LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in West Vancouver, BC
Theo (Teddy) Chu
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MKin , MC, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V (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.
Imogen McIntyre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7T
Queer, trans, and neurodivergent people often have unique needs in therapy because of messages saying that they don't fit within their environments, and end up feeling like they're on the outside looking in.
I specialize in counselling for queer, trans, non-binary, and neurodivergent people. I work from the perspectives of social justice and attachment - I believe that the social environment we grew up in, and our relationship histories within those environments, shape how we think and feel in our present. I pay special attention to how power functions in our relationships, families, and communities, and how it impacts our internal experiences. I work extensively with people who discover their queer or trans identities later in life. I am also qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD and ASD, and to offer HRT readiness assessments.
Queer, trans, and neurodivergent people often have unique needs in therapy because of messages saying that they don't fit within their environments, and end up feeling like they're on the outside looking in.
I specialize in counselling for queer, trans, non-binary, and neurodivergent people. I work from the perspectives of social justice and attachment - I believe that the social environment we grew up in, and our relationship histories within those environments, shape how we think and feel in our present. I pay special attention to how power functions in our relationships, families, and communities, and how it impacts our internal experiences. I work extensively with people who discover their queer or trans identities later in life. I am also qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD and ASD, and to offer HRT readiness assessments.
Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RCC, RCAT, CCC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P (Online Only)
I offer trauma-informed, anti-oppressive therapy for Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive clients.
Are you a trans, nonbinary, or gender-expansive adult feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures or stuck in your journey toward authenticity? I’m Clayre, a queer trans woman and a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Counsellor, and Art Therapist. I support clients navigating life’s complexities, trauma, or transition-related stress. Together, we’ll create a space where your true self is celebrated, and healing, growth, and empowerment are possible.
I offer trauma-informed, anti-oppressive therapy for Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive clients.
Are you a trans, nonbinary, or gender-expansive adult feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures or stuck in your journey toward authenticity? I’m Clayre, a queer trans woman and a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Counsellor, and Art Therapist. I support clients navigating life’s complexities, trauma, or transition-related stress. Together, we’ll create a space where your true self is celebrated, and healing, growth, and empowerment are possible.
Robbie Ruddell
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
We all need to feel supported along our journey towards health and healing. Whether that’s finding company with the parts of ourselves that have become discarded and neglected over the years, or support in taking those first courageous steps towards living a life we truly and deeply yearn for and deserve. My practice is trauma-informed, inclusive, and free from judgement. My work is deeply informed by the field of relational neuroscience, grounded in humanistic principles, and harnesses somatic based healing practices. Every part of you is welcome in this space of unconditional acceptance, non-judgement, and compassion.
We all need to feel supported along our journey towards health and healing. Whether that’s finding company with the parts of ourselves that have become discarded and neglected over the years, or support in taking those first courageous steps towards living a life we truly and deeply yearn for and deserve. My practice is trauma-informed, inclusive, and free from judgement. My work is deeply informed by the field of relational neuroscience, grounded in humanistic principles, and harnesses somatic based healing practices. Every part of you is welcome in this space of unconditional acceptance, non-judgement, and compassion.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do. With your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver- Let's get to the heart of what matters; Unlock access to your full expression; Live life more fully aligned with who you are and what you want. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, relationship or career challenges or the ability to express and receive love, you have within you all that you need. I will partner with you to design a path custom matched to you and your unique needs and help bring insight, courage and wisdom to support you in shining a light into the shadows to bring forth your brilliance.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do. With your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver- Let's get to the heart of what matters; Unlock access to your full expression; Live life more fully aligned with who you are and what you want. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, relationship or career challenges or the ability to express and receive love, you have within you all that you need. I will partner with you to design a path custom matched to you and your unique needs and help bring insight, courage and wisdom to support you in shining a light into the shadows to bring forth your brilliance.
