Queer Affirming Therapists in Canada

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your relationships, work, or school? Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by everything you need to do, and don't feel good enough? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel like you used to? We often put our needs last, justifying this by telling ourselves we have too much to accomplish first. Not addressing your depression, anxiety, or past trauma can lead to isolation, ruin your self-esteem, and make day-to-day life harder than it needs to be. However, there are ways to navigate these personal burdens and make life hopeful again, and you don't have to do it alone. I believe in a trauma-focused, strength-based approach and utilizing evidence-based practice to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma. By creating a safe space where you are not only heard but truly understood, you can start your transformative path towards a more fulfilling life. Providing individual online psychotherapy and an individualized DBT skills program, you will learn how to change negative self-talk, manage emotions, navigate relationships. Getting started is often the hardest part, and therapy help you create a holistic toolkit to enjoy happier, more fulfilling relationships, prioritize yourself, and feel lighter overall. Book a free consultation to take the first step towards a brighter, hopeful future.

Specializing in LGBTQIA*, ENM, Kink, Sex Workers, and Psychedelic Integration. I launched Nested Heart Counselling in 2013 in response to calls from within the local polyamorous community for mental health support that didn’t require further education about unconventional identities. It’s always been important to me to shout my acceptance for unconventionality from the rooftops, rather than hope word would travel underground in a way that perpetuates stigma. Even with this philosophy, it took time for me to proudly display my body modifications - now clients tell me all the time that this kind of bravery is part of the reason they show up in the first place! It would be hypocritical of me to encourage you to live authentically and not arrive in session doing so myself. We have a whole team available for you, check out our website to learn more.

Have you ever rushed out the door only to realize you forgot something or spilled coffee all over yourself? Have you ever said to yourself, “I'm tired of feeling this way/ I shouldn’t be feeling like this,” yet the feelings persist and sometimes come back stronger? These may seem like two distinct, unrelated instances I am raising, but I parallel them with how we often approach our problems: we tend to want to rush through them or judge ourselves for having the emotions and reactions to the difficulties life tosses at us. I’m here to propose an alternative: your feelings are valid, no matter what you’re seeking help for. We rarely move through life with intention and space to slow down and reflect. I see counselling as a dedicated space created for you by you to get curious about yourself, tend to the parts that need some fine-tuning and updates, and process some uncomfortable emotions that the outside world doesn’t always give space for. I offer 15-minute complimentary consultations for all clients who are interested in working with me. Looking up therapists is a big step – in my opinion, you are already halfway from where you began to where you would like to be!

If you find yourself navigating through the complexities of life, know that seeking counselling is a courageous and empowering choice. People seek counselling for a myriad of reasons, each journey as unique as the individual taking the first step. You might be facing the pressure of anxiety, the shadows of depression, or the echoes of past traumas. Life's challenges can be multifaceted, stemming from personal relationships, work-related stress, existential questioning, or unforeseen transitions. As a couple, you may be experiencing the severance of disconnection, rupture of infidelity, or the growing pains of change. I combine a tapestry of approaches to support you on your transformative journey. Mindfulness techniques provide a grounding anchor to the present, while Adlerian therapy delves into understanding the influence of your past on your current self. For couples therapy, I incorporate the Gottman method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to rebuild your foundations. Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed, my practice is a safe haven for individuals of all backgrounds and identities. No matter what brings you to therapy, we can cultivate resilience, uncover your inner wisdom, and empower you to live authentically and aligned with your values. With warmth, I am looking forward to connecting with you.

Hi! I'm Maddie, I'm a Registered Social Worker providing in person and virtual services in the lower mainland. I specialize in supporting women who are seeking to reach their goals, overcome obstacles, and create healthier relationships with themselves and others. I believe that every woman has a unique story and possesses the strength, knowledge, and resilience to achieve positive change. My approach to therapy is grounded in trust, compassion, and connection, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where women can explore their experiences and emotions. My work is holistic and integrative, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, as well as mindfulness techniques to strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I cater my approach to the needs and goals of each client, and I am committed to developing long-lasting relationships with each person I work with. Whether you are new to therapy or seeking a fresh perspective, I am dedicated to supporting women in their journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). You might wonder what therapy can offer you, and that is a fair question. I used to ask the same thing and I remember my first therapy session as a client, I was so nervous I got in a car accident on my way to the appointment. Being vulnerable and sharing a piece of yourself can be so intimidating. It makes sense to feel nervous. Reaching out for support is challenging, and can also be empowering, I commend you for considering it. I am committed to providing as safe a space as is possible to those who would choose to trust me with their story. Part of that includes an understanding of how systemic power and inequity impacts us all. I navigate the world as a white, settler woman. I also have lived experience with chronic illness, and a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. These, among other pieces of my identity, impact my lived experiences of the world as your identity impacts yours. Because of this, I use an intersectional, systemic approach in my work, leaning on Feminist Theory and utilize AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Narrative techniques. I believe you have resources and answers within yourself, and I am honoured to support you as you discover and grow in your own strength. I take a collaborative approach, meaning you get to play an active role in deciding how our time together is spent. Ultimately, I am committed to your healing and will use all of the tools at my disposal to support you on your journey. My hope for you is that you flourish in your life, and are able to feel all of the joy and delight that comes from that.

Hi! My name is Mila Loskutova and I'm a registered clinical counsellor. I am a queer, immigrant settler woman. I am passionate about supporting folks healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and OCD. I use a mix of gentle talk therapy that helps individuals dive deeper into self-exploration and more structured approaches for specific concerns, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am mindful and curious about how our identities and the systems we live in shape the way we move through the world. My approach is humanistic, anti-oppressive and sometimes irreverent. I enjoy helping people create and deepen meaning in their lives. I am available online and in person at my office at 315, 2083 Alma Street, Vancouver.

i, sarah anne (they/them), am a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary registered clinical counselor residing on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) nations. in my therapy practice i use a creative blend of internal family systems (parts work) and somatic therapies to support individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationships to connect to themselves and others with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. many of my clients are queer, non-monogamous, neurodiverse, or kinky, and i aim to provide an inclusive space for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with self, others, and spirit. my approach to sexuality is non-pathologizing and pleasure-centered. spiritually, i hold a non-dual and animate worldview, which supports me to approach therapy from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of body and environment. i’m delighted to be offering ketamine-assisted-therapy in collaboration with field trip health and am currently completing