LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in L8P
Jessica Gilchrist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P
I see therapy as a space to speak openly about what it means to be a human. I am a therapist who values safety and understands that trust must be earned. I would like to offer you a warm, welcoming environment, where any topic can be explored without judgement. I have 7 years experience working in the mental health field with children, teens, adults and seniors. Most recently, my work has been in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, where I supported Trans and Non-Binary youth, living with complex mental health concerns.
I see therapy as a space to speak openly about what it means to be a human. I am a therapist who values safety and understands that trust must be earned. I would like to offer you a warm, welcoming environment, where any topic can be explored without judgement. I have 7 years experience working in the mental health field with children, teens, adults and seniors. Most recently, my work has been in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, where I supported Trans and Non-Binary youth, living with complex mental health concerns.
Virtual LGBTQ+ Therapy, Rainbowcounselling
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Are you, your relationship or family looking for a therapist with lived experience & knowledge of 2SLGBTQ identities? Rainbowcounselling is a completely virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Practice which supports folks all over Ontario, Canada. We value anti-oppressive and trauma informed approaches to counselling. Our therapists understand the importance of bridging the gap in accessible mental health care for queer and transgender folks. Our therapists specialize in topics including: Autism, ADHD, Neurodivergent, Non-Monogamy, Polyamory, Healing Trauma, CPTSD, Relational Wounds, Betrayal, Exploring Sexuality & Gender.
Are you, your relationship or family looking for a therapist with lived experience & knowledge of 2SLGBTQ identities? Rainbowcounselling is a completely virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Practice which supports folks all over Ontario, Canada. We value anti-oppressive and trauma informed approaches to counselling. Our therapists understand the importance of bridging the gap in accessible mental health care for queer and transgender folks. Our therapists specialize in topics including: Autism, ADHD, Neurodivergent, Non-Monogamy, Polyamory, Healing Trauma, CPTSD, Relational Wounds, Betrayal, Exploring Sexuality & Gender.
Sean Hale
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
I have 12+ years experience working in coaching and psychotherapy. While working with both individuals and couples, I provide an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. I work with a range of clients and specialize in Relationship issues, Men's issues, Life Transitions, Communication, Self-esteem, Identity development, Overcoming Shame, Mood regulation and LGBTQ+ issues. My approach is eclectic, meaning that one size does not fit all. I work within your paradigm to find what works for you. I work with you at your pace and using methodologies that are most suited to your needs.
I have 12+ years experience working in coaching and psychotherapy. While working with both individuals and couples, I provide an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. I work with a range of clients and specialize in Relationship issues, Men's issues, Life Transitions, Communication, Self-esteem, Identity development, Overcoming Shame, Mood regulation and LGBTQ+ issues. My approach is eclectic, meaning that one size does not fit all. I work within your paradigm to find what works for you. I work with you at your pace and using methodologies that are most suited to your needs.
Karen Hutchinson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Are you feeling disheartened in your search for the right queer therapist? Does it sometimes feel like therapy is too formal or clinical for you to feel a connection with your therapist? Hi! I’m Karen. I’m a registered social worker and psychotherapist. As a queer woman with lived experience, I know how important it is to create a warm, comfortable and safe space where you can be your authentic self in therapy. Together we can unpack your feelings and experiences and learn some new ways of coping. Let's connect, and move towards a life that feels good for you!
Are you feeling disheartened in your search for the right queer therapist? Does it sometimes feel like therapy is too formal or clinical for you to feel a connection with your therapist? Hi! I’m Karen. I’m a registered social worker and psychotherapist. As a queer woman with lived experience, I know how important it is to create a warm, comfortable and safe space where you can be your authentic self in therapy. Together we can unpack your feelings and experiences and learn some new ways of coping. Let's connect, and move towards a life that feels good for you!
Annie DeRuyte
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Therapy is a space for radical inner discovery. You may be seeking someone familiar with Dissociative Identity (DID)/OSDD or parts work. Or perhaps you're open to deeper exploration of your magical & alternative spiritual experiences. You may be a LGBTQ+ person looking for connection & community support. You may want someone to share and witness your whole identity without judgment or fear. All the same, know that you are not alone in wanting to harness your inner power and feel more in control of your life. Together we can explore your inner worlds, deep emotions, and find peace with the parts of you that are in conflict.
Therapy is a space for radical inner discovery. You may be seeking someone familiar with Dissociative Identity (DID)/OSDD or parts work. Or perhaps you're open to deeper exploration of your magical & alternative spiritual experiences. You may be a LGBTQ+ person looking for connection & community support. You may want someone to share and witness your whole identity without judgment or fear. All the same, know that you are not alone in wanting to harness your inner power and feel more in control of your life. Together we can explore your inner worlds, deep emotions, and find peace with the parts of you that are in conflict.
