LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Mississauga, ON
I believe that every person is doing their best to navigate the many parts of life. When I think of therapy, I imagine someone rowing, and encountering challenging waters. Navigating unexpected circumstances requires thinking outside the box so they can reach their destination. Throughout their journey, they gain new perspectives because of both the challenges and beauty encountered along the way. I am here to row with you, entering the unknown together. I have always been passionate about holding space for others. I provide a safe, warm, approachable, and non-judgemental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
I believe that every person is doing their best to navigate the many parts of life. When I think of therapy, I imagine someone rowing, and encountering challenging waters. Navigating unexpected circumstances requires thinking outside the box so they can reach their destination. Throughout their journey, they gain new perspectives because of both the challenges and beauty encountered along the way. I am here to row with you, entering the unknown together. I have always been passionate about holding space for others. I provide a safe, warm, approachable, and non-judgemental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
We know the universe is vast, yet we often overlook the vastness of the human mind. I have a passion and curiosity for exploring each person's mini-universe, where there are mysteries waiting to be unfolded, strength and resilience to be found, and the potential for real change.
While we all face adversities and uncertainty, each person's challenges are unique, and so I consider each client the expert on their own experience of their minds & bodies. I believe our minds can amplify our suffering at times, but I also believe we can learn to better understand and access our emotions, change our narratives, and build lasting solutions.
We know the universe is vast, yet we often overlook the vastness of the human mind. I have a passion and curiosity for exploring each person's mini-universe, where there are mysteries waiting to be unfolded, strength and resilience to be found, and the potential for real change.
While we all face adversities and uncertainty, each person's challenges are unique, and so I consider each client the expert on their own experience of their minds & bodies. I believe our minds can amplify our suffering at times, but I also believe we can learn to better understand and access our emotions, change our narratives, and build lasting solutions.
Money should never be the reason you DON'T go to therapy. We never want money to be a barrier to accessing therapy. This is why Affordable Therapy Ontario (ATO) exists: to make therapy accessible for all! Created by Building Bridges Psychotherapy, we are a diverse team of licensed therapists providing high quality therapy to those who need it. We offer in-person services at our six locations. We also offer therapy over video and phone. We work with individuals, couples, and families. For a full list of all the issues and concerns we work with, check out our website.
Money should never be the reason you DON'T go to therapy. We never want money to be a barrier to accessing therapy. This is why Affordable Therapy Ontario (ATO) exists: to make therapy accessible for all! Created by Building Bridges Psychotherapy, we are a diverse team of licensed therapists providing high quality therapy to those who need it. We offer in-person services at our six locations. We also offer therapy over video and phone. We work with individuals, couples, and families. For a full list of all the issues and concerns we work with, check out our website.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual clinic specializing in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach explores the root causes of symptoms by uncovering and understanding underlying emotions through evidence-based treatment. Through collaborative dialogue, we examine unconscious thoughts and emotions shaped from childhood to the present. We work to relieve symptoms by understanding how these patterns affect current experiences, and create targeted strategies for meaningful change long-term.
I believe that when we come to therapy, we have the potential to heal ourselves. We are the masters of our own paths in life. It’s the circumstances in our lives—such as our social environment and various other factors—which can prevent us from living up to our full potential. I believe that through therapy, these hidden potentials can be realized. As a therapist, I act as a facilitator to help my clients see what they already have inside of them, foster self-acceptance, and help them reach their life goals through discovery of the self and of one’s own strengths.
I believe that when we come to therapy, we have the potential to heal ourselves. We are the masters of our own paths in life. It’s the circumstances in our lives—such as our social environment and various other factors—which can prevent us from living up to our full potential. I believe that through therapy, these hidden potentials can be realized. As a therapist, I act as a facilitator to help my clients see what they already have inside of them, foster self-acceptance, and help them reach their life goals through discovery of the self and of one’s own strengths.
I believe that we all have the capacity to grow and achieve a better state of being. I am deeply committed to helping individuals who feel stuck or unhappy in their lives. I understand that feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled, or depressed can be incredibly challenging. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Through a caring and collaborative approach, I guide individuals in harnessing their inner resources to achieve personal growth and well-being. I see unlimited hope and potential in all individuals and aim to help others discover it for themselves.
I believe that we all have the capacity to grow and achieve a better state of being. I am deeply committed to helping individuals who feel stuck or unhappy in their lives. I understand that feeling unmotivated, unfulfilled, or depressed can be incredibly challenging. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Through a caring and collaborative approach, I guide individuals in harnessing their inner resources to achieve personal growth and well-being. I see unlimited hope and potential in all individuals and aim to help others discover it for themselves.
Building Bridges Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, RP
6 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
Carlie Brooke Bigelow
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BMus, MACP, MMusP
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5G
As a therapist specializing in consensual non-monogamy and queer-related issues and relationships, I bring a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help individuals and partners navigate the unique dynamics of their connections.
