Transgender Therapists in Vancouver, BC

Tamaki Kano
Counsellor, RCC CCC, MSc, MCP-AT
Online Only
I am a real person living a real life, navigating oppressive systems, and fighting for a better tomorrow for all taking wins among the losses. I am a part of our shared struggle first, before I am a therapist. Three things you might find interesting. 1. I understand how much this society sucks, deeply, personally, and systemically. I know how often the wrong side wins, how often people who believe in justice fight against yours, what it is like to face a roomful of people committed to misunderstanding you. 2. I use all my senses to "listen" to you. I do not buy into the "mind vs body" binary, but I do believe words are limiting.
I am a real person living a real life, navigating oppressive systems, and fighting for a better tomorrow for all taking wins among the losses. I am a part of our shared struggle first, before I am a therapist. Three things you might find interesting. 1. I understand how much this society sucks, deeply, personally, and systemically. I know how often the wrong side wins, how often people who believe in justice fight against yours, what it is like to face a roomful of people committed to misunderstanding you. 2. I use all my senses to "listen" to you. I do not buy into the "mind vs body" binary, but I do believe words are limiting.
(236) 506-3461 View (236) 506-3461
Clayre Sessoms
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RCAT, CCC, ATR-BC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or caught in patterns that no longer feel like you? You might be holding a lot on your own, trying to make sense of past harm, navigate relationships, or find steadiness in the middle of everything you carry. I’m Clayre, an affirming trauma therapist who is trans, nonbinary, neurodivergent, and queer. I offer a space that is relational, grounded, and attuned, where we can begin to understand what’s happening in your mind and body, your relationships, and your inner world. Together, we make room for clarity, self-trust, and new ways of being that feel more like your own.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or caught in patterns that no longer feel like you? You might be holding a lot on your own, trying to make sense of past harm, navigate relationships, or find steadiness in the middle of everything you carry. I’m Clayre, an affirming trauma therapist who is trans, nonbinary, neurodivergent, and queer. I offer a space that is relational, grounded, and attuned, where we can begin to understand what’s happening in your mind and body, your relationships, and your inner world. Together, we make room for clarity, self-trust, and new ways of being that feel more like your own.
(604) 332-1826 View (604) 332-1826
Hal Slaunwhite Counselling & Support Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Online Only
I approach counselling from a lens that is grounded in the continued practice of anti-racism, disability justice, queer theory, sex positivity, and that recognizes the systemic violence that has, and continues to, harm us and impact our experiences in the world, and inside ourselves. The main niche of folks that I have had the honour of working with over the years have been queer and trans folks, sex workers, disabled folks, non-traditional relationship networks, kink and bdsm communities, BIPOC folks, folks navigating complex trauma, and those living at the intersections of many of these identities.
I approach counselling from a lens that is grounded in the continued practice of anti-racism, disability justice, queer theory, sex positivity, and that recognizes the systemic violence that has, and continues to, harm us and impact our experiences in the world, and inside ourselves. The main niche of folks that I have had the honour of working with over the years have been queer and trans folks, sex workers, disabled folks, non-traditional relationship networks, kink and bdsm communities, BIPOC folks, folks navigating complex trauma, and those living at the intersections of many of these identities.
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Olivia Fischer
Counsellor, PhD, RCC, MA
Vancouver, BC V5N
I support individuals navigating a wide range of experiences, including concerns related to sexuality, gender, identity, open or non-monogamous relationships, anxiety, depression, perinatal concerns, and life transitions. I aim to help clients better understand themselves, feel more grounded in who they are, and create lives that feel authentic and aligned with their values.
I support individuals navigating a wide range of experiences, including concerns related to sexuality, gender, identity, open or non-monogamous relationships, anxiety, depression, perinatal concerns, and life transitions. I aim to help clients better understand themselves, feel more grounded in who they are, and create lives that feel authentic and aligned with their values.
(825) 533-1196 View (825) 533-1196
Claire Kimbley
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Vancouver, BC V6M
I offer gender-affirming hormone readiness assessments as well.
I work with folks who care deeply about the world and the people around them, but find it really hard to be kind and patient with themselves. They often have good reason for struggling to go easy on themselves; we learn to be hard on ourselves for any number of reasons, (like a difficult family upbringing, hurtful experiences with a partner, or enduring experiences of oppression such as patriarchy, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, etc.). I see my job as offering you the care that you may struggle to feel towards yourself, with the hope that compassion becomes a more familiar way of relating to yourself.
I offer gender-affirming hormone readiness assessments as well.
