LGBTQ+ Counselling & Affirming Care

Narrative therapists assist people in linking resources and community, developing a sense of solidarity, and identifying “outsider witnesses” — those who will affirm and support their authentic story. You will explore the stories you have been told about who you should be, deconstruct harmful narratives, and rewrite your story from a place of authenticity and self-determination. Available in person at our Ontario clinics, virtually across Ontario and select Canadian provinces, and in-home or community in select Ontario regions.

Affirmative CBT integrates a clear understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences, such as internalized stigma, minority stress, and discrimination-related trauma, and has been found effective in clinical trials across various LGBTQ+ subgroups. DBT skills — mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness — are adapted to help you navigate the unique emotional intensity that comes with minority stress. Available in person at our Ontario clinics, virtually across Ontario and select Canadian provinces, and in-home or community in select Ontario regions.

Explore the different parts of you that developed to survive in heteronormative and cisnormative environments. You might have a part that wants to be visible and authentic, another part that learned to hide for safety, and others managing fear, shame, or anger. IFS helps these parts communicate, heal, and integrate so you can show up as your whole self. Available in person at our Ontario clinics, virtually across Ontario, and in-home or community in select Ontario regions.

For those who have experienced trauma due to violence, rejection, or systemic discrimination, trauma-informed therapy creates a safe space grounded in safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness. We recognize that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of trauma and process it through an affirming lens that never pathologizes your identity. Available in person at our Ontario clinics, virtually across Ontario and select Canadian provinces, and in-home or community in select Ontario regions.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction uses techniques like breathwork, meditation, and body awareness to manage chronic minority stress, reduce anxiety, and cope with dysphoria. You will learn to regulate your nervous system when experiencing microaggressions, discrimination triggers, or dysphoria, creating internal safety even when external environments feel hostile. Available in person at our Ontario clinics, virtually across Ontario and select Canadian provinces, and in-home or community in select Ontario regions.