LGBTQ Counselling
Searching for a therapist who can provide LGBTQ Counselling can be hard. Some therapists may not be fully informed on how to best support queer and trans folx. They might not provide the support you need or recognize best how to prevent harm from happening.
You shouldn’t have to educate your therapist about your pronouns, same-sex marriage, or gender identity and expression. All ThriveWell Counselling, therapists have professional knowledge in all of these areas. Some also have personal lived experience within 2SLGBTQ communities, and ThriveWell Counselling is owned and operated by Dana Kamin, an LGBTQ therapist in Toronto.
Rest assured, if you see a counsellor at ThriveWell, you’ll be seeing an LGBTQ-affirming therapist who knows and respects your world and can offer queer and trans-affirming therapy. If you have a trans / queer loved one, we can offer you the support to work through your feelings so that you can be fully there for and with your loved one.
Offering LGBTQ Counselling Support
We understand the nuances of what it means to be a part of the 2SLGBTQ community. Our knowledge goes beyond cis-gender, heteronormative relationship models and life experiences. Some of us are a part of queer / trans communities and may have lived experiences similar to yours. We offer affirming and informed therapy for LGBTQ communities.
Fact: if you or your loved one identifies as queer, and especially if they identify as Trans, they are more likely to have experienced trauma. If you have trauma in your past or have symptoms of PTSD and you’re struggling, we can support you as you heal and work with you to manage any anxiety or depression you may have. Our therapists work from a trauma-informed therapy lens and are experienced in supporting people who have experienced abuse, assault, discrimination, and neglect.
It can be hard to start therapy, to open up about buried thoughts and feelings, and to let down your guard and the many defences we’ve often developed to stay safe. But you don’t have to have it all together. We invite you to show up exactly as you are. Whether you identify as queer, trans, non-binary, 2 Spirit, are questioning your sexuality and/or gender, or are a parent or friend of someone who has newly come out to you, we have a space for you to share, express and feel. You are welcome here.
LGBTQ Counselling for Couples and Relationships
At ThriveWell Counselling, we are queer-affirming, sex positive and inclusive. Trans and queer relationships go through rough patches just as all relationships can. Whether they are monogamous, open or polyamorous, kink, and asexual romantic relationships, we can help you navigate the ups and downs and offer ways to improve communication and connection with those you love. You can expect LGBTQ relationship counselling that is understanding and supportive of your unique relationship needs.
Therapy for LGBT relationships can help reduce the stress of day-to-day disagreements and lessen the possibilities of bigger issues later on. We also offer help for big life decisions, such as choosing whether to move in together, rent or buy, and/or have children. We can support you as you look at the various options on how to create your family!
Counselling For LGBTQ Immigrants, Refugees, and Newcomers To Canada
Moving to a new country can be exciting or scary! If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQ community, this adds a level of complexity which deserves proper support. If you lived in a part of the world where you had to hide your gender identity or sexuality, coming to Canada is going to be a big change. You may only now be feeling safe enough to feel the emotional impact of your past. For a long time, you may have had to hide your feelings and large parts of who you are.
Counselling can help you to begin to explore your emotions and identity in a safe, supportive and caring way. ThriveWell Counselling has therapy available under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for newcomers to Canada, as well as low cost therapy options that may make accessing LGBTQ Counselling more accessible to you.
You Deserve Trans and Queer Affirming Care
Maybe you’ve had a negative therapy experience in the past. Sometimes transphobia and heterosexism can be subtle and, at other times, more overt. Either way, it can be hard to reach back out after something goes wrong in counselling. We are so glad that you’ve begun to look again for a therapist and one that will best be able to support you.
Wherever you are along your path, we are here. Our LGBTQ therapists in Toronto can help with sorting through feelings related to gender identity questions, coming out, or the day-to-day things impacting you as a Trans and/or queer-identified individual. If you want to share a new realization about yourself with loved ones, and this is something you have kept from them for many years, we will be with you every step of the way.
ThriveWell Counselling is a place that will centre and honour your journey and walk with you during any and all stages of your life. We are a safe space, and a place to heal, expand, and grow.
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