion.
You may be seeking out therapy to make sense of numbness or overwhelm. You seek understanding and moving out of that sense of wariness to engage with your life fully. Perhaps grief, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence are all a part of your story. But asking for support may be out of reach; you've learned to cope on your own for so long. Let us walk together through your life, and make sense of some of these untouchable parts. Gently, at your pace, we will discover what comes next and how best to resource you. Coping with new parts of life means we may need to untangle the unknown of our past. I can be there as this unfolds.
My queer experience, neurodivergence (ADHD), and childhood trauma has afforded me a deep grounding in compassion.
You may be seeking out therapy to make sense of numbness or overwhelm. You seek understanding and moving out of that sense of wariness to engage with your life fully. Perhaps grief, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence are all a part of your story. But asking for support may be out of reach; you've learned to cope on your own for so long. Let us walk together through your life, and make sense of some of these untouchable parts. Gently, at your pace, we will discover what comes next and how best to resource you. Coping with new parts of life means we may need to untangle the unknown of our past. I can be there as this unfolds.
Debby Herman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5C (Online Only)
My approach draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, I am a trauma informed therapist and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Your experiences and challenges matter - and so does your mental health. Whether you're experiencing therapy for the first time or returning, your needs and goals are something we can work towards together. Therapy is a collaborative journey, offering a path to self-discovery. My focus is to ensure a safe and welcoming space that’s tailored to your unique journey.
My approach draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, I am a trauma informed therapist and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Your experiences and challenges matter - and so does your mental health. Whether you're experiencing therapy for the first time or returning, your needs and goals are something we can work towards together. Therapy is a collaborative journey, offering a path to self-discovery. My focus is to ensure a safe and welcoming space that’s tailored to your unique journey.
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Arwen Sweet
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I am a queer therapist and have experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ teens and adults navigating experiences of coming out, relationships, gender, and sexual orientation.
Hello! I’m Arwen. I am a registered social worker and practicing psychotherapist who is passionate about creating supportive spaces for self-reflection, connection, and healing. My approach to therapy is relational and flexible. I work collaboratively with you based on your needs, where you are at in your life, and where you would like to go. I integrate different frameworks into my therapeutic practice to best support you in navigating relationships, building effective coping strategies, connecting with your emotions, and looking inward with more curiosity and compassion.
I am a queer therapist and have experience working with 2SLGBTQ+ teens and adults navigating experiences of coming out, relationships, gender, and sexual orientation.
Hello! I’m Arwen. I am a registered social worker and practicing psychotherapist who is passionate about creating supportive spaces for self-reflection, connection, and healing. My approach to therapy is relational and flexible. I work collaboratively with you based on your needs, where you are at in your life, and where you would like to go. I integrate different frameworks into my therapeutic practice to best support you in navigating relationships, building effective coping strategies, connecting with your emotions, and looking inward with more curiosity and compassion.
Being a Queer person is a journey filled with unique challenges. The world tells you to be someone you're not, leaving you feeling alone and struggling to grasp your identity amidst societal expectations. The weight of isolation, fear for your safety, and discomfort of not being your true self can be overwhelming. In session, we will identify the stories you believe about yourself and the world. We will integrate a strengths-based approach to find exceptions to the problems you're facing and identify your strengths so you can begin to rewrite these stories and find creative solutions to improve your quality of life.
Being a Queer person is a journey filled with unique challenges. The world tells you to be someone you're not, leaving you feeling alone and struggling to grasp your identity amidst societal expectations. The weight of isolation, fear for your safety, and discomfort of not being your true self can be overwhelming. In session, we will identify the stories you believe about yourself and the world. We will integrate a strengths-based approach to find exceptions to the problems you're facing and identify your strengths so you can begin to rewrite these stories and find creative solutions to improve your quality of life.
Theo (Teddy) Chu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MKin , MC, RCC
Verified Verified
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5B (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Teddy and I am the founder of WAVE Performance and Wellness. I offer individual psychotherapy and sport performance consulting. I’m a dually trained mental health practitioner with expertise in sport psychology and counselling psychology. I have worked with various populations ranging from age 10 to those in their 60s. I specialize in working with the Asian population, athletes, as well as GBQ (gay, bisexual, queer) men.
Hello! My name is Teddy and I am the founder of WAVE Performance and Wellness. I offer individual psychotherapy and sport performance consulting. I’m a dually trained mental health practitioner with expertise in sport psychology and counselling psychology. I have worked with various populations ranging from age 10 to those in their 60s. I specialize in working with the Asian population, athletes, as well as GBQ (gay, bisexual, queer) men.
Kurtiss Trowbridge
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5A
I've worked the LGBTQ community and those navigating an HIV diagnosis, I am sensitive to my client's unique experiences, and work from an anti-oppressive framework.
Deciding to seek support is not always easy. Typically it's made when a conflict gets to the point where it can no longer be managed alone. Once the decision has been made, there can be fear or unease around talking about vulnerable emotions or life situations. I recognize the courage that it takes to reach out for help, and endeavour to work from a framework of empowerment so clients can uncover their inherent strengths and abilities. Solutions to our troubles often lie within, however the journey to uncovering these is one that many people struggle to walk alone.
I've worked the LGBTQ community and those navigating an HIV diagnosis, I am sensitive to my client's unique experiences, and work from an anti-oppressive framework.
