Transgender Therapists in Toronto, ON
Amy O'Leary
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y (Online Only)
If you're concerned about finances or affording therapy, I can offer sliding scale rates for members of the transgender community.
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
If you're concerned about finances or affording therapy, I can offer sliding scale rates for members of the transgender community.
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
I follow the World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over a decade of experience providing assessment and psychotherapeutic services. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto (MSW). In addition to my independent practice, I have a clinical role at a large mental health teaching hospital. I hold Adjunct Lecturer Status in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. My practice is an affirming space for diverse communities, including gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ) clients and allies.
I follow the World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over a decade of experience providing assessment and psychotherapeutic services. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto (MSW). In addition to my independent practice, I have a clinical role at a large mental health teaching hospital. I hold Adjunct Lecturer Status in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. My practice is an affirming space for diverse communities, including gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ) clients and allies.
Andy L'Heureux
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I enjoy working with folks who are looking to heal from childhood/developmental trauma, complex PTSD, dissociation, chaotic substance use, personality disorders, and struggles related to being queer, transgender, and/or non-binary.
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, & struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you went through something that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep everywhere you go, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, & valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, & appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
I enjoy working with folks who are looking to heal from childhood/developmental trauma, complex PTSD, dissociation, chaotic substance use, personality disorders, and struggles related to being queer, transgender, and/or non-binary.
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, & struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you went through something that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep everywhere you go, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, & valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, & appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
Makinz Madigan Meisel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I am a client-centered, trauma-informed practicing queer social worker. I specialize in clinical practice; as well as, connecting my clients to appropriate community services and supports. I am committed to serving diverse communities as a social worker and advocate. I specialize in aiding 2SLGBTQIA communities with a focus on folks who identify as transgender/non gender conforming/fluid. Moreover, I have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health, specifically mood disorders, and trauma.
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I am a client-centered, trauma-informed practicing queer social worker. I specialize in clinical practice; as well as, connecting my clients to appropriate community services and supports. I am committed to serving diverse communities as a social worker and advocate. I specialize in aiding 2SLGBTQIA communities with a focus on folks who identify as transgender/non gender conforming/fluid. Moreover, I have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health, specifically mood disorders, and trauma.
Jay Jonah
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
I specialize in working with queer, transgender and GNC individuals as well as the parents and partners of 2SILGBTQ individuals. I will work collaboratively with you to navigate life’s challenges, uncover your strengths, build resilience, and broaden your understanding of self and others. When it comes to mental wellness people often suffer in silence. I know from experience breaking the silence and finding the right person to talk to can be freeing. As a person with lived experience of being trans/ queer, depression, anxiety, body shame, and self-doubt I understand the importance of community, chosen family, and support.
I specialize in working with queer, transgender and GNC individuals as well as the parents and partners of 2SILGBTQ individuals. I will work collaboratively with you to navigate life’s challenges, uncover your strengths, build resilience, and broaden your understanding of self and others. When it comes to mental wellness people often suffer in silence. I know from experience breaking the silence and finding the right person to talk to can be freeing. As a person with lived experience of being trans/ queer, depression, anxiety, body shame, and self-doubt I understand the importance of community, chosen family, and support.
Sawyer Johnson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
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.
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.
Caroline Maykut - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychologist, PhD, C PSYC
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
I have worked in Relationship and Sex Therapy, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Transgender Health programs.
I work with a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and phase of life adjustments. I have a special interest in working with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems on issues related to sexual health and function, intimacy, compulsive/problematic sexual behavior, sexual trauma recovery, and gender identity exploration and/or gender transition support. I am affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities.
I have worked in Relationship and Sex Therapy, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Transgender Health programs.
I work with a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and phase of life adjustments. I have a special interest in working with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems on issues related to sexual health and function, intimacy, compulsive/problematic sexual behavior, sexual trauma recovery, and gender identity exploration and/or gender transition support. I am affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities.