Marcus Narsaiya
Counsellor, BKin, MC, RCC, ATPPP, Trainee
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
I serve diverse clients in a number of challenges ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, relational stress, low self-esteem, chronic stress or pain, and wellness concerns. I have a background in Kinesiology and holistic wellness coaching, as well as coaching individuals with cognitive dis/abilities. My clinical style is based in Social Justice Narrative practice; processing, exploration and discovery of emotions, and development of self-insight. My Masters was in treatment approaches to transgenerational trauma. My preference is to work weekly or twice weekly for a minimum of 6 months so we can invest in your goals.
I serve diverse clients in a number of challenges ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, relational stress, low self-esteem, chronic stress or pain, and wellness concerns. I have a background in Kinesiology and holistic wellness coaching, as well as coaching individuals with cognitive dis/abilities. My clinical style is based in Social Justice Narrative practice; processing, exploration and discovery of emotions, and development of self-insight. My Masters was in treatment approaches to transgenerational trauma. My preference is to work weekly or twice weekly for a minimum of 6 months so we can invest in your goals.
Meena Hira - Make A Move Life Counselling
Counsellor, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7P (Online Only)
Accepting Clients; No Waitlist - Life is complicated and messy, but everybody has the capacity to heal. My goal is to create an open, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space for individuals to work collaboratively towards healing. I believe that every individual is unique, they are the experts in their own lives, and it is with this framework that we can work together to move towards what healing means to you.
Accepting Clients; No Waitlist - Life is complicated and messy, but everybody has the capacity to heal. My goal is to create an open, comfortable, and nonjudgmental space for individuals to work collaboratively towards healing. I believe that every individual is unique, they are the experts in their own lives, and it is with this framework that we can work together to move towards what healing means to you.
Do you feel like your thoughts have taken control of your life and you're left feeling overwhelmed without any breaks? My goal as your counsellor is to provide evidence based treatment to support you in meeting your goals so you're able to live the life you aspire to. I work with you to create meaningful and lasting change using a warm, collaborative, and client centered approach to ensure that treatment is tailored to your unique needs. I primarily utilize CBT in my counselling style, but will also pull from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention and Mindfulness.
Do you feel like your thoughts have taken control of your life and you're left feeling overwhelmed without any breaks? My goal as your counsellor is to provide evidence based treatment to support you in meeting your goals so you're able to live the life you aspire to. I work with you to create meaningful and lasting change using a warm, collaborative, and client centered approach to ensure that treatment is tailored to your unique needs. I primarily utilize CBT in my counselling style, but will also pull from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention and Mindfulness.
Hello and welcome :) I specialize in working with folks who have experienced trauma, grief, and/or challenging family dynamics. Perhaps you've been noticing that the past is showing up in your present day romantic relationships/friendships or perhaps family relationships are still causing pain for you. I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor accepting clients for online video therapy and telephone counselling throughout BC and limited in-person sessions in North Vancouver and West Kelowna.
Hello and welcome :) I specialize in working with folks who have experienced trauma, grief, and/or challenging family dynamics. Perhaps you've been noticing that the past is showing up in your present day romantic relationships/friendships or perhaps family relationships are still causing pain for you. I am an experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor accepting clients for online video therapy and telephone counselling throughout BC and limited in-person sessions in North Vancouver and West Kelowna.
Is your child struggling with challenges such as anxiety, peer conflict or emotion regulation? With over 12 years of experience in working with teens and kids, I am absolutely passionate about creating a comfortable and safe bond with my clients, using leading-edge interventions to help clients feel better, perform better and have more meaningful relationships with friends and family.
Is your child struggling with challenges such as anxiety, peer conflict or emotion regulation? With over 12 years of experience in working with teens and kids, I am absolutely passionate about creating a comfortable and safe bond with my clients, using leading-edge interventions to help clients feel better, perform better and have more meaningful relationships with friends and family.