Deciding to seek support is not always easy. Typically it's made when a conflict gets to the point where it can no longer be managed alone. Once the decision has been made, there can be fear or unease around talking about vulnerable emotions or life situations. I recognize the courage that it takes to reach out for help, and endeavour to work from a framework of empowerment so clients can uncover their inherent strengths and abilities. Solutions to our troubles often lie within, however the journey to uncovering these is one that many people struggle to walk alone.
Adrian Daniels
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, HBSc
Verified Verified
Downtown, Toronto, ON M4M
Waitlist for new clients
I promote sex and body positivity, and offer queer- and gender-affirming care.
Hello! My name is Adrian and I am passionate about delivering affordable quality psychotherapy to underserved and vulnerable communities. I have over 10 years of counselling and peer support experience. Additionally, I have 15 years of practice and training in applied mindfulness and compassion cultivation. I have a wealth of experience working within the private mental healthcare sector, as well as working with community-based organizations. I specialize in working with bipolar disorder, other mood and anxiety disorders, sexual and gender diversity issues, sex addiction, as well as with intersex folks, HIV+ folks, sex workers.
I promote sex and body positivity, and offer queer- and gender-affirming care.
Hello! My name is Adrian and I am passionate about delivering affordable quality psychotherapy to underserved and vulnerable communities. I have over 10 years of counselling and peer support experience. Additionally, I have 15 years of practice and training in applied mindfulness and compassion cultivation. I have a wealth of experience working within the private mental healthcare sector, as well as working with community-based organizations. I specialize in working with bipolar disorder, other mood and anxiety disorders, sexual and gender diversity issues, sex addiction, as well as with intersex folks, HIV+ folks, sex workers.
The clients that I connect with are often sensitive and reflective. They may feel somehow different or misunderstood. I work well with teenagers and young adults; queer clients of all ages; people navigating ADHD; folks who have been confined to institutions; and "over-thinkers" who are interested in becoming more connected with themselves, their bodies, and the world around them. My background in critical mental health research grounds my practice in compassion, justice, and freedom.
The clients that I connect with are often sensitive and reflective. They may feel somehow different or misunderstood. I work well with teenagers and young adults; queer clients of all ages; people navigating ADHD; folks who have been confined to institutions; and "over-thinkers" who are interested in becoming more connected with themselves, their bodies, and the world around them. My background in critical mental health research grounds my practice in compassion, justice, and freedom.
Melina Bondy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5V
I bring two decades of meditation practice including nine years as a Buddhist monastic and an expressive arts practice into the work of psychotherapy along my own experiences of surviving cancer and being a queer, gender-fluid person.
I have learned there is wisdom and resilience hidden in even the most painful of patterns, even when these patterns leave us trapped in destructive habits, despair or bad relationships. Once we find the wise intentions behind the old strategies, healing can happen. If you’re used to numbing out or criticizing yourself to get through the hard times – we’ll do it differently. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space to bring your sorrow, anxiety, anger and confusion without having to hide it or push through on your own.
I bring two decades of meditation practice including nine years as a Buddhist monastic and an expressive arts practice into the work of psychotherapy along my own experiences of surviving cancer and being a queer, gender-fluid person.
I have learned there is wisdom and resilience hidden in even the most painful of patterns, even when these patterns leave us trapped in destructive habits, despair or bad relationships. Once we find the wise intentions behind the old strategies, healing can happen. If you’re used to numbing out or criticizing yourself to get through the hard times – we’ll do it differently. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space to bring your sorrow, anxiety, anger and confusion without having to hide it or push through on your own.
Levana Lam
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5K
As a neurodivergent, queer-identifying, Asian therapist, my goal is to help folks who may share a similar background tell their stories in a new light. Whether you're struggling with mental health, questioning your identity, or want to begin healing from a traumatic past, I want my clients to know that isn't all there is to their life--that there is another story you can tell about yourself based on strength, resiliency, and courage.
As a neurodivergent, queer-identifying, Asian therapist, my goal is to help folks who may share a similar background tell their stories in a new light. Whether you're struggling with mental health, questioning your identity, or want to begin healing from a traumatic past, I want my clients to know that isn't all there is to their life--that there is another story you can tell about yourself based on strength, resiliency, and courage.
Anton ( Ant ) Corvus
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DIP Git, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, Toronto, ON M5E
My natural openness as a neurodivergent queer therapist, having experienced a lot of life offers a gentle space, where I sense and honour energy and feelings.
I help anxious, depressed, traumatized, overwhelmed, highly sensitive and neurodivergent people to find a grounding and calm in their body-mind. We explore creative ways of being, with a focus on the here and now. I walk besides you as we discover your self-support and build resilience to difficulties. I support you in freeing yourself of your freezing, fight or fight responses and help you to build better relationships with better boundaries, creating more flexibility and spontaneous moments of joy in your life,
My natural openness as a neurodivergent queer therapist, having experienced a lot of life offers a gentle space, where I sense and honour energy and feelings.
I help anxious, depressed, traumatized, overwhelmed, highly sensitive and neurodivergent people to find a grounding and calm in their body-mind. We explore creative ways of being, with a focus on the here and now. I walk besides you as we discover your self-support and build resilience to difficulties. I support you in freeing yourself of your freezing, fight or fight responses and help you to build better relationships with better boundaries, creating more flexibility and spontaneous moments of joy in your life,
See more therapy options for Downtown, Toronto
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Downtown, Toronto
- Central Toronto
- Chinatown
- Don Mills
- Leslieville
- Parkdale
- Summerhill
- West Toronto
- Westminster-Branson
- Weston-Mount Dennis
- Yorkville
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.