Therapists in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Asher Faerstein
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I am comfortable with a wide variety of ways of being, values, and relationship styles, including kink and ENM.
I believe that encountering painful moments and periods of hardship is inevitable and can bring us into contact with the most fundamental parts of ourselves. Instead of avoiding these experiences, I am interested in working with you to explore them with curiosity and self-compassion. Healing is a nonlinear process that takes time, and some things may always be unresolved; I see therapy as a safe space to collaboratively explore and articulate different facets of your experience, set therapeutic goals, and work together to create desired changes.
I am comfortable with a wide variety of ways of being, values, and relationship styles, including kink and ENM.
I believe that encountering painful moments and periods of hardship is inevitable and can bring us into contact with the most fundamental parts of ourselves. Instead of avoiding these experiences, I am interested in working with you to explore them with curiosity and self-compassion. Healing is a nonlinear process that takes time, and some things may always be unresolved; I see therapy as a safe space to collaboratively explore and articulate different facets of your experience, set therapeutic goals, and work together to create desired changes.
John Power
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a registered clinical social worker, primarily working with people to address concerns related to anxiety, depression, sex and sexuality, low motivation, anger, and relationship difficulties. I have worked for many years, providing services to diverse LGBTQ+ communities, as well as post-secondary students. I aim to create a therapeutic space that is anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed, and values the principles of harm reduction.
I am a registered clinical social worker, primarily working with people to address concerns related to anxiety, depression, sex and sexuality, low motivation, anger, and relationship difficulties. I have worked for many years, providing services to diverse LGBTQ+ communities, as well as post-secondary students. I aim to create a therapeutic space that is anti-oppressive, sex/kink-positive, trauma-informed, and values the principles of harm reduction.
Cressida Frey
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
Welcome. I'm a queer, non-binary, white therapist specializing in trauma therapy, BPD, ENM, and kink. I work with individuals and couples/constellations within queer and trans communities. Whenever you are on your journey, we begin by honouring the complexity of experiences that brought you here. From a place of empathy, tenderness, consent, and compassion, we address anxiety, stress, sadness, dissociation, grief, loss, rage, self-criticism, shame, and trauma that stem from interpersonal and systemic experiences of violence and oppression.
Welcome. I'm a queer, non-binary, white therapist specializing in trauma therapy, BPD, ENM, and kink. I work with individuals and couples/constellations within queer and trans communities. Whenever you are on your journey, we begin by honouring the complexity of experiences that brought you here. From a place of empathy, tenderness, consent, and compassion, we address anxiety, stress, sadness, dissociation, grief, loss, rage, self-criticism, shame, and trauma that stem from interpersonal and systemic experiences of violence and oppression.
Victoria Mata Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, EXAT, MFA, BA, CRPO(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6S
I am a Venezuelan-Canadian queer woman of colour with lived experience of migration and I offer services in Spanish and English. I work from an evolving feminist, anti-oppression, sex-positive and poly-affirming framework. Gently and bravely understanding and unpacking the impacts of systemic and colonial structures on the constructs of identity and mental health is crucial for the work we will do together. Creativity, curiosity and compassionate care are at the core of my practice. When journeying through difficult experiences, art becomes a powerful friend for the courageous path of healing and transformation.
I am a Venezuelan-Canadian queer woman of colour with lived experience of migration and I offer services in Spanish and English. I work from an evolving feminist, anti-oppression, sex-positive and poly-affirming framework. Gently and bravely understanding and unpacking the impacts of systemic and colonial structures on the constructs of identity and mental health is crucial for the work we will do together. Creativity, curiosity and compassionate care are at the core of my practice. When journeying through difficult experiences, art becomes a powerful friend for the courageous path of healing and transformation.
Yasmin Kowlessar
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
As a queer Trini-Canadian psychotherapist, I combine my training in psychology with my intersectional feminist values and lived experience when supporting my clients. I specialize in working with LGBTQ and BIPOC (racialized) clients as well as intersectional identities. In addition to expertise in culturally-sensitive therapy, I'm also well-versed in issues related to queer and trans health, polyamory / non-monogamy, and kink / BDSM culture.
As a queer Trini-Canadian psychotherapist, I combine my training in psychology with my intersectional feminist values and lived experience when supporting my clients. I specialize in working with LGBTQ and BIPOC (racialized) clients as well as intersectional identities. In addition to expertise in culturally-sensitive therapy, I'm also well-versed in issues related to queer and trans health, polyamory / non-monogamy, and kink / BDSM culture.