When a transgender youth comes out to their family, the whole family experiences a transition. For youth, family acceptance, celebration and support are integral to feeling safe, secure, and authentically themselves at home. For parents, their child coming out as transgender means learning to reimagine a new future and gender for their child. Reimagining a child’s future can feel scary when first learning that your child is trans- parents and caregivers often worry if their child will be misunderstood or be the victim of transphobia or violence. These worries can make envisioning a future worth celebrating feel difficult for parents
When a transgender youth comes out to their family, the whole family experiences a transition. For youth, family acceptance, celebration and support are integral to feeling safe, secure, and authentically themselves at home. For parents, their child coming out as transgender means learning to reimagine a new future and gender for their child. Reimagining a child’s future can feel scary when first learning that your child is trans- parents and caregivers often worry if their child will be misunderstood or be the victim of transphobia or violence. These worries can make envisioning a future worth celebrating feel difficult for parents
I specialize in transgender care.
My philosophy is, you are not broken, you are not something to be fixed! There is something you are wanting to change. That is the focus of what we can work on together. All individuals seeking assistance to navigate their life's journey are welcomed. I listen to what your needs are, help provide you with tools to find a path to break down barriers that are keeping you from living your best life. I believe a counsellor and a client must be able to establish a trusting relationship to make the most of the time spent together. I offer structured/non structured therapies depending on the needs of the clients.
I specialize in transgender care.
My philosophy is, you are not broken, you are not something to be fixed! There is something you are wanting to change. That is the focus of what we can work on together. All individuals seeking assistance to navigate their life's journey are welcomed. I listen to what your needs are, help provide you with tools to find a path to break down barriers that are keeping you from living your best life. I believe a counsellor and a client must be able to establish a trusting relationship to make the most of the time spent together. I offer structured/non structured therapies depending on the needs of the clients.
Hannah Bailey
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M1T (Online Only)
I also specialize in counselling 2SLGBTQ+ clients who are interested in working towards goals, such as: exploring sexuality or gender identity, learning ways to manage gender dysphoria symptoms , navigating homo/bi/transphobia in various contexts, navigating relationships with family and/or friends after coming out, etc.
Hi, my name is Hannah. I use she/her and they/them pronouns. I believe every client is different and deserves their own unique therapy experience. Before we begin our work together, we will create a collaborative treatment plan, informed by your goals for therapy. My approach is gentle, with a hint of compassionate confrontation. I embrace an anti-oppressive framework, with intentional attunement to the intersections of your identity (e.g. gender, race, age, sexual orientation, etc.). Knowing how difficult therapy can be, I also try to bring humour into my sessions as much as possible.
I also specialize in counselling 2SLGBTQ+ clients who are interested in working towards goals, such as: exploring sexuality or gender identity, learning ways to manage gender dysphoria symptoms , navigating homo/bi/transphobia in various contexts, navigating relationships with family and/or friends after coming out, etc.
Hi, my name is Hannah. I use she/her and they/them pronouns. I believe every client is different and deserves their own unique therapy experience. Before we begin our work together, we will create a collaborative treatment plan, informed by your goals for therapy. My approach is gentle, with a hint of compassionate confrontation. I embrace an anti-oppressive framework, with intentional attunement to the intersections of your identity (e.g. gender, race, age, sexual orientation, etc.). Knowing how difficult therapy can be, I also try to bring humour into my sessions as much as possible.
David Minor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4S
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.
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Practicing from an ecological stance, I recognize that individuals exist within larger systems which can significantly impact their well-being. It's important for me to understand all aspects of a client's life beyond their presenting symptoms to form a well-rounded picture of the contributing factors in their mental health experiences. I primarily work with adolescent and adult clients for individual, couple and family therapy. I am specifically interested in working with romantic relationship conflict, trauma (acute and complex), transgender health, life transition stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
Practicing from an ecological stance, I recognize that individuals exist within larger systems which can significantly impact their well-being. It's important for me to understand all aspects of a client's life beyond their presenting symptoms to form a well-rounded picture of the contributing factors in their mental health experiences. I primarily work with adolescent and adult clients for individual, couple and family therapy. I am specifically interested in working with romantic relationship conflict, trauma (acute and complex), transgender health, life transition stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
I help transgender and 2S people recover from trauma and seek liberation. I use a body-centered approach to mental health informed by Black trans feminism. Your body contains the memory of overlapping experiences of violence and not enough safety. You carry stories of abusive relationships, religious violence, homelessness, anti-fatness, dysphoria, or misgendering. You feel anxiety, shame, or fear daily. You dissociate often and you may experience addiction or self-harm. You carry grief or suicidal feelings. You may have a parts system and you may be neurodivergent. You value an Autistic therapist who encourages unmasking.
