Therapists in West Toronto, Toronto, ON
Charlena Marcuccio
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), HBSc, MACP
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I’m an open, compassionate, and curious psychotherapist that approaches sessions from a trauma-informed lens. As a creative and an intuitive, I practice integratively, curating my approach to each unique client’s needs, personality, and intersectionality. My experience includes the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, burnout, PTSD, phobias, grief, relationship health, relationship ruptures & infidelity, ethical & conscious non-monogamy, and gender-specific issues. I also have background in tantra & kink and am very comfortable holding space to explore sexual issues, desires, and satisfaction.
I’m an open, compassionate, and curious psychotherapist that approaches sessions from a trauma-informed lens. As a creative and an intuitive, I practice integratively, curating my approach to each unique client’s needs, personality, and intersectionality. My experience includes the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, burnout, PTSD, phobias, grief, relationship health, relationship ruptures & infidelity, ethical & conscious non-monogamy, and gender-specific issues. I also have background in tantra & kink and am very comfortable holding space to explore sexual issues, desires, and satisfaction.
Dr. Melodie Lemay-Gaulin
Psychologist, DPsy, CPsych
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
Cressida Frey
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
I specialize in ethical non-monogamy, kink, trauma, BPD, consent, gender exploration, and gender transitions.
Welcome. I'm a queer, kinky, non-monogamous, non-binary/genderfluid, white settler on turtle island with ancestral roots in Germany and Russia. My practice focuses on narrative, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-based frameworks to trauma therapy within 2SLGBTQ+ communities. My approach is informed by intersectional feminism, critical race theory, and critical disability theory, and centres an understanding of how structural, identity-based violence and oppression impacts our mental and holistic well-being and nervous systems. I offer both individual and couples therapy. I believe kink is sacred and that sex workers are magic.
I specialize in ethical non-monogamy, kink, trauma, BPD, consent, gender exploration, and gender transitions.
Welcome. I'm a queer, kinky, non-monogamous, non-binary/genderfluid, white settler on turtle island with ancestral roots in Germany and Russia. My practice focuses on narrative, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-based frameworks to trauma therapy within 2SLGBTQ+ communities. My approach is informed by intersectional feminism, critical race theory, and critical disability theory, and centres an understanding of how structural, identity-based violence and oppression impacts our mental and holistic well-being and nervous systems. I offer both individual and couples therapy. I believe kink is sacred and that sex workers are magic.
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.
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.
Asher Faerstein
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
5 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.
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.
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.
Amanda Ross
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6K (Online Only)
I am LGBTQ2S and sex positive.
Perhaps you are experiencing some inner conflicts that are keeping you stuck? Or previous coping strategies are no longer serving you? Or maybe something is off that you can’t seem to name? Through exploring your thoughts, feelings and body sensations we can see what patterns and ways of being you would like to keep, let go of, (re) discover and grow. Using compassion and humour, we’ll work together to understand your reactions and how to work towards chosen responses to help navigate you to a different place.
I am LGBTQ2S and sex positive.
Perhaps you are experiencing some inner conflicts that are keeping you stuck? Or previous coping strategies are no longer serving you? Or maybe something is off that you can’t seem to name? Through exploring your thoughts, feelings and body sensations we can see what patterns and ways of being you would like to keep, let go of, (re) discover and grow. Using compassion and humour, we’ll work together to understand your reactions and how to work towards chosen responses to help navigate you to a different place.
Lorraine M Munro (She They)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6G
Specific areas of experience include healing from trauma; settlement and transition; parenting; work stressors, sex work and non-traditional work; gender, gender non-conforming, gender-queer, transgender experience; sexuality and relationships, including polyamory, monogamy, kink and working through conflict.
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
Specific areas of experience include healing from trauma; settlement and transition; parenting; work stressors, sex work and non-traditional work; gender, gender non-conforming, gender-queer, transgender experience; sexuality and relationships, including polyamory, monogamy, kink and working through conflict.