In the midst of life challenges, we hold an inner wisdom when we listen deeply to ourselves and each other in the presence of engaged support. This compassionate inquiry and attention inspires growth and connection to navigate uncertainty, grief and loss, and distress in relationships. My approach integrates mindfulness based, somatic and self compassion skills to understand our thoughts, feelings, and core values as sources of guidance towards what is most life affirming; attachment and interpersonal neurobiology theory to strengthen emotional regulation. For couples, this creates space to strengthen nourshing relationships.
In the midst of life challenges, we hold an inner wisdom when we listen deeply to ourselves and each other in the presence of engaged support. This compassionate inquiry and attention inspires growth and connection to navigate uncertainty, grief and loss, and distress in relationships. My approach integrates mindfulness based, somatic and self compassion skills to understand our thoughts, feelings, and core values as sources of guidance towards what is most life affirming; attachment and interpersonal neurobiology theory to strengthen emotional regulation. For couples, this creates space to strengthen nourshing relationships.
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Choosing the right counsellor for yourself or your child is not easy, yet a trusting and comfortable relationship with your counsellor is fundamental to success. I make it my priority to establish an open, honest and warm relationship with my clients. Next, I use effective and concrete interventions to address the specific goals my clients present to me. Together we come up with a plan which we follow for the duration of our work together. If you are motivated and want to make concrete changes in your life, I may be the right fit for you.
Choosing the right counsellor for yourself or your child is not easy, yet a trusting and comfortable relationship with your counsellor is fundamental to success. I make it my priority to establish an open, honest and warm relationship with my clients. Next, I use effective and concrete interventions to address the specific goals my clients present to me. Together we come up with a plan which we follow for the duration of our work together. If you are motivated and want to make concrete changes in your life, I may be the right fit for you.
I know there are times when it feels as if you are sitting in a dark space, waiting for a glimpse of joy. You may be seeking it in your job, income, relationships, or a variety of other external sources; and yet, it seems unreachable. Growing up with several traumas and experiencing severe depression led me to seek my identity in a high profile title in society. As a lawyer with a Master’s degree, I was not happy. Then I faced the tragic loss of my beloved friend. This pain, shook my belief system: How could I live, despite life's difficulties? Life showed me that painful experiences will always open doors to new paths.
I know there are times when it feels as if you are sitting in a dark space, waiting for a glimpse of joy. You may be seeking it in your job, income, relationships, or a variety of other external sources; and yet, it seems unreachable. Growing up with several traumas and experiencing severe depression led me to seek my identity in a high profile title in society. As a lawyer with a Master’s degree, I was not happy. Then I faced the tragic loss of my beloved friend. This pain, shook my belief system: How could I live, despite life's difficulties? Life showed me that painful experiences will always open doors to new paths.
Joanna Lynch-Lawrenson
Psychologist, RPsych, D Psy, MSc, BSc, AFBPs
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V (Online Only)
I offer support to teens, adults and parents who maybe struggling with issues. Whatever the problem it helps to talk and express oneself. Most people feel the benefit of sharing their concerns and learning to gain strength and trying out new coping strategies or finding other supportive measures to assist personal growth. Therapy can be a positive workout for the mind - just like the gym is for our bodies. I look forward to meeting you.
I offer support to teens, adults and parents who maybe struggling with issues. Whatever the problem it helps to talk and express oneself. Most people feel the benefit of sharing their concerns and learning to gain strength and trying out new coping strategies or finding other supportive measures to assist personal growth. Therapy can be a positive workout for the mind - just like the gym is for our bodies. I look forward to meeting you.
Pegah believes in the unlimited potential and the power that we all share as a human being. I believe the major reason that individuals would encounter barriers and gridlocks in the process of accessing their potentials and internal resources is the primary context as well as their current one. Therefore, I provide my clients with my full presence and genuine support during their journey of self-discovery and actualization of their unique gift and potential that embedded in each of us since our birth.
Pegah believes in the unlimited potential and the power that we all share as a human being. I believe the major reason that individuals would encounter barriers and gridlocks in the process of accessing their potentials and internal resources is the primary context as well as their current one. Therefore, I provide my clients with my full presence and genuine support during their journey of self-discovery and actualization of their unique gift and potential that embedded in each of us since our birth.
