LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in M6R
Michelle Winterburn
Registered Social Worker, BA Hons, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
I offer responsive, pragmatic, LGBTQ+ counselling for men, women, trans, non-binary people and couples with a focus self-knowledge and self-development as foundation for lasting, meaningful, and enlivening change.
Are you ready to change? to become ‘unstuck’? to cease being shackled by your past, by others and their opinions? to establish and embrace your autonomy? I can help.
I offer responsive, pragmatic, LGBTQ+ counselling for men, women, trans, non-binary people and couples with a focus self-knowledge and self-development as foundation for lasting, meaningful, and enlivening change.
Are you ready to change? to become ‘unstuck’? to cease being shackled by your past, by others and their opinions? to establish and embrace your autonomy? I can help.
Ali Aird
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
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.
Phill Rego
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
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.
Melina Bondy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
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.
Stephanie Wu
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DTATI, BFA
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I offer individual and group therapy to youths (16y/o+) and adults who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour). Many of the clients I work with are racialized queer and trans survivors who are experiencing and/or have experienced intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, sexual assault, family abuse, state and workplace violence. Other areas I can support with include impacts of racial trauma, intergenerational trauma, grief, migration, exploration of gender/sexuality, interpersonal relationships and reconnecting with self.
I offer individual and group therapy to youths (16y/o+) and adults who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour). Many of the clients I work with are racialized queer and trans survivors who are experiencing and/or have experienced intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, sexual assault, family abuse, state and workplace violence. Other areas I can support with include impacts of racial trauma, intergenerational trauma, grief, migration, exploration of gender/sexuality, interpersonal relationships and reconnecting with self.
Hannah E. Peck | Psychotherapy And Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, CCC, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I have experience working with adults healing from trauma (including childhood abuse and neglect), queer and trans folks, and post-secondary students.
I help adults heal from trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, and bullying, allowing them to feel more connected to themselves, to others, and to the life they want to live. Low self-esteem, extreme emotions, intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, and negative body image don't have to get in the way of your relationships and life goals. With therapy, you can improve how you feel toward yourself, find inner calm, and learn how to feel safe and secure in the present.
I have experience working with adults healing from trauma (including childhood abuse and neglect), queer and trans folks, and post-secondary students.
I help adults heal from trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, and bullying, allowing them to feel more connected to themselves, to others, and to the life they want to live. Low self-esteem, extreme emotions, intrusive thoughts, social anxiety, and negative body image don't have to get in the way of your relationships and life goals. With therapy, you can improve how you feel toward yourself, find inner calm, and learn how to feel safe and secure in the present.
Sarah Dininio
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I have a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and take an eclectic therapeutic approach, which is holistic, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, feminist, queer positive, and client focused and directed.
My approach to healing is largely informed by my own experience in individual and group therapy. As a therapist, I show up as my authentic self and believe that creating a safe therapeutic environment is the foundation to building trust and connection. I believe that feeling seen and heard by a person we feel safe with allows us the vulnerability to move towards and process difficult feelings and experiences. My hope is to support you to connect more fully with your thoughts and feelings and explore how your life experiences may be impacting your well-being and preventing you from feeling fully connected to yourself and others.
I have a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and take an eclectic therapeutic approach, which is holistic, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, feminist, queer positive, and client focused and directed.
My approach to healing is largely informed by my own experience in individual and group therapy. As a therapist, I show up as my authentic self and believe that creating a safe therapeutic environment is the foundation to building trust and connection. I believe that feeling seen and heard by a person we feel safe with allows us the vulnerability to move towards and process difficult feelings and experiences. My hope is to support you to connect more fully with your thoughts and feelings and explore how your life experiences may be impacting your well-being and preventing you from feeling fully connected to yourself and others.
Hannah Marsala
Registered Social Worker, BSW, RSW, MSW (Q)
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist with personal and professional experience in the community.
From major life transitions to overwhelming feelings and thoughts, life can deplete us. I support children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma and self-esteem challenges. With roots in perinatal mental health, my passion is to support you in finding stability and clarity in times of transition, no matter the type. My practice draws on a growth-oriented approach to changing family dynamics. In highlighting your resiliencies, we will tend to your needs in the here and now.
I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist with personal and professional experience in the community.
From major life transitions to overwhelming feelings and thoughts, life can deplete us. I support children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma and self-esteem challenges. With roots in perinatal mental health, my passion is to support you in finding stability and clarity in times of transition, no matter the type. My practice draws on a growth-oriented approach to changing family dynamics. In highlighting your resiliencies, we will tend to your needs in the here and now.
Jae Steele
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BHSc, RP(Q), RHN
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I welcome clients who are looking for support related to anxiety, ADHD/neurodivergence, depression, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ identity, pregnancy and parenting, relationships (dating, partnership, separation), and other life transitions. I delight in working collaboratively with clients in holistic and trauma-informed ways, incorporating humour and mindfulness. At a foundational level, I take a humble, decolonized, intersectional and otherwise anti-oppressive approach to my work. I value individual identity and collectivism/community and support diverse genders, ethical nonmonogamy, harm reduction and various recovery pathways.