I work with folks who care deeply about the world and the people around them, but find it really hard to be kind and patient with themselves. They often have good reason for struggling to go easy on themselves; we learn to be hard on ourselves for any number of reasons, (like a difficult family upbringing, hurtful experiences with a partner, or enduring experiences of oppression such as patriarchy, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, etc.). I see my job as offering you the care that you may struggle to feel towards yourself, with the hope that compassion becomes a more familiar way of relating to yourself.
(873) 710-2817 View (873) 710-2817
Peak Resilience
Counsellor, MA, MSW, MEd, MCP, RCC, RSW
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
We are a leading counselling practice in Vancouver, BC specializing in empowering individuals to live authentic, meaningful lives. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and self-knowledge to manage emotions, overcome anxiety and depression, achieve your goals and see the world in a new perspective. We work with you to inspire confidence, peace of mind and, ultimately, lifelong resilience.
We are a leading counselling practice in Vancouver, BC specializing in empowering individuals to live authentic, meaningful lives. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and self-knowledge to manage emotions, overcome anxiety and depression, achieve your goals and see the world in a new perspective. We work with you to inspire confidence, peace of mind and, ultimately, lifelong resilience.
(778) 765-1093 View (778) 765-1093
Galina Freed
Counsellor, MC , RCC, CCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I support clients through gender identity exploration and sexual orientation exploration, navigating relationships, and addressing religious trauma.
I am passionate about supporting immigrant, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA folk in navigating educational, workplace, and social challenges. I work extensively with people who experience workplace stress and workplace trauma. Many clients find that EMDR is especially helpful in addressing traumatic stress – let me know if you would like to know more.
I support clients through gender identity exploration and sexual orientation exploration, navigating relationships, and addressing religious trauma.
I am passionate about supporting immigrant, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA folk in navigating educational, workplace, and social challenges. I work extensively with people who experience workplace stress and workplace trauma. Many clients find that EMDR is especially helpful in addressing traumatic stress – let me know if you would like to know more.
(778) 743-3142 View (778) 743-3142
Adriana Brodyn
Counsellor, PhD, MA, LCPC, RCC
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6T
I am an integrative psychotherapist and bring curiosity, warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to the therapeutic relationship. I use a collaborative, strength-based, and relational approach focused on promoting long-lasting change. Fundamentally, we are social beings, embedded in complicated social relationships. It is my belief that many struggles people face are linked to how they experience these relationships and how larger structural and societal issues impact these relationships. I strive to work side-by-side with my clients in the healing process, helping them to pave the way toward a more authentic and satisfying life.
I am an integrative psychotherapist and bring curiosity, warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor to the therapeutic relationship. I use a collaborative, strength-based, and relational approach focused on promoting long-lasting change. Fundamentally, we are social beings, embedded in complicated social relationships. It is my belief that many struggles people face are linked to how they experience these relationships and how larger structural and societal issues impact these relationships. I strive to work side-by-side with my clients in the healing process, helping them to pave the way toward a more authentic and satisfying life.
(908) 364-7876 View (908) 364-7876
Finn-Lily Heartwood
Counsellor, MPCC
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
Waitlist for new clients
As a transgender AuDHD system, we feel this deeply.
We offer a mix of inner-system teamwork, trauma recovery, and game design to help you create the life you want. Choosing your own adventure is powerful stuff, and it turns out our intrepid heroes (and antiheroes) were inside us all along.
As a transgender AuDHD system, we feel this deeply.
We offer a mix of inner-system teamwork, trauma recovery, and game design to help you create the life you want. Choosing your own adventure is powerful stuff, and it turns out our intrepid heroes (and antiheroes) were inside us all along.
(579) 995-5151 View (579) 995-5151
Lorraine Grieves
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Online Only
I strongly believe that we all have the capacity to heal and to move towards our preferred future. We often can't do this alone. Collaborating with you and attuning my practice to ways that work best for you, I offer a safe space for reflection and insight building. I have worked with a broad range of people over the years and bring with me a commitment to anti-oppressive practice and attention to the contexts that contribute to suffering and to healing. We are living in a time of immense stress and increased isolation and this takes a toll. Reaching out for support is an important act of wellness and I welcome your enquiry.
I strongly believe that we all have the capacity to heal and to move towards our preferred future. We often can't do this alone. Collaborating with you and attuning my practice to ways that work best for you, I offer a safe space for reflection and insight building. I have worked with a broad range of people over the years and bring with me a commitment to anti-oppressive practice and attention to the contexts that contribute to suffering and to healing. We are living in a time of immense stress and increased isolation and this takes a toll. Reaching out for support is an important act of wellness and I welcome your enquiry.