Ashleigh Gold
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RCC, RP(q), MA, BSc
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V (Online Only)
I believe everyone possesses the natural ability and strength to grow, change, and heal. By providing a safe and collaborative space for thoughtful conversation, I focuses on understanding your struggle through your eyes.
I believe everyone possesses the natural ability and strength to grow, change, and heal. By providing a safe and collaborative space for thoughtful conversation, I focuses on understanding your struggle through your eyes.
Dr. Bayanzadeh Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, PhD, RCC, RSW, CCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T (Online Only)
I have had the privilege of knowing and working with a great number of individuals and families with varying levels of life challenges including: relationships issues, all types of emotional disturbances and alcohol & substance use problems. I trust that my accumulated repertoire of psychological methods and techniques along with my sincere desire to help will ensure effective and satisfactory services for my clients.
I have had the privilege of knowing and working with a great number of individuals and families with varying levels of life challenges including: relationships issues, all types of emotional disturbances and alcohol & substance use problems. I trust that my accumulated repertoire of psychological methods and techniques along with my sincere desire to help will ensure effective and satisfactory services for my clients.
Are you craving a safe space where you can start learning more about yourself and your patterns? Do you find that the same challenges often come up in your life but you aren't sure how to move through them? This is very often what people describe when first coming to therapy. I firmly believe that our adult patterns are the direct result of painful or overwhelming experiences that we had as children. By making connections between the past and the present, we learn how to meaningfully change our lives.
Are you craving a safe space where you can start learning more about yourself and your patterns? Do you find that the same challenges often come up in your life but you aren't sure how to move through them? This is very often what people describe when first coming to therapy. I firmly believe that our adult patterns are the direct result of painful or overwhelming experiences that we had as children. By making connections between the past and the present, we learn how to meaningfully change our lives.
Welcome! I specialize in supporting tweens, teens, and young adults of all genders. I am happy to work with adults too. To me, counseling begins with safety, empathy, and trust. Sometimes people need a non-judgmental ear, sometimes they need more specific approaches like EMDR, DBT, CBT, or coping skills. Either way, therapy is collaborative and customized to meet your unique needs, hopes, and goals. Challenges I specialize in include ADHD, FASD, trauma, anxiety, depression, child and teen-related issues, school and academic issues, communication, and the general complications that life can throw at us! I look forward to meeting.
Welcome! I specialize in supporting tweens, teens, and young adults of all genders. I am happy to work with adults too. To me, counseling begins with safety, empathy, and trust. Sometimes people need a non-judgmental ear, sometimes they need more specific approaches like EMDR, DBT, CBT, or coping skills. Either way, therapy is collaborative and customized to meet your unique needs, hopes, and goals. Challenges I specialize in include ADHD, FASD, trauma, anxiety, depression, child and teen-related issues, school and academic issues, communication, and the general complications that life can throw at us! I look forward to meeting.
Galen primarily works with adults and teens and also provides clinical consultation. If life feels harder than you think it should, you’re not alone. These times are hard and Humaning is not for the faint of heart. The good news is there is help & we all need help sometimes. My clients report that they feel cared about and supported. They tell me that together we meet emotions and challenges in a way that helps them connect with their own power, voice, vitality and joy. Life gets easier and feels better. We go there together gently with care, respect & warmth.
Galen primarily works with adults and teens and also provides clinical consultation. If life feels harder than you think it should, you’re not alone. These times are hard and Humaning is not for the faint of heart. The good news is there is help & we all need help sometimes. My clients report that they feel cared about and supported. They tell me that together we meet emotions and challenges in a way that helps them connect with their own power, voice, vitality and joy. Life gets easier and feels better. We go there together gently with care, respect & warmth.
See more therapy options for West Vancouver
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for West Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Coquitlam
- Delta
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
- North Vancouver
- Pitt Meadows
- Port Coquitlam
- Port Moody
- Richmond
- Surrey
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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.