I welcome clients who are looking for support related to anxiety, ADHD/neurodivergence, depression, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ identity, pregnancy and parenting, relationships (dating, partnership, separation), and other life transitions. I delight in working collaboratively with clients in holistic and trauma-informed ways, incorporating humour and mindfulness. At a foundational level, I take a humble, decolonized, intersectional and otherwise anti-oppressive approach to my work. I value individual identity and collectivism/community and support diverse genders, ethical nonmonogamy, harm reduction and various recovery pathways.
Monika Ashley Mehan
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
You might be struggling with feelings of "stuckness," unhappiness, grief, or isolation. You may feel that something is standing between you and the life you wish to live - or, you may not be sure what that life would look like. You might have experienced a major life event or shift that you are struggling to move forward with, or you may be noticing patterns that you feel unable to break. Whatever is weighing on you, I am glad you are searching for someone to share this load. I invite you to work with me in an environment that welcomes queer & trans folks, BIPOC folks, neurodivergence, disability, and is body- and sex work-positive.
You might be struggling with feelings of "stuckness," unhappiness, grief, or isolation. You may feel that something is standing between you and the life you wish to live - or, you may not be sure what that life would look like. You might have experienced a major life event or shift that you are struggling to move forward with, or you may be noticing patterns that you feel unable to break. Whatever is weighing on you, I am glad you are searching for someone to share this load. I invite you to work with me in an environment that welcomes queer & trans folks, BIPOC folks, neurodivergence, disability, and is body- and sex work-positive.
Samantha Nelson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
Therapy is an act of consciousness. Through awareness, curiosity and a sense of play, we can explore and open up new ways of being. I’m interested in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it. Informed by my literature studies, I dive into observing all angles of a story, finding patterns in behaviour, and exploring points of view. Understanding that you’re the expert of your story, I offer my queer, existentially-informed perspective to support you in aligning with your most authentic self.
Therapy is an act of consciousness. Through awareness, curiosity and a sense of play, we can explore and open up new ways of being. I’m interested in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it. Informed by my literature studies, I dive into observing all angles of a story, finding patterns in behaviour, and exploring points of view. Understanding that you’re the expert of your story, I offer my queer, existentially-informed perspective to support you in aligning with your most authentic self.
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Valerie R De Souza
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MPS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
As a spiritually plural cis queer educated foreign-born settler woman of colour, I am aware of the intersecting realities of privilege & oppression.
Do you feel stuck in old patterns of thoughts/behaviours? Are you trying to embrace who you truly are as you graduate into adulthood, steer through relationship endings, or transition into a new stage/year in life? Do you struggle with being imperfectly human in societal structures calling for your perfection to belong? Is guilt/shame messaging from cultural norms about your gender, sexual orientation, 'race' etc. holding you back from achieving your full potential? Are losses weighing you down? If YES to any of these, I'd like to support you to grow into your wholehearted authentic life. Now's the time to invest in YOU!
As a spiritually plural cis queer educated foreign-born settler woman of colour, I am aware of the intersecting realities of privilege & oppression.
Do you feel stuck in old patterns of thoughts/behaviours? Are you trying to embrace who you truly are as you graduate into adulthood, steer through relationship endings, or transition into a new stage/year in life? Do you struggle with being imperfectly human in societal structures calling for your perfection to belong? Is guilt/shame messaging from cultural norms about your gender, sexual orientation, 'race' etc. holding you back from achieving your full potential? Are losses weighing you down? If YES to any of these, I'd like to support you to grow into your wholehearted authentic life. Now's the time to invest in YOU!
Benjamin Landsberg
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
I have concentrated experience working with queer people, chronic shame, attachment anxiety, and trauma processing.
I view therapy as a creative process. A creative process requires connection, trust, and a sense of humour. I bring over a decade of experience in the arts to my work as a psychotherapist, and have spent my life building supportive spaces where we try things, fail productively, and sometimes reach breakthroughs collaboratively. Together we will investigate the nuances of your story and explore alternate ways of being with your thoughts, feelings, mind and body. I'm queer, and work from a relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed perspective.
I have concentrated experience working with queer people, chronic shame, attachment anxiety, and trauma processing.
I view therapy as a creative process. A creative process requires connection, trust, and a sense of humour. I bring over a decade of experience in the arts to my work as a psychotherapist, and have spent my life building supportive spaces where we try things, fail productively, and sometimes reach breakthroughs collaboratively. Together we will investigate the nuances of your story and explore alternate ways of being with your thoughts, feelings, mind and body. I'm queer, and work from a relational, attachment-focused, and trauma-informed perspective.
Ezra Cake
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA(Hon)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
I am a white queer non-binary settler, a therapist who for over a decade has been supporting people of every size, a/sexuality, a/gender and relationship or family structure.
You really can feel more comfort and joy in your own skin! You can unwind shame and anxiety around your a/sexuality and a/gender and discover them as a source of vibrancy and affirmation. Pleasure is a profound healer and you deserve more of it in your life! I’m here to help you live your most fabulous life while enjoying the process along the way. You might be thinking, is that even possible? Isn’t therapy painful? Therapy with me is a warm collaboration, with laughter, practicality, good science and more than a pinch of creativity. I show up as a real person and journey beside you towards your goals.