Iryna Dutko
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
My practice is trauma-informed, sex, kink, and polyam positive, and dedicated to the uplifting of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Many people hold the belief that challenges with emotional and mental well-being are a result of difficulty in coping, functioning, or adaptability. We may attempt to use willpower, intellect, and behavioural changes to tackle these issues; if these attempts fail to bring us inner peace or lasting change, we can begin to feel ashamed, alone, and stagnant. It is my belief that challenges with mental health, emotion, and relationships do not exist in a vacuum. These are more than personal failings at coping and functioning. Once we settle into this understanding, we can begin to uncover the deeper questions of your healing work.
My practice is trauma-informed, sex, kink, and polyam positive, and dedicated to the uplifting of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Many people hold the belief that challenges with emotional and mental well-being are a result of difficulty in coping, functioning, or adaptability. We may attempt to use willpower, intellect, and behavioural changes to tackle these issues; if these attempts fail to bring us inner peace or lasting change, we can begin to feel ashamed, alone, and stagnant. It is my belief that challenges with mental health, emotion, and relationships do not exist in a vacuum. These are more than personal failings at coping and functioning. Once we settle into this understanding, we can begin to uncover the deeper questions of your healing work.
Renee Dumaresque
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6N (Online Only)
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.
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.
Scott Howcroft
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I work with a range of clients including those in the LGBTQ+ community, those from different cultures. The majority of my clients are individuals at the moment, I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I work with a range of clients including those in the LGBTQ+ community, those from different cultures. The majority of my clients are individuals at the moment, I am a sex positive, poly-aware therapist who works with and respects all relationships. If you're feeling stuck (life or career), grieving, depressed or anxious I am happy to work with you. I specialize in life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
Ariel Blau
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
I use anti-racist, anti-oppression, gender affirming, feminist, queer- and sex positive modalities informed by intersectionality and cultural relativism for clients facing problems related to institutional systems of privilege.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high functioning, gifted, and imaginative individuals, plus HSPs. I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. Unlike therapists who are silent and write on a pad, aloof & distant, I listen with curiosity & empathy to provide ample feed-back when you request it. You will feel at ease. I will provide you with personalized therapy, using the best technique that can help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness from Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT therapies, & Mindfulness modalities.
I use anti-racist, anti-oppression, gender affirming, feminist, queer- and sex positive modalities informed by intersectionality and cultural relativism for clients facing problems related to institutional systems of privilege.
I have a formidable passion for helping you build and energize a joyful, loving & creative life. My clients are high functioning, gifted, and imaginative individuals, plus HSPs. I am naturally engaged, authentic & direct. Unlike therapists who are silent and write on a pad, aloof & distant, I listen with curiosity & empathy to provide ample feed-back when you request it. You will feel at ease. I will provide you with personalized therapy, using the best technique that can help you with imagination, intuition, warmth, & effectiveness from Narrative, image-based, Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT therapies, & Mindfulness modalities.
Brad Garrison
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
Brad is committed to providing his clients with a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment that is trauma-informed, sex- and kink-positive, and anti-oppressive.
Brad Garrison (he/him) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a professional member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto (OISE). Brad is also a graduate of the Addictions Careworker Diploma Program at the University of McMaster and has completed the University of Guelph’s Intensive Sex Therapy Training program.
Brad is committed to providing his clients with a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment that is trauma-informed, sex- and kink-positive, and anti-oppressive.
Brad Garrison (he/him) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a professional member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto (OISE). Brad is also a graduate of the Addictions Careworker Diploma Program at the University of McMaster and has completed the University of Guelph’s Intensive Sex Therapy Training program.
Nicole Zouki
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6J (Online Only)
I support people in exploring what it means to live authentically to themselves. We can explore topics of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, neurodiversity, family/relationship issues, sexuality, and gender. In the past, I have had the honour of working as a sex, kink and BDSM educator, teaching workshops with a focus on communication, harm-reduction, and pleasure. Other topics of interest have included radical body acceptance, navigating non-monogamy, and dating. My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional feminist values. I am a queer person and second-generation settler with Lebanese ancestry.
I support people in exploring what it means to live authentically to themselves. We can explore topics of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, neurodiversity, family/relationship issues, sexuality, and gender. In the past, I have had the honour of working as a sex, kink and BDSM educator, teaching workshops with a focus on communication, harm-reduction, and pleasure. Other topics of interest have included radical body acceptance, navigating non-monogamy, and dating. My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, intersectional feminist values. I am a queer person and second-generation settler with Lebanese ancestry.
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Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H
I am also kink and poly-informed and affirmative.