Magdalena Piskorski
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
While working with clients individually and relationally, my passion lies in supporting queer folks & those practicing polyamory/non monogamy.
Are you experiencing new shifts in your life which you are unsure of how to navigate? Do you feel misaligned in your own self or in your relationships? Or perhaps even feeling a sense of loss? With a focus on supporting those who are navigating relationship, grief, & self-esteem/identity concerns, my aim is to support you to build a stronger connection to self to feel integrated, build trust & confidence, & pursue authentic living.
While working with clients individually and relationally, my passion lies in supporting queer folks & those practicing polyamory/non monogamy.
Are you experiencing new shifts in your life which you are unsure of how to navigate? Do you feel misaligned in your own self or in your relationships? Or perhaps even feeling a sense of loss? With a focus on supporting those who are navigating relationship, grief, & self-esteem/identity concerns, my aim is to support you to build a stronger connection to self to feel integrated, build trust & confidence, & pursue authentic living.
Leah Keating
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
I also conduct psychodiagnostic assessments, learning disability and ADHD assessments, and assessments and referrals for transgender clients seeking gender-affirming medical interventions.
I believe that many symptoms are adaptations intended to provide temporary relief from painful circumstances. However in the longer term, these adaptations can exacerbate distress. My practice focuses on helping people to develop more sustainable ways of coping, including examining your beliefs, accepting difficult emotions, and increasing self-awareness. Issues I work with include PTSD, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and overwhelming emotions. I also work with clients exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation.
I also conduct psychodiagnostic assessments, learning disability and ADHD assessments, and assessments and referrals for transgender clients seeking gender-affirming medical interventions.
I believe that many symptoms are adaptations intended to provide temporary relief from painful circumstances. However in the longer term, these adaptations can exacerbate distress. My practice focuses on helping people to develop more sustainable ways of coping, including examining your beliefs, accepting difficult emotions, and increasing self-awareness. Issues I work with include PTSD, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and overwhelming emotions. I also work with clients exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Alexis Burger-Heist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
I have experience working with eating disorders and disordered eating, trauma, life transitions, coming-of-age topics, LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety and depression, and more.
I believe that within each of us lies the potential to heal, to change, and to grow. Sometimes that potential gets clouded by the events in our lives and it can feel impossible to see a path forward. Maybe you’re feeling hopeless, or trapped in endless cycles of self-hatred. Maybe you’ve experienced things that were out of your control and are impacting the way you relate to yourself and exist in the world. Maybe you’re facing challenges related to trauma, fear, or shame, which have impacted the way you treat your body. That’s where I come in. Together, we will work towards creating the life that you want to live.
I have experience working with eating disorders and disordered eating, trauma, life transitions, coming-of-age topics, LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety and depression, and more.
I believe that within each of us lies the potential to heal, to change, and to grow. Sometimes that potential gets clouded by the events in our lives and it can feel impossible to see a path forward. Maybe you’re feeling hopeless, or trapped in endless cycles of self-hatred. Maybe you’ve experienced things that were out of your control and are impacting the way you relate to yourself and exist in the world. Maybe you’re facing challenges related to trauma, fear, or shame, which have impacted the way you treat your body. That’s where I come in. Together, we will work towards creating the life that you want to live.
Emma Silverthorne
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
I identify as queer and enjoy working with youth and adults exploring sexuality and gender.
My goal as a therapist is to create a connection that allows for curiosity, risk-taking, fun and emotional safety so that you feel empowered to share in sessions. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, life-transitions, grief, relationship issues, or questions around identity I would love to explore this with you. I enjoy connecting people to their emotions and will often aim to increase connection between your emotions and your body so you feel empowered to express your feelings and increase self-trust. Emotions have important information for us and feeling them in the presence of another is sometimes all that's needed.
I identify as queer and enjoy working with youth and adults exploring sexuality and gender.
My goal as a therapist is to create a connection that allows for curiosity, risk-taking, fun and emotional safety so that you feel empowered to share in sessions. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, life-transitions, grief, relationship issues, or questions around identity I would love to explore this with you. I enjoy connecting people to their emotions and will often aim to increase connection between your emotions and your body so you feel empowered to express your feelings and increase self-trust. Emotions have important information for us and feeling them in the presence of another is sometimes all that's needed.
Michelle Crozier
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
Welcome! I am a queer-identified Registered Social Worker, with over ten years of experience providing counselling support for individuals, couples, and groups. I support people in deepening awareness of their thoughts, feelings, body sensations and adaptive ways of coping. Together we can explore the spaces in your life where you may feel stuck, gently fostering compassion, while moving toward desired growth. My practice is guided by a lens that is Anti-Oppressive, intersectional and feminist. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing on various evidence-based therapeutic modalities to discover what aligns with your needs.