I help transgender and 2S people recover from trauma and seek liberation. I use a body-centered approach to mental health informed by Black trans feminism. Your body contains the memory of overlapping experiences of violence and not enough safety. You carry stories of abusive relationships, religious violence, homelessness, anti-fatness, dysphoria, or misgendering. You feel anxiety, shame, or fear daily. You dissociate often and you may experience addiction or self-harm. You carry grief or suicidal feelings. You may have a parts system and you may be neurodivergent. You value an Autistic therapist who encourages unmasking.
Dr. Ammaar Kidwai - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Healt
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
I specialize in assessing and treating a broad range of concerns among adults and couples. These include low mood, depression, grief, anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, health anxiety), perfectionism, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder including complex trauma (e.g., interpersonal, racial, sexual), relationship difficulties, gender and sexual identity (e.g., homophobia, transphobia), emotional regulation difficulties, suicidality, and psychosis. Moreover, I am qualified to conduct assessments for gender dysphoria and surgical readiness for transgender and other gender diverse individuals.
I specialize in assessing and treating a broad range of concerns among adults and couples. These include low mood, depression, grief, anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, health anxiety), perfectionism, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder including complex trauma (e.g., interpersonal, racial, sexual), relationship difficulties, gender and sexual identity (e.g., homophobia, transphobia), emotional regulation difficulties, suicidality, and psychosis. Moreover, I am qualified to conduct assessments for gender dysphoria and surgical readiness for transgender and other gender diverse individuals.
Tynan Rhea, Sex & Relationship Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K (Online Only)
Whether that is within queer relationships, transgender identities, sensory overwhelm during sex, or exploring their asexuality.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (008887). Explore your relationships and sexuality in a space free of judgement. I take a non-pathologizing, non-judgmental, holistic approach to sex counselling and sex therapy. I provide sex therapy and sex counselling for individuals or within relationship counselling or couples therapy that incorporates an understanding of how our sexuality is shaped by the relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and larger society. I believe there are limitless ways to live a pleasurable life when practiced in a compassionate, caring, consensual environment with or without sex.
Whether that is within queer relationships, transgender identities, sensory overwhelm during sex, or exploring their asexuality.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (008887). Explore your relationships and sexuality in a space free of judgement. I take a non-pathologizing, non-judgmental, holistic approach to sex counselling and sex therapy. I provide sex therapy and sex counselling for individuals or within relationship counselling or couples therapy that incorporates an understanding of how our sexuality is shaped by the relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and larger society. I believe there are limitless ways to live a pleasurable life when practiced in a compassionate, caring, consensual environment with or without sex.
Have you felt invalidated or disbelieved? Does managing stress, anxiety and repetitive thoughts feel overwhelming? Do you constantly feel like you’re burning out or overcompensating because your needs are rarely accommodated or you fear being your authentic self? As a Social Work Counsellor who is Autistic, queer and transgender, I know what that feels like and I can help! Exploring our experiences and identities without judgement can shift limiting perceptions that perpetuate shame and open us up to having more self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Have you felt invalidated or disbelieved? Does managing stress, anxiety and repetitive thoughts feel overwhelming? Do you constantly feel like you’re burning out or overcompensating because your needs are rarely accommodated or you fear being your authentic self? As a Social Work Counsellor who is Autistic, queer and transgender, I know what that feels like and I can help! Exploring our experiences and identities without judgement can shift limiting perceptions that perpetuate shame and open us up to having more self-acceptance and self-compassion.
Yasmin Kowlessar
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
In order to facilitate insight and cultivate empowerment, I work to support my clients in adopting mental wellness, exploring identity formation, understanding intergenerational trauma, navigating issues related to body image and gender dysphoria, and negotiating interpersonal relationships.