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
Alora Martin Downie
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P
I support individuals with challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, connection, belonging, loss, grief, and stressful life changes. Through providing warm, experiential and compassionate support I aim to create a space that is accepting, empowering and has lots of room for exploration. I emphasize a holistic approach and the importance of exploring the mind body connection in healing. My practice welcomes individuals of diverse gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and lifestyles.
I support individuals with challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, substance use, relationship issues, connection, belonging, loss, grief, and stressful life changes. Through providing warm, experiential and compassionate support I aim to create a space that is accepting, empowering and has lots of room for exploration. I emphasize a holistic approach and the importance of exploring the mind body connection in healing. My practice welcomes individuals of diverse gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, ages, abilities, and lifestyles.
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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.
Naomi Reesor
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P
I'm also sex positive, kink positive, and neurodiverse affirming.
I understand the feeling of struggling to exist as your genuine self in a world that feels against you, in an environment that feels suffocating, and in a relationship that feels unendurable. Our lives do not exist in a bubble, and our experiences are impacted by the intersecting identities each of us hold. When we reach out for help, we are hoping that someone can understand us and hold space for our stories. I work with people every day who are looking for support in understanding how they can live congruently with their own values and core beliefs.
I'm also sex positive, kink positive, and neurodiverse affirming.
I understand the feeling of struggling to exist as your genuine self in a world that feels against you, in an environment that feels suffocating, and in a relationship that feels unendurable. Our lives do not exist in a bubble, and our experiences are impacted by the intersecting identities each of us hold. When we reach out for help, we are hoping that someone can understand us and hold space for our stories. I work with people every day who are looking for support in understanding how they can live congruently with their own values and core beliefs.
Work in Progress Mental Health Collective
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6J
We are a diverse group of psychotherapists and social workers dedicated to anti-oppressive practice, community care and specialized support. We work with individual adults and children as well as relationships of all kinds. We know that life is challenging and in today’s fast paced, high pressure, and sometimes unforgiving society, burnout, fatigue, and lack of motivation can feel all too familiar. We know that sometimes the past can dictate the present and prevent us from taking steps toward meaningful change. No matter your challenge, our intake team can support you in finding the therapist that feels right to you.
We are a diverse group of psychotherapists and social workers dedicated to anti-oppressive practice, community care and specialized support. We work with individual adults and children as well as relationships of all kinds. We know that life is challenging and in today’s fast paced, high pressure, and sometimes unforgiving society, burnout, fatigue, and lack of motivation can feel all too familiar. We know that sometimes the past can dictate the present and prevent us from taking steps toward meaningful change. No matter your challenge, our intake team can support you in finding the therapist that feels right to you.
Annahita Yousefi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
Starting therapy can feel like embarking on a journey into uncharted territory. It's confronting overwhelming challenges like the persistent weight of anxiety, the pervasive cloud of depression, the tension of stress, or the intricate interplay of life’s multifaceted issues that often drives us to seek therapeutic support. Making the decision to start therapy marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of self-discovery and healing. Entering therapy is a testament to resilience. It's about bravely confronting internal struggles with the hope of finding relief, understanding, and ultimately, positive change.
Starting therapy can feel like embarking on a journey into uncharted territory. It's confronting overwhelming challenges like the persistent weight of anxiety, the pervasive cloud of depression, the tension of stress, or the intricate interplay of life’s multifaceted issues that often drives us to seek therapeutic support. Making the decision to start therapy marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of self-discovery and healing. Entering therapy is a testament to resilience. It's about bravely confronting internal struggles with the hope of finding relief, understanding, and ultimately, positive change.
Samantha Nelson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
Therapy is an act of consciousness. Through awareness, curiosity and a sense of play, we can explore and open up new ways of being. I’m interested in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it. Informed by my literature studies, I dive into observing all angles of a story, finding patterns in behaviour, and exploring points of view. Understanding that you’re the expert of your story, I offer my queer, existentially-informed perspective to support you in aligning with your most authentic self.