I am a white queer non-binary settler, a therapist who for over a decade has been supporting people of every size, a/sexuality, a/gender and relationship or family structure.
You really can feel more comfort and joy in your own skin! You can unwind shame and anxiety around your a/sexuality and a/gender and discover them as a source of vibrancy and affirmation. Pleasure is a profound healer and you deserve more of it in your life! I’m here to help you live your most fabulous life while enjoying the process along the way. You might be thinking, is that even possible? Isn’t therapy painful? Therapy with me is a warm collaboration, with laughter, practicality, good science and more than a pinch of creativity. I show up as a real person and journey beside you towards your goals.
Julian Wiersma
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, DipTIRP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R
Together, with the intention of helping you broaden your understanding of yourself, we will explore the thoughts and feelings which inspired you to reach out. As we journey through the challenges that arise, I will be open to your feelings, offering empathy, insight, and validation, all the while staying aware of the connection and space that exists between the two of us. I approach my practice and life from an anti-oppressive, LGBTQ positive, feminist, framework.
Together, with the intention of helping you broaden your understanding of yourself, we will explore the thoughts and feelings which inspired you to reach out. As we journey through the challenges that arise, I will be open to your feelings, offering empathy, insight, and validation, all the while staying aware of the connection and space that exists between the two of us. I approach my practice and life from an anti-oppressive, LGBTQ positive, feminist, framework.
Tynan Rhea, Sex & Relationship Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R (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.
Lynette Gillis
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RCT, MFA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
I operate from a feminist, anti-oppressive, LGBTQ-affirmative framework.
I offer therapy to people who are struggling to move forward and feeling stuck in some way. You may be feeling disconnected, carrying negative perceptions of yourself, or feeling a general sense of not living the life you want to live and wanting change. I provide a space for you to be seen and known. I want to find what is holding you back. I often work with people through challenges in relationships, in living more authentically, and in building a more secure sense of self. Together we look at the ways you protect yourself and whether these ways are still serving you.
I operate from a feminist, anti-oppressive, LGBTQ-affirmative framework.
I offer therapy to people who are struggling to move forward and feeling stuck in some way. You may be feeling disconnected, carrying negative perceptions of yourself, or feeling a general sense of not living the life you want to live and wanting change. I provide a space for you to be seen and known. I want to find what is holding you back. I often work with people through challenges in relationships, in living more authentically, and in building a more secure sense of self. Together we look at the ways you protect yourself and whether these ways are still serving you.
Matthew Ridley
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
My clinical practice is trauma informed, queer friendly and sex positive.
My psychotherapy approach is growth oriented, and focuses on helping clients develop insight and take action that leads to greater fulfillment, satisfaction and ease in their lives. I work with clients experiencing a variety of forms of psychological and interpersonal distress, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues and sexual concerns.
My clinical practice is trauma informed, queer friendly and sex positive.
My psychotherapy approach is growth oriented, and focuses on helping clients develop insight and take action that leads to greater fulfillment, satisfaction and ease in their lives. I work with clients experiencing a variety of forms of psychological and interpersonal distress, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues and sexual concerns.
Sonny Berenson Psychotherapy And Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, DipTIR, MSc, BEd
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6R
I practice trauma-informed somatic & relational psychotherapy. Relational psychotherapy values how the relationships in our life, from birth to death, impact how we understand ourselves, each other, our connections, ruptures and how we engage in daily experiences. Body-centered therapy uses the body to access, resource and heal unresolved trauma. Developing somatic resources, increases our capacity to feel safe in our bodies, gain a deeper knowing of ourselves, feel resourced & to heal. Together we will explore, what's happening in your life, where you struggle, your hopes, and how to move towards healing & thriving.
I practice trauma-informed somatic & relational psychotherapy. Relational psychotherapy values how the relationships in our life, from birth to death, impact how we understand ourselves, each other, our connections, ruptures and how we engage in daily experiences. Body-centered therapy uses the body to access, resource and heal unresolved trauma. Developing somatic resources, increases our capacity to feel safe in our bodies, gain a deeper knowing of ourselves, feel resourced & to heal. Together we will explore, what's happening in your life, where you struggle, your hopes, and how to move towards healing & thriving.
Melanie Hrymak
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
Welcome. You may have found your way here because you are struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions, stress at work or at home, challenging relationships, or maybe you’re not even sure what is going on with you (that’s okay too)! Together, we will create a safe place to make sense of what is happening for you. My role is to support you as we explore your experiences, emotions, and, most importantly, relationships to increase your knowledge and awareness of yourself.
Welcome. You may have found your way here because you are struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions, stress at work or at home, challenging relationships, or maybe you’re not even sure what is going on with you (that’s okay too)! Together, we will create a safe place to make sense of what is happening for you. My role is to support you as we explore your experiences, emotions, and, most importantly, relationships to increase your knowledge and awareness of yourself.
See more therapy options for M6R
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.