As a queer Trini-Canadian psychotherapist, I combine my training in psychology with my intersectional feminist values and lived experience when supporting my clients. I specialize in working with LGBTQ and BIPOC (racialized) clients as well as intersectional identities. In addition to expertise in culturally-sensitive therapy, I'm also well-versed in issues related to queer and trans health, polyamory / non-monogamy, and kink / BDSM culture.
In order to facilitate insight and cultivate empowerment, I work to support my clients in adopting mental wellness, exploring identity formation, understanding intergenerational trauma, navigating issues related to body image and gender dysphoria, and negotiating interpersonal relationships.
As a queer Trini-Canadian psychotherapist, I combine my training in psychology with my intersectional feminist values and lived experience when supporting my clients. I specialize in working with LGBTQ and BIPOC (racialized) clients as well as intersectional identities. In addition to expertise in culturally-sensitive therapy, I'm also well-versed in issues related to queer and trans health, polyamory / non-monogamy, and kink / BDSM culture.
I help youth and adults navigate challenges related to: Substance use & addiction; Queer, transgender, & nonbinary identity exploration and concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Relationship difficulties; ADHD and/or Autism; Anxiety & Depression.
I believe that therapy is a creative opportunity to learn about ourselves. It is a safe space where we can write and rewrite the narratives of our lives. As a queer Mexican woman, I strive to cultivate a practice that is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and inclusivity and provide therapy that is trauma-informed, culturally humble, and neurodiversity & 2SLGBTQ+ affirming. I am privileged to facilitate an environment where my clients can engage in self-discovery, healing, and make changes towards living a meaningful life.
I help youth and adults navigate challenges related to: Substance use & addiction; Queer, transgender, & nonbinary identity exploration and concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Relationship difficulties; ADHD and/or Autism; Anxiety & Depression.
I believe that therapy is a creative opportunity to learn about ourselves. It is a safe space where we can write and rewrite the narratives of our lives. As a queer Mexican woman, I strive to cultivate a practice that is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and inclusivity and provide therapy that is trauma-informed, culturally humble, and neurodiversity & 2SLGBTQ+ affirming. I am privileged to facilitate an environment where my clients can engage in self-discovery, healing, and make changes towards living a meaningful life.
Brad Garrison
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5B (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in sex therapy, couples / marriage counselling, and work with LGBTQ+ and transgender communities and have experience offering service to diverse clients from marginalized, BIPOC, poly, and kink communities.
Sex and relationships are often at the core of our lives. The ways in which we connect with others - and with ourselves - can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Communication barriers, sexual dysfunction, disconnection, infidelity, domestic abuse, trauma, and other kinds of psychosocial concerns are common challenges that lead people to seek therapy with me. Many of my clients are wanting to calm anxiety, develop coping skills, increase sexual satisfaction, reconnect with partners, or heal from trauma and abuse.
I specialize in sex therapy, couples / marriage counselling, and work with LGBTQ+ and transgender communities and have experience offering service to diverse clients from marginalized, BIPOC, poly, and kink communities.
Sex and relationships are often at the core of our lives. The ways in which we connect with others - and with ourselves - can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Communication barriers, sexual dysfunction, disconnection, infidelity, domestic abuse, trauma, and other kinds of psychosocial concerns are common challenges that lead people to seek therapy with me. Many of my clients are wanting to calm anxiety, develop coping skills, increase sexual satisfaction, reconnect with partners, or heal from trauma and abuse.
I am an RSW LCSW psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto and NY serving clients via Zoom/phone in Ontario, NY, NJ. I tend to see a broad assortment of people, many who are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and difficulty coping. Some struggle with being single, others within their relationship, or with their sexual authenticity. Together through talk therapy we can find a pathway to a deeper understanding and a way to move forward with confidence and security My clients are from different worlds, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, young and old, single, married, and all those in-between.
I am an RSW LCSW psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto and NY serving clients via Zoom/phone in Ontario, NY, NJ. I tend to see a broad assortment of people, many who are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and difficulty coping. Some struggle with being single, others within their relationship, or with their sexual authenticity. Together through talk therapy we can find a pathway to a deeper understanding and a way to move forward with confidence and security My clients are from different worlds, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, young and old, single, married, and all those in-between.
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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.