Becoming a therapist has been an intentional journey that is the direct result of a desire to collaboratively facilitate healing in myself and others. It is difficult to be in the world right now and the impending fear and anxiety around us can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and a sense of disconnect from ourselves and others. This might have us feeling hopeless, isolated or 'stuck'. Our work together will foster the resilience and self-compassion needed to weather these storms and to recognize and celebrate the wisdom found in the struggle.
I am also kink and poly-informed and affirmative.
Becoming a therapist has been an intentional journey that is the direct result of a desire to collaboratively facilitate healing in myself and others. It is difficult to be in the world right now and the impending fear and anxiety around us can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and a sense of disconnect from ourselves and others. This might have us feeling hopeless, isolated or 'stuck'. Our work together will foster the resilience and self-compassion needed to weather these storms and to recognize and celebrate the wisdom found in the struggle.
Tania Medeiros
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I strive to offer a therapeutic process that is anti-racist, anti-ableist, body positive, sex positive, class conscious, and affirming to all genders and sexualities.
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
I strive to offer a therapeutic process that is anti-racist, anti-ableist, body positive, sex positive, class conscious, and affirming to all genders and sexualities.
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
Olga Vigil Letang
Registered Social Service Worker, RSSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I am an adult diagnosed neurodivergent (ADHD), queer, parent, cis woman of colour with over 17 years of experience in helping folxs navigate the ups and downs of life. I work with individuals and couples/partnerships, offering a space where you can be truly heard and understood. I work from an identity affirming, culturally responsive, equitable, sex-positive lens, without shame and judgement. With empathetic curiosity, we will collaboratively help you get to where you want to be. I work from an anti-oppressive, person-centered and relational perspective, using candid humour (when appropriate).
I am an adult diagnosed neurodivergent (ADHD), queer, parent, cis woman of colour with over 17 years of experience in helping folxs navigate the ups and downs of life. I work with individuals and couples/partnerships, offering a space where you can be truly heard and understood. I work from an identity affirming, culturally responsive, equitable, sex-positive lens, without shame and judgement. With empathetic curiosity, we will collaboratively help you get to where you want to be. I work from an anti-oppressive, person-centered and relational perspective, using candid humour (when appropriate).
Dr. Melodie Lemay-Gaulin
Psychologist, DPsy, CPsych
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Daytime spots currently available on Thursdays. - In my work, I strive to help individuals and couples grow through a variety of challenges so they can live more fully and authentically. My focus is mainly on relationship therapy and on neurodiversity, but I work with people experiencing a variety of challenges and life transitions. I aim to welcome each client with non-judgmental curiosity, warmth and authenticity. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, sex positive, kink positive, and inclusive of LGBTQIA+ communities and non-traditional relationship structures. I offer services in both English and French.
Daytime spots currently available on Thursdays. - In my work, I strive to help individuals and couples grow through a variety of challenges so they can live more fully and authentically. My focus is mainly on relationship therapy and on neurodiversity, but I work with people experiencing a variety of challenges and life transitions. I aim to welcome each client with non-judgmental curiosity, warmth and authenticity. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, sex positive, kink positive, and inclusive of LGBTQIA+ communities and non-traditional relationship structures. I offer services in both English and French.
J P Robichaud
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6K (Online Only)
I am an out person of Kink, a staunch supporter of LGBTQIA and Sex Worker rights, have organized educational events for the alt-sex community, and teach workshops on the complexity and importance of positive consent practices and clear communication.
We all have times in our lives when we know something is wrong, even if we don’t know what it is. You might feel off-balance, low energy, not yourself. Often you feel like you want to talk about what’s happening with someone, even if you aren't yet clear about it. You want to be able to talk with someone who won’t judge you, who won’t second guess your experiences, or try to explain them away, or try to rewrite your story for you. You want to be able to talk with someone who will listen without an agenda. Someone who can provide understanding and compassion, patience and authenticity. Let's talk.
I am an out person of Kink, a staunch supporter of LGBTQIA and Sex Worker rights, have organized educational events for the alt-sex community, and teach workshops on the complexity and importance of positive consent practices and clear communication.
We all have times in our lives when we know something is wrong, even if we don’t know what it is. You might feel off-balance, low energy, not yourself. Often you feel like you want to talk about what’s happening with someone, even if you aren't yet clear about it. You want to be able to talk with someone who won’t judge you, who won’t second guess your experiences, or try to explain them away, or try to rewrite your story for you. You want to be able to talk with someone who will listen without an agenda. Someone who can provide understanding and compassion, patience and authenticity. Let's talk.