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Mak Mackie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(q), CCC
4 Endorsed
Online Only
As a queer, trans, non-binary and neurodivergent human living in a rural community, I understand the importance of finding and creating safe and affirming spaces where we can authentically explore ourselves. I embrace a holistic approach to counselling, one that is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism and integrative theory. I recognize and honour the unique constellation of all identities, strengths and experiences - together, we will explore and develop strategies that empower you to thrive in all aspects of life.
As a queer, trans, non-binary and neurodivergent human living in a rural community, I understand the importance of finding and creating safe and affirming spaces where we can authentically explore ourselves. I embrace a holistic approach to counselling, one that is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism and integrative theory. I recognize and honour the unique constellation of all identities, strengths and experiences - together, we will explore and develop strategies that empower you to thrive in all aspects of life.
(844) 225-5657 View (844) 225-5657
Evelyn Taylor
Counsellor, MC, RCC, CCC
10 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Y
You are longing to find healing and growth, in a world designed to exhaust you. I support you using practical, evidence-based techniques, authentic connection, and a touch of humour. I work with adults, couples, and teens, in these focus areas: identity, relationships (incl. poly/CNM, kink), sex, self-esteem, and life changes. For individuals, we will work through life's complexities and untangle narratives you have internalized, perhaps unconsciously, that impact how you show up in the world. For couples, we will look deeper into conflict to find the heart of what you are really yearning for: connection, appreciation, safety.
You are longing to find healing and growth, in a world designed to exhaust you. I support you using practical, evidence-based techniques, authentic connection, and a touch of humour. I work with adults, couples, and teens, in these focus areas: identity, relationships (incl. poly/CNM, kink), sex, self-esteem, and life changes. For individuals, we will work through life's complexities and untangle narratives you have internalized, perhaps unconsciously, that impact how you show up in the world. For couples, we will look deeper into conflict to find the heart of what you are really yearning for: connection, appreciation, safety.
(778) 910-9755 View (778) 910-9755
Taya Nowlan
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor Candidate
Online Only
Having trouble focusing? Questioning your identity? Feeling like the odd one out — or just kind of... floating in space? Whether you're navigating big questions, dealing with loneliness, or just need to unload some brain-noise, you're not alone (even if it sometimes feels like you accidentally missed the memo on how to "human").
Having trouble focusing? Questioning your identity? Feeling like the odd one out — or just kind of... floating in space? Whether you're navigating big questions, dealing with loneliness, or just need to unload some brain-noise, you're not alone (even if it sometimes feels like you accidentally missed the memo on how to "human").
(289) 206-7018 View (289) 206-7018
Imogen McIntyre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I specialize in counselling for the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent people, and those with BPD - often self-identified oddballs, weirdos, and outsiders with big feelings. I love working with highly sensitive people; those who have been told they are "too much" and experience the world with intensity. Many of my clients struggle with feeling empty, numb, and disconnected one minute, and in excruciating emotional pain the next, as if they're on a rollercoaster that they can't get off and no one around them understands. It can be incredibly isolating, leaving them feeling disconnected from community and struggling in relationships.
I specialize in counselling for the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent people, and those with BPD - often self-identified oddballs, weirdos, and outsiders with big feelings. I love working with highly sensitive people; those who have been told they are "too much" and experience the world with intensity. Many of my clients struggle with feeling empty, numb, and disconnected one minute, and in excruciating emotional pain the next, as if they're on a rollercoaster that they can't get off and no one around them understands. It can be incredibly isolating, leaving them feeling disconnected from community and struggling in relationships.
(647) 951-0928 View (647) 951-0928
Islai Rhys Rathlin
Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Gender affirming care is an important focus of my practice.
Islai (eye-lah) is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with Two Spirit, Queer, trans, and gender-diverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as new connections to neurodiversity; with exceptional skills in strategizing in ways that speak to your brain. Islai works from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, wholistic framework, and offers sex-positive, kink-friendly, non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship counselling.
Gender affirming care is an important focus of my practice.
Islai (eye-lah) is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with Two Spirit, Queer, trans, and gender-diverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also specialize in supporting neurodiverse individuals experiencing life transitions, as well as new connections to neurodiversity; with exceptional skills in strategizing in ways that speak to your brain. Islai works from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, wholistic framework, and offers sex-positive, kink-friendly, non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship counselling.