Therapy is an act of consciousness. Through awareness, curiosity and a sense of play, we can explore and open up new ways of being. I’m interested in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it. Informed by my literature studies, I dive into observing all angles of a story, finding patterns in behaviour, and exploring points of view. Understanding that you’re the expert of your story, I offer my queer, existentially-informed perspective to support you in aligning with your most authentic self.
Christopher McKinnon
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6S
As a therapist, I am here to work with you to overcome the challenges that you are facing. Whether you are struggling with depression or anxiety, thoughts about suicide, challenges related to chronic illness or disability, interpersonal and relationship issues, cultural identity, immigration, sexuality, gender identity, grief and loss, or difficult emotions, we will work together to build up your resources and your resilience.
As a therapist, I am here to work with you to overcome the challenges that you are facing. Whether you are struggling with depression or anxiety, thoughts about suicide, challenges related to chronic illness or disability, interpersonal and relationship issues, cultural identity, immigration, sexuality, gender identity, grief and loss, or difficult emotions, we will work together to build up your resources and your resilience.
Briana Krushelnicki - Feminist Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, BEd, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
Overwhelmed. Burnt out. Disconnected. You struggle to set and hold healthy boundaries. You feel you have to earn your worth by doing for others. You hold yourself to incredibly high standards and find it difficult to treat yourself with grace and trust. Exploring the therapy process and reaching out for a space where you put your own needs first is incredibly challenging, and I congratulate you. Talk therapy is designed to support you in deepening your relationship with yourself in a safe and non-judgmental environment. The therapy journey will explore your patterns, your values, and your tools for navigating challenging seasons.
Overwhelmed. Burnt out. Disconnected. You struggle to set and hold healthy boundaries. You feel you have to earn your worth by doing for others. You hold yourself to incredibly high standards and find it difficult to treat yourself with grace and trust. Exploring the therapy process and reaching out for a space where you put your own needs first is incredibly challenging, and I congratulate you. Talk therapy is designed to support you in deepening your relationship with yourself in a safe and non-judgmental environment. The therapy journey will explore your patterns, your values, and your tools for navigating challenging seasons.
Allison McColl Brooks
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, DipSSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6R
I work with adults and youth (14+) on a diverse range of mental health issues, often related to anxiety, trauma, ADHD, neurodivergence, stress management, perfectionism and low self esteem. Some have lived with significant mental health symptoms for years, and others are newly suffering due to a loss or other big life change. Most are frustrated by thoughts, emotions and impulses that pull them away from living a more intentional life. They are stuck or lost and seeking a place that feels safe inside and out.
I work with adults and youth (14+) on a diverse range of mental health issues, often related to anxiety, trauma, ADHD, neurodivergence, stress management, perfectionism and low self esteem. Some have lived with significant mental health symptoms for years, and others are newly suffering due to a loss or other big life change. Most are frustrated by thoughts, emotions and impulses that pull them away from living a more intentional life. They are stuck or lost and seeking a place that feels safe inside and out.
Kanwar Singh
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
West Toronto, Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
I shape my approach to my clients' needs and circumstances, as no two people lead the same lives. To almost everyone however, therapy can offer a judgement free reflective zone, laying the groundwork for growth and wellness. Whether it is events in your past, specific challenges in the present, or worries about the future, therapy can provide the much needed insight and perspective. In addition to this, I make sure to set mutual, achievable milestones with my clients, to give direction to the work we will do together.
I shape my approach to my clients' needs and circumstances, as no two people lead the same lives. To almost everyone however, therapy can offer a judgement free reflective zone, laying the groundwork for growth and wellness. Whether it is events in your past, specific challenges in the present, or worries about the future, therapy can provide the much needed insight and perspective. In addition to this, I make sure to set mutual, achievable milestones with my clients, to give direction to the work we will do together.
See more therapy options for West Toronto, Toronto
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Counsellors Searches for West Toronto, Toronto
See More Sex-Positive, Kink Allied CounsellorsNearby Searches for West Toronto, Toronto
- Central Toronto
- Chinatown
- Don Mills
- Downtown
- Flemingdon Park
- Leslieville
- Parkdale
- Summerhill
- Westminster-Branson
- Weston-Mount Dennis
- Yorkville
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.