Welcome! I am a queer-identified Registered Social Worker, with over ten years of experience providing counselling support for individuals, couples, and groups. I support people in deepening awareness of their thoughts, feelings, body sensations and adaptive ways of coping. Together we can explore the spaces in your life where you may feel stuck, gently fostering compassion, while moving toward desired growth. My practice is guided by a lens that is Anti-Oppressive, intersectional and feminist. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, drawing on various evidence-based therapeutic modalities to discover what aligns with your needs.
Get There: Psychotherapy Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
We operate from a feminist, anti-racist, Queer affirmative framework.
Hey there! Welcome to Get There Therapy. We're a small group of Social Workers/Psychotherapists here to support you. Learning coping strategies, how to self-regulate, increase communication and ability to set boundaries are areas we often work on with clients. We bring over 15 years of experience working specifically with tweens, teens, adults, couples and families through social work and counseling. We are trained in evidence-informed practices, like Theraplay, EFT, CBT, EMDR and DBT. We support our clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma work, dating/relationships, parenting, separation and divorce, to name a few.
We operate from a feminist, anti-racist, Queer affirmative framework.
Hey there! Welcome to Get There Therapy. We're a small group of Social Workers/Psychotherapists here to support you. Learning coping strategies, how to self-regulate, increase communication and ability to set boundaries are areas we often work on with clients. We bring over 15 years of experience working specifically with tweens, teens, adults, couples and families through social work and counseling. We are trained in evidence-informed practices, like Theraplay, EFT, CBT, EMDR and DBT. We support our clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma work, dating/relationships, parenting, separation and divorce, to name a few.
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Registered Social Worker, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
If you identify as a neurodivergent, chronically ill, BIPOC &/or immigrant woman, queer or trans person, then you may be struggling to feel a sense of belonging & acceptance in a world & system that wasn’t built for you & doesn’t capture the unique intersections of your identity & lived experiences. I believe in your inherent capacity to heal, grow, discover who you are, connect deeply with others, and lead a fulfilling life. If you’re committed to self-discovery & healing as part of your ongoing personal growth & professional development, let's work together to put the pieces of your life, work & relationships back into balance.
If you identify as a neurodivergent, chronically ill, BIPOC &/or immigrant woman, queer or trans person, then you may be struggling to feel a sense of belonging & acceptance in a world & system that wasn’t built for you & doesn’t capture the unique intersections of your identity & lived experiences. I believe in your inherent capacity to heal, grow, discover who you are, connect deeply with others, and lead a fulfilling life. If you’re committed to self-discovery & healing as part of your ongoing personal growth & professional development, let's work together to put the pieces of your life, work & relationships back into balance.
Katie Ritchie
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
My name is Katie Ritchie and I support individuals with a wide variety of a personal challenges in a collaborative and strength-based manner. I welcome clients with diverse needs and backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with individuals suffering from anxiety (including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, social phobia), depression, life transitions, addictions, and LGBT/non-binary issues.
My name is Katie Ritchie and I support individuals with a wide variety of a personal challenges in a collaborative and strength-based manner. I welcome clients with diverse needs and backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with individuals suffering from anxiety (including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, social phobia), depression, life transitions, addictions, and LGBT/non-binary issues.
Victoria Dorey
Registered Social Worker, RSW, BSW, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
I’m a queer & fat identified therapist with lived experience.
Offering therapy focussed on body image, binge eating disorder, self worth and relational/childhood trauma for women & 2SLGBTQI+ folks. People who come to me often feel alone, lost and exhausted. Often feeling both not enough and too much all at once. They may find their thoughts and feelings both intense and numb, depending on the moment. They may feel both stuck and out of control. If this sounds like you, I see you. Lets work together to unearth, heal, connect and rebuild. You're not alone.
I’m a queer & fat identified therapist with lived experience.
Offering therapy focussed on body image, binge eating disorder, self worth and relational/childhood trauma for women & 2SLGBTQI+ folks. People who come to me often feel alone, lost and exhausted. Often feeling both not enough and too much all at once. They may find their thoughts and feelings both intense and numb, depending on the moment. They may feel both stuck and out of control. If this sounds like you, I see you. Lets work together to unearth, heal, connect and rebuild. You're not alone.
Nick Harman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), JD, MACP, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
Waitlist for new clients
Modern life is challenging. Perhaps you feel anxiety about your career, relationship, health, education, or the state of the world. Perhaps you are overwhelmed by how busy you are or how much others rely on you, leaving no time or capacity to pursue your own goals and desires. Or perhaps you are experiencing depression, loneliness, powerlessness, or a general dissatisfaction with life. Whatever challenges you face, the right therapist can act as a dedicated co-navigator by your side to chart your path forward. I would love the opportunity to play that role for you.