(343) 342-1025 View (343) 342-1025
Darci Layke
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
Darci works with autistic people and those on the ADHD spectrum. Understanding how this impacts your life is crucial to navigating the neurotypical world. Being neurodivergent is harder when the world is designed for different minds. Whether you are heterosexual, queer, monogamous or not, being on the spectrum can offer a set of unique challenges. Darci offers a sensory friendly space where self-expression and real talk is encouraged and appreciated.
Darci works with autistic people and those on the ADHD spectrum. Understanding how this impacts your life is crucial to navigating the neurotypical world. Being neurodivergent is harder when the world is designed for different minds. Whether you are heterosexual, queer, monogamous or not, being on the spectrum can offer a set of unique challenges. Darci offers a sensory friendly space where self-expression and real talk is encouraged and appreciated.
(343) 809-3973 View (343) 809-3973
Bess McCarville
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Online Only
As an intersectional and trauma-informed practitioner, I hold awareness and curiosity around the ways in which we are each uniquely shaped by lineage, upbringing, community, culture, institutions, and social norms. This shaping is often reflected in our resiliencies as well as our struggles. I believe that there is deep wisdom in the strategies we develop to keep ourselves safe, even those that may no longer be serving us.
As an intersectional and trauma-informed practitioner, I hold awareness and curiosity around the ways in which we are each uniquely shaped by lineage, upbringing, community, culture, institutions, and social norms. This shaping is often reflected in our resiliencies as well as our struggles. I believe that there is deep wisdom in the strategies we develop to keep ourselves safe, even those that may no longer be serving us.
(873) 710-3376 View (873) 710-3376
Audrey Wolfe
Counsellor, MA, RCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Maybe low mood has you unmotivated, or you’re grappling with the complexities of gender identity, sexual orientation, or existential dread.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor serving teens and adults in BC and across the country. I draw on DBT, TIST, and somatic approaches to help you find stability, navigate identity, and heal from trauma. Grounded in feminism and social justice, I create a safe, non-judgmental space that honours your unique journey.
Maybe low mood has you unmotivated, or you’re grappling with the complexities of gender identity, sexual orientation, or existential dread.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor serving teens and adults in BC and across the country. I draw on DBT, TIST, and somatic approaches to help you find stability, navigate identity, and heal from trauma. Grounded in feminism and social justice, I create a safe, non-judgmental space that honours your unique journey.
(819) 581-4867 View (819) 581-4867
Collective Healing Counselling and Consulting
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ATR, LPC
2 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5T
*Services by student counsellors and Associates available* People we work with describe feeling disconnected, invalidated, and powerless after experiencing trauma and injustice. Some have felt stuck and overwhelmed in the process of reconnecting with themselves, their communities, and in navigating the dominant culture. We support clients in processing their experiences and deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. We affirm clients' needs and desires and value reciprocity and collaboration. Honoring clients' knowledge, we invite clients to co-create safety and exercise their self-determination.
*Services by student counsellors and Associates available* People we work with describe feeling disconnected, invalidated, and powerless after experiencing trauma and injustice. Some have felt stuck and overwhelmed in the process of reconnecting with themselves, their communities, and in navigating the dominant culture. We support clients in processing their experiences and deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. We affirm clients' needs and desires and value reciprocity and collaboration. Honoring clients' knowledge, we invite clients to co-create safety and exercise their self-determination.
(604) 330-1636 View (604) 330-1636
Sam Marie Fischer
Counsellor, MEd, BA
Online Only
Now accepting new clients for money counselling and HRT Readiness Assessments. "Money isn't the currency of happiness, but perhaps the currency of freedom." Ready to change your relationship with money? We explore, and aim to resolve, unhelpful emotional, cognitive, and psychological patterns that are impacting your financial well-being. Whether you're an entrepreneur ready for your next edge, afraid to look at your bank account, or unsure why you are repeating the same patterns, we will work to create lasting, sustainable change, to bridge the gap between where you are, and want to be. Together, we define what this means for you.
Now accepting new clients for money counselling and HRT Readiness Assessments. "Money isn't the currency of happiness, but perhaps the currency of freedom." Ready to change your relationship with money? We explore, and aim to resolve, unhelpful emotional, cognitive, and psychological patterns that are impacting your financial well-being. Whether you're an entrepreneur ready for your next edge, afraid to look at your bank account, or unsure why you are repeating the same patterns, we will work to create lasting, sustainable change, to bridge the gap between where you are, and want to be. Together, we define what this means for you.
(825) 773-2264 View (825) 773-2264

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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.