Kaleigh Trace
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
Presenting concerns that I often work with include: depression & anxiety; infidelity & sexual disconnection; gender identity & transitioning; non-monogamy & kink; and trauma & grief.
I believe that our relationships can be sites of powerful healing. As a therapist it is an honour to work alongside couples and families as their relationships - to one another, to others, to themselves - transform. It is through this transformation that we come to better understand ourselves and create new ways of being that are more compassionate, empathetic and generative.
Presenting concerns that I often work with include: depression & anxiety; infidelity & sexual disconnection; gender identity & transitioning; non-monogamy & kink; and trauma & grief.
I believe that our relationships can be sites of powerful healing. As a therapist it is an honour to work alongside couples and families as their relationships - to one another, to others, to themselves - transform. It is through this transformation that we come to better understand ourselves and create new ways of being that are more compassionate, empathetic and generative.
Matthew Ridley
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6K
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.
Rebecca Andruchow
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MEd, RPQ
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R (Online Only)
It takes immense strength, courage, & trust to share oneself vulnerably, especially when you are struggling. Starting therapy can be both an overwhelming & intimidating process, especially when you may feel uncertain where to begin. Whether you are navigating complicated emotions, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, pre- & postpartum challenges, low self-worth, or difficulty in relationships, know you are not alone & I am here to support you.
It takes immense strength, courage, & trust to share oneself vulnerably, especially when you are struggling. Starting therapy can be both an overwhelming & intimidating process, especially when you may feel uncertain where to begin. Whether you are navigating complicated emotions, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, trauma, pre- & postpartum challenges, low self-worth, or difficulty in relationships, know you are not alone & I am here to support you.
Tracey Jastinder Mann
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I have experience in the following: supporting survivors of sexual/interpersonal/structural violence; harm reduction and substance use; grief and loss; anxiety and depression; PTSD; healing from racial trauma; navigating interpersonal relationships; workplace bullying; LGBTQAA identities; exploring kink; poly relationships; sex work; & migrant justice.
I am a queer femme of colour who is working to support collective healing and liberation by offering individual counselling. My work is centred in an intersectional feminist approach to therapy drawing from somatics, narrative and evidence based practices. My approach is to support individuals to build upon existing strengths and daily practices to ensure that they have the tools to live their life in alignment with their own values and desires. I see my role as creating a container to support a person in developing deeper accountability and consent in their relationship with themselves and with others.
I have experience in the following: supporting survivors of sexual/interpersonal/structural violence; harm reduction and substance use; grief and loss; anxiety and depression; PTSD; healing from racial trauma; navigating interpersonal relationships; workplace bullying; LGBTQAA identities; exploring kink; poly relationships; sex work; & migrant justice.
I am a queer femme of colour who is working to support collective healing and liberation by offering individual counselling. My work is centred in an intersectional feminist approach to therapy drawing from somatics, narrative and evidence based practices. My approach is to support individuals to build upon existing strengths and daily practices to ensure that they have the tools to live their life in alignment with their own values and desires. I see my role as creating a container to support a person in developing deeper accountability and consent in their relationship with themselves and with others.
See more therapy options for West Toronto, Toronto
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors
Why might an individual want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
A sex-positive or kinky individual may want to see a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist because the client may feel safer and more supported discussing their experiences and challenges. A therapist who identifies as kink-friendly will have experience with clients having diverse sexual preferences and will likely be nonjudgmental and supportive about issues brought to the table. It is important to note that sex-positive, kink-allied individuals may find equal success with therapists who do not have such specialised knowledge and background. The most important factor in the success of therapy is for the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in sex-positive, kink-allied treatment?
Generally, no. There are limited training programs and unofficial accreditations that therapists can pursue, but a therapist’s expertise will ultimately come from their previous experience with similar clients, their engagement with organisations that promote sex positivity or kink-allied lifestyles, and the importance they place on safety and cultural sensitivity.
How can individuals recognise a good sex-positive, kink-allied therapist?
An experienced therapist is able to help clients explore their sexual identity and expression and relieve any discomfort or stigma attached to discussing such matters and the client’s overall challenges. A therapist who is sex-positive and kink-allied is able to create an environment that honors a client’s experience and sexual preferences. To recognise a good therapist, clients can simply ask directly about topics and issues important to them and gauge their comfort level and connection with a clinician based on the responses.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist with a focus on sex positivity and alternative sexual lifestyles?
Some individuals may feel most comfortable knowing that the clinician they’re working with has a commitment to creating an atmosphere of sex positivity and has experience with relationship diversity and alternative relationship structures. Working with a sex-positive, kink-allied therapist may help clients respect their own challenges and improve identity-affirming treatment.