Whether you're seeking individual support or a relationship, my expertise and compassionate guidance are here to help you regain control, build resilience, and enhance your well-being. Whether you are polyamorous, gender non-conforming, queer, kinky, monogamish, or something else, I provide a safe space for everyone to proudly be their authentic self.
As a therapist specializing in consensual non-monogamy and queer-related issues and relationships, I bring a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help individuals and partners navigate the unique dynamics of their connections.
Whether you're seeking individual support or a relationship, my expertise and compassionate guidance are here to help you regain control, build resilience, and enhance your well-being. Whether you are polyamorous, gender non-conforming, queer, kinky, monogamish, or something else, I provide a safe space for everyone to proudly be their authentic self.
I believe there is good in everyone. I also trust in the power of unconditional positive regard and I aim to provide you with a safe, judgement-free place to explore who you are and who you want to be. Our past and present can affect us deeply, but we can also draw on them to improve our future. My approach is eclectic, integrative, and collaborative, and I view things holistically, incorporating your strengths and values into therapy. I believe that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you do not need to be “fixed;” I am here to walk with you on your healing journey, and to shape therapy into whatever you need it to be.
I believe there is good in everyone. I also trust in the power of unconditional positive regard and I aim to provide you with a safe, judgement-free place to explore who you are and who you want to be. Our past and present can affect us deeply, but we can also draw on them to improve our future. My approach is eclectic, integrative, and collaborative, and I view things holistically, incorporating your strengths and values into therapy. I believe that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and you do not need to be “fixed;” I am here to walk with you on your healing journey, and to shape therapy into whatever you need it to be.
You do not need to carry the weight of anxiety, sadness, shame, addiction, or grief alone—healing and freedom are possible. I believe every person holds within them the capacity to live a life that feels meaningful, grounded, and whole—a life where they are not merely surviving, but truly living. Therapy can provide you with a space for healing, growth, and finding your way back to a life that feels like home. I will walk beside you as you begin to shift old patterns and step into healthier ways of living and being.
You do not need to carry the weight of anxiety, sadness, shame, addiction, or grief alone—healing and freedom are possible. I believe every person holds within them the capacity to live a life that feels meaningful, grounded, and whole—a life where they are not merely surviving, but truly living. Therapy can provide you with a space for healing, growth, and finding your way back to a life that feels like home. I will walk beside you as you begin to shift old patterns and step into healthier ways of living and being.
I believe each of us is doing the best we can in life, given the tools we have. However, when life gets overwhelming, we may feel stuck and wish things were different—it might be easy to focus on what needs to change, yet we may feel unable to make changes. As a therapist, I help clients add to their toolkit, equipping them to manage challenges while also empowering them to recognize and access the strengths already within them. I believe each person is resilient and can grow and thrive, even if they need help along the way. Reaching out is the first (and often hardest) step, and I would be honoured to support you on your journey.
I believe each of us is doing the best we can in life, given the tools we have. However, when life gets overwhelming, we may feel stuck and wish things were different—it might be easy to focus on what needs to change, yet we may feel unable to make changes. As a therapist, I help clients add to their toolkit, equipping them to manage challenges while also empowering them to recognize and access the strengths already within them. I believe each person is resilient and can grow and thrive, even if they need help along the way. Reaching out is the first (and often hardest) step, and I would be honoured to support you on your journey.
One human need that is consistent worldwide, transcending borders and cultures, is to have a confidante. I am someone with a deep-rooted passion for helping people; I strive to give others the opportunity to express themselves while I serve as an active listener, offering an empathetic ear. A strong therapeutic alliance is a vital component of successful therapy, and I approach this work with a spirit of collaboration, focused on mutual respect. I aim to be a source of support on your therapeutic journey, helping you move forward whether you are facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or other concerns.
One human need that is consistent worldwide, transcending borders and cultures, is to have a confidante. I am someone with a deep-rooted passion for helping people; I strive to give others the opportunity to express themselves while I serve as an active listener, offering an empathetic ear. A strong therapeutic alliance is a vital component of successful therapy, and I approach this work with a spirit of collaboration, focused on mutual respect. I aim to be a source of support on your therapeutic journey, helping you move forward whether you are facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, or other concerns.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic based in Toronto, Ontario, specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
The Centre for Psychodynamic Insights is a virtual psychotherapy clinic based in Toronto, Ontario, specializing in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. This approach focuses on revealing, understanding, and resolving underlying emotions and root causes of symptoms through evidence-based interventions and a comprehensive treatment plan. With an in-depth collaborative discussion and analysis of unconscious thoughts and emotions from childhood until the present day, we can explore how they inform us today to help relieve symptoms and develop targeted strategies to foster change.
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** It’s a privilege and honour to be doing this work, and to walk alongside clients on their respective healing journeys. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives and life experiences. By working collaboratively and through meaning-making, I aim to support clients in connecting with their needs, dreams, hopes, as well as to the answers I believe each person has inside them. My approach is trauma-informed, non-directive, strength-based, and client-centered. Healing, the discovery of possibilities, one’s resilience, and one's gifts can all be part of the therapy process.
