LGBTQ+ Therapists in Toronto, ON
See all counsellors in Toronto
Ellen Fowler
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BEd
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
People come to therapy for many different reasons. It is not a search for answers, but rather a journey towards understanding and growth that we will venture on together. I welcome all the different parts of yourself you might bring (even the ones you might not be so fond of). I am a white settler who is a fat, neurodivergent,
queer
femme. These are some of the many identities I hold, which shape my experience in the world. I strive to hold space to honour all the complexities and nuances that you might be discovering or bring with you. I strive to work from an Anti-Racist, Anti-Oppressive and Trauma-Informed place.
Toronto, ON M5S
& Online
Anton Corvus
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), DIP Git, CHT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I bring my natural openness as a
queer
therapist, having experienced a lot of life ! I offer a gentle space, where I sense energy and feelings.
I help anxious, depressed, traumatized, neurodivergent, overwhelmed or highly sensitive people to find a grounding and calm in their body-mind. We explore creative ways of being with a focus on being in the here and now, with increasing awareness. I help you to build your self-support and build resilience to difficulties. I help you to free yourself of the freezing, fight or fight response and help you to build better relationships with better boundaries, creating more flexibility and spontaneous moments of joy in your life,
Zac Schraeder
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a
queer
person, I am familiar with this experience and understand.
I am currently not accepting new clients but please reach out if you need referral advice. You might be here because you are searching for someone to help you with how you're feeling. You may feel anxious, depressed, stressed, like you don't measure up, or stuck and are hoping to find a compassionate listener. Perhaps you're dealing with big life transitions, issues between you and your partner(s), marginalization, interpersonal conflict, finding your purpose, or competing priorities. Bringing any of this to therapy can be scary. There is profound healing power in being courageous, listened to, validated, and encouraged.
Alex Zebeljan
RP(Q), MA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
By integrating different approaches into my work, I have supported various marginalized communities such as
queer
and
trans
folx.
My name is Alex Zebeljan and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I offer individual and couples therapy virtually. As a therapist, my goal is that you feel seen, heard, and valued regardless of your sexuality, gender, ethnicity and beliefs. During each session, I endeavour to create a virtual space wherein you can discover and be your most authentic self. When working with clients, I value collaboration and incorporating culturally respectful techniques into my work. You are the expert on what you need and want and I can help you get there, whatever that end result might look like for you.
Renee Dumaresque
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I am a white,
queer
, non-binary and politicized therapist with availability to work with individuals and couples who are residents of Ontario or Newfoundland & Labrador. I who brings a whole lot of warmth, curiosity, and openness to my work supporting people across diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences to live with more connection, choice and ease. My approach is strengths-based and informed by anti-oppressive, harm reduction, anti-racist, and Mad values. The care that I offer is sex and kink positive and affirming of
queer
and
trans
identities and non-normative relationship structures.
Jesse Lawther
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MPS, RPQ
Verified
Verified
Many of my clients are
queer
, though I am open to working with anyone.
I have a special interest in relationships; understanding how we come to relate with ourselves and one another, and the ways this connects with our unique world-views, beliefs, and life’s meaning. Together we will co-create our therapeutic relationship, valuing authenticity and creativity. And in the therapy room we might explore grief and bereavement, life transitions, queerness, anxiety, depression, and understanding emotions and identity. My style starts with a trauma-informed approach, and I draw on techniques from narrative therapy, internal family systems, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.
Not accepting new clients
Vincent Francoeur
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a professional with training and experience in general psychotherapy, sexuality, relationships, personal wellness,
LGBTQ
communities and trauma (simple and complex), my practice includes treating adult individuals on topics like emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, coping skills, childhood abuse, self-esteem & body image, sexuality & sexual addiction, gender, grief, substance use & addictions, as well as family and relationships issues.
Charlotte Shipley
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
Does therapy feel too formal or rigid for you? Are you looking for a connection with a therapist who feels warm, open and familiar? Hi! My name is Charlotte and I am the practice owner at Positive Space Consulting, a psychotherapist and a registered social worker. Being
queer
and disabled myself, I know how many of us feel disconnected from our families, coworkers, and communities. I know how exhausting it can be to navigate the medical system, school system and other oppressive systems and sometimes you just need to share space with someone else who gets it! Capitalism, patriarchy and white supremacy are exhausting!
William Koné
Registered Psychotherapist, MA , RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you someone that identifies as
LGBTQ
+, seeking an outlet to express one’s worries? Are you a racialized person struggling to find someone you can speak to about life challenges? Have you reached a roadblock in your communication with a romantic partner?
LGBTQ
+ and racialized folks are often limited in spaces that allow them to feel fully seen. With couples, there are often difficulties figuring out where to start in managing conflict. Through a collaborative therapeutic stance, I am to challenge such difficult realities by supporting clients to fulfill their desired goals.
Steph Cooper
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, BA
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My lived experience as a
queer
woman is deeply important to me.
Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.