Modern life is challenging. Perhaps you feel anxiety about your career, relationship, health, education, or the state of the world. Perhaps you are overwhelmed by how busy you are or how much others rely on you, leaving no time or capacity to pursue your own goals and desires. Or perhaps you are experiencing depression, loneliness, powerlessness, or a general dissatisfaction with life. Whatever challenges you face, the right therapist can act as a dedicated co-navigator by your side to chart your path forward. I would love the opportunity to play that role for you.
Janine Hylands Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Living in today’s world as a "big feeler", 2SLGBTQ+ person, ally, non-monogamous person, someone who uses substances, or someone who struggles with relationships, can feel exhausting and overwhelming. It can also feel hard to know who the safe supports are (the ones who won’t judge your experience or push you to embrace normative frameworks). You might be seeking support with trauma, anxiety, anger, inner criticism, boundaries, emotional dysregulation, people-pleasing, or feeling othered. Whatever your experiences are, I wholeheartedly get that you have been doing your best so far. Do you want to try something different?
Living in today’s world as a "big feeler", 2SLGBTQ+ person, ally, non-monogamous person, someone who uses substances, or someone who struggles with relationships, can feel exhausting and overwhelming. It can also feel hard to know who the safe supports are (the ones who won’t judge your experience or push you to embrace normative frameworks). You might be seeking support with trauma, anxiety, anger, inner criticism, boundaries, emotional dysregulation, people-pleasing, or feeling othered. Whatever your experiences are, I wholeheartedly get that you have been doing your best so far. Do you want to try something different?
Louis Bernard Periatambee
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Life can be challenging. Problems at work, discord at home, relationship troubles, unresolved past events, feelings of depression, anxiety and isolation, and countless other difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I aim to create a supportive, ‘non-judgy’ space where we can talk through whatever is on your mind, understand what is happening and move forward.
Life can be challenging. Problems at work, discord at home, relationship troubles, unresolved past events, feelings of depression, anxiety and isolation, and countless other difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I aim to create a supportive, ‘non-judgy’ space where we can talk through whatever is on your mind, understand what is happening and move forward.
Jessica Bassmahon
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MMus, MACP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P
You're the one who friends say "has it all together", the "high-achiever", the one who seems so self-aware, confident, clever, and articulate. You appear to accomplish tasks and goals, and seem to know where you're heading in life. Although you always have a smile on your face, what you are experiencing internally doesn't match. Usually you can figure things out on your own and don't find you often ask for help, but this time you feel frozen, confused, or even bewildered. You wish people understood this feels like for you, that they could understand that maybe it's not as easy as you make it look.
You're the one who friends say "has it all together", the "high-achiever", the one who seems so self-aware, confident, clever, and articulate. You appear to accomplish tasks and goals, and seem to know where you're heading in life. Although you always have a smile on your face, what you are experiencing internally doesn't match. Usually you can figure things out on your own and don't find you often ask for help, but this time you feel frozen, confused, or even bewildered. You wish people understood this feels like for you, that they could understand that maybe it's not as easy as you make it look.
Janice Gill- Holistic Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RYT200
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
Are you looking to recover from burnout, repair your relationship(s), and/or explore and unlearn the patterns that got you to this tricky spot in the first place? (Sighs in Anxious exhaustion). I have been there. It’s not fun. I see you. And I want to help you. Hi, I’m Janice/Jan/Jay(she/her). I am a holistic psychotherapist (with 12+ years of clinical experience), clinical supervisor, yoga & meditation teacher, college professor, world traveller, recovering perfectionist/people-pleaser, lifelong learner, and imperfect human.
Are you looking to recover from burnout, repair your relationship(s), and/or explore and unlearn the patterns that got you to this tricky spot in the first place? (Sighs in Anxious exhaustion). I have been there. It’s not fun. I see you. And I want to help you. Hi, I’m Janice/Jan/Jay(she/her). I am a holistic psychotherapist (with 12+ years of clinical experience), clinical supervisor, yoga & meditation teacher, college professor, world traveller, recovering perfectionist/people-pleaser, lifelong learner, and imperfect human.
Dr. Todd Z Adamowich
Registered Social Worker, MSW, PhD, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P (Online Only)
I believe that the journey of psychotherapy is a relational one. I strive to help people discover their abilities to better connect with people in their lives as they move forward in their healing journey. I have 20 years of experience working in the mental health field in various capacities, including children, youth and adults. I currently teach and research at the University of Windsor and am adjunct faculty for the Kings University College, in addition to my practice.
I believe that the journey of psychotherapy is a relational one. I strive to help people discover their abilities to better connect with people in their lives as they move forward in their healing journey. I have 20 years of experience working in the mental health field in various capacities, including children, youth and adults. I currently teach and research at the University of Windsor and am adjunct faculty for the Kings University College, in addition to my practice.
See more therapy options for L8P
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.