***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** It’s a privilege and honour to be doing this work, and to walk alongside clients on their respective healing journeys. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives and life experiences. By working collaboratively and through meaning-making, I aim to support clients in connecting with their needs, dreams, hopes, as well as to the answers I believe each person has inside them. My approach is trauma-informed, non-directive, strength-based, and client-centered. Healing, the discovery of possibilities, one’s resilience, and one's gifts can all be part of the therapy process.
Having navigated my own journey with identity and belonging, I bring an understanding and supportive perspective to clients who feel caught between who they are and who the world expects them to be, especially men, youth, and folks navigating nontraditional or marginalized/ LGBTQ+ identities.
In therapy, I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, gain clarity on patterns in your thoughts and relationships, and build practical skills for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and improving communication.
Having navigated my own journey with identity and belonging, I bring an understanding and supportive perspective to clients who feel caught between who they are and who the world expects them to be, especially men, youth, and folks navigating nontraditional or marginalized/ LGBTQ+ identities.
In therapy, I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences, gain clarity on patterns in your thoughts and relationships, and build practical skills for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and improving communication.
I believe that each individual has the capacity for growth through self-awareness and acceptance. I have supported individuals to recognize their optimal potential, develop and maintain healthy meaningful relationships, while making choices that are in the interest of oneself and others. I help my clients free themselves from disabling assumptions and attitudes so they can live fuller lives. As a trauma-informed therapist, I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental environment to facilitate growth and change.
I believe that each individual has the capacity for growth through self-awareness and acceptance. I have supported individuals to recognize their optimal potential, develop and maintain healthy meaningful relationships, while making choices that are in the interest of oneself and others. I help my clients free themselves from disabling assumptions and attitudes so they can live fuller lives. As a trauma-informed therapist, I aim to create a warm, non-judgmental environment to facilitate growth and change.
I am heavily informed and guided by queer, trans, neurodiverse, feminist, decolonial, and animist lineages.
A big, sprawling welcome to you.
There is so much to say about pain, and I usually begin by welcoming it.
The container of our work is first pieced together with a spirit of welcome. To all the discarded, hidden, cautious, exhausted, exiled, and yearning parts of you—welcome. Welcome to your grief, rage, sadness, collapse, and joy. Welcome to your body and your story. Welcome to the
reality of how you experience the world.
I rely on various modalities, but 3 in particular: Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Internal Family Systems/IFS or parts work.
I am heavily informed and guided by queer, trans, neurodiverse, feminist, decolonial, and animist lineages.
A big, sprawling welcome to you.
There is so much to say about pain, and I usually begin by welcoming it.
The container of our work is first pieced together with a spirit of welcome. To all the discarded, hidden, cautious, exhausted, exiled, and yearning parts of you—welcome. Welcome to your grief, rage, sadness, collapse, and joy. Welcome to your body and your story. Welcome to the
reality of how you experience the world.
I rely on various modalities, but 3 in particular: Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Internal Family Systems/IFS or parts work.
I believe every person has an innate capacity for growth, resilience, and healing, even when life feels overwhelming or hope seems distant. Many of my clients carry self-doubt or emotional pain, or they feel disconnected. In our work together, I create a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen and understood, as we explore the patterns that shape your thoughts and emotions, uncover the needs beneath them, and build new ways of coping and connecting. I see therapy not as fixing what’s “wrong,” but as honouring the strength you've already shown and nurturing new possibilities for growth, self-discovery, well-being, and balance.
I believe every person has an innate capacity for growth, resilience, and healing, even when life feels overwhelming or hope seems distant. Many of my clients carry self-doubt or emotional pain, or they feel disconnected. In our work together, I create a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen and understood, as we explore the patterns that shape your thoughts and emotions, uncover the needs beneath them, and build new ways of coping and connecting. I see therapy not as fixing what’s “wrong,” but as honouring the strength you've already shown and nurturing new possibilities for growth, self-discovery, well-being, and balance.
Let’s be honest, life is hard, and in many ways, we juggle more today than we ever have! Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stressed, confused, demotivated, even helpless and hopeless. It can be a tough road to travel, but you don't have to walk it alone. As a therapist, I don’t think anyone should feel that way. I am committed to supporting my clients with guidance, care, and connected to the proper resources. With experience working with youth, students, adults, and parents, I enjoy collaborating with clients on a variety of challenges.
Let’s be honest, life is hard, and in many ways, we juggle more today than we ever have! Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stressed, confused, demotivated, even helpless and hopeless. It can be a tough road to travel, but you don't have to walk it alone. As a therapist, I don’t think anyone should feel that way. I am committed to supporting my clients with guidance, care, and connected to the proper resources. With experience working with youth, students, adults, and parents, I enjoy collaborating with clients on a variety of challenges.
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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.