Praney Anand
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP (Q)
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I welcome you with a willingness to learn more about whatever might be holding you back in life or your relationship(s). My approach to therapy is client-centred and collaborative. I strive to explore solutions that work in your environment. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I am a South Asian,
gay
/
queer
, cisgender man, immigrant/settler, & I have extensive experience working with heterosexual &
queer
/2SLGBTQ+ individuals & couples. मैं हिंदी और पंजाबी में भी बात कर सकता हूं। ਮੈਂ ਹਿੰਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ ਗੱਲ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹਾਂ।
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Zac Schraeder
Alex Zebeljan
Charlotte Shipley
William Koné
Steph Cooper
Karen Hutchinson
Ariel Blau
Steven Ross Therapy
David Moulton
Tara Jane Wodelet
Shepherd Psychotherapy
Art of Thriving
Jeff Shepherd
Adrian Comeau
Christina Vasilopoulos
Naomi Reesor
Sarah G Bickle
Beth Mens
Shani @ Hatch-Me Therapy
Aden Cosgrove
Michael Adia
Dynamic Change Counselling & Consulting Services
Em Osborne
Alexis Martel-Lamothe
Emily Ameara Mclennan
Paulina Camino
Kate McGee
Sawyer Johnson
Tynan Rhea, Sex & Relationship Therapist
Briana Krushelnicki
Jenny S. Cheng
Sarah Siddiqui
Bob Wallace
Sandina Bouchan
Fatima Saleem
Ancestral Memory Therapy
Jansu Edis
Kelly Alexander
Linda Thai
Alyssa Herzig
Leigh Simpson-Ahwanaquot
Marlise Meilan and the Meilan Counselling Clinic
Kimeiko Hotta Dover
Creative Transitions Psychotherapy Group
Vincent Mousseau
Adam Busch
Heidi Mehta
Darren Elliott
Parker Garrod
Jenny Rajewski Gouin
John Larsson
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
For close to 30 years I served the HIV/AIDS and
LGBTQ
+ communities as a counsellor at the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT). I am now in private practice. As a
gay
man I have a particular interest in working with other
gay
/Bi/
Queer
men, but all are welcome. My approach is uncomplicated. I work from a client-centred, trauma-informed, psycho-social perspective, using a goal-oriented approach.
Waitlist for new clients
Christina Belcastro
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
Verified
I'm
queer
& neurodiverse with lived experience with mental health challenges.
I value anti-oppressive, person-centered approaches to therapy & believe the relationship is at the core of your process. I currently support folks 16 years old & above. With sharing the therapeutic space, I aim to provide space to be wholeheartedly yourself. I take a strengths-based, collaborative approach in working toward your therapeutic goals. I recognize the gaps in mental health care that 2SLGBTQ+ folks face (regardless of folks whom are out to everyone, out to some, not out at all, don’t want to come out, questioning etc.) and aim to ensure folks are able to unapologetically be themselves.
Jesse Schwartz
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
Verified
I'm a
Queer
Social Worker with 6 years of experience in community-based and clinical settings addressing complex mental health concerns. Guided by anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches, I harness a sense of curiosity to build an open and transparent relationship with my clients. I draw on Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural, Emotion Focused, and Narrative Therapy techniques to ensure that my clients find a voice that is truly their own. I have extensive experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, gender/sexual identities, sexual desire/pleasure, and sexual violence histories.
Chris Spiess
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'm a white-passing Metis-Anishinaabe-German 2Spirit/
Trans
/Non-Binary person from Penetanguishene, currently living in Kitchener.
Aaniin/Boozhoo/Willkommen/Hello, Is life feeling hard? Overwhelming? Emotions feel too big, or maybe not at all? Are you Looking for support for your family or a young person? My goal is to work with people in authentic ways. I journey with folks through difficult, hard, messy, and scary situations. I work from a trauma informed, decolonial, Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppression framework. My work centres around supporting folks dealing with trauma and systemic oppression, mental illness, gender identity, sexual orientation, and substance use. I often focus on individual and family work with 2S
Queer
and
Trans
youth and adults
Waitlist for new clients
Natasha Burrow
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Natasha Burrow is a gender non-conforming/non-binary
queer
whose approach is a blend of embodiment, metaphor, humor, and vitality. Gestalt therapy is a relational, experiential, and embodied approach with the goal to help you become more aware. This awareness can then help you to see your experiences and issues in new or different ways. They have an active movement practice as well as training in dance and yoga, which greatly influences their embodied response and awareness within the co-created field.
Toronto, ON M4C
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Karen Hutchinson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a
Queer
woman I have a passion for and specialize in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folx of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing.
Karen believes that all emotions are beautiful and valid, which is evidenced by how much she loves talking about feelings! A self-identified empath and super-feeler, Karen uses a warm and authentic approach, and values creating a comfortable space that fosters safety and connection. Are you a
Queer
identified human who is looking for a safe space to unpack your feelings and experiences and learn some new ways of coping? Are you experiencing a depressed mood or increased anxiety and feel like you've tried it all and nothing's helped? Hi! I’m Karen. I’m a registered social worker and psychotherapist with Positive Space Consulting.
Mitchell Francesco Manicone
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
Seeking counselling can feel daunting, and it is important to find the right fit with a potential therapist. The first step is reaching out and establishing how the therapeutic alliance can best support you in your journey and with the goals you have for yourself. I have been working in Social Work for the better part of a decade with a specialization in addiction-based treatment, trauma work and supporting members of the
queer
community. Completing my BSW at Western University (2014) and MSW at York University (2022), I provide 1:1 counselling, Couples Counselling, and Secondary assessments for Transition-related surgeries.
Toronto, ON M4Y
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
LGBTQ Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
LGBTQ
Counselling is a place where human rights are respected and where
lesbian
,
gay
,
bisexual
,
trans
, two spirit and
queer
people, their friends and allies, are all welcomed and supported.
LGBTQ
Counselling is a therapeutic practice dedicated to the care of, and treatment for, members (18+) of
queer
(LGBTQ2SIA+) communities by a
queer
identified counsellor.
Toronto, ON M4K
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Kristie Brassard & Associates
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies is our passion, and all of our therapists identify on the
queer
spectrum.
Kristie Brassard & Associates is a virtual psychotherapy practice serving children, teens, and adults all over Ontario, Canada. Our psychotherapists work with a variety of issues, and help guide individuals, families and couples along their wellness journey using various therapeutic modalities and supportive interventions.
See more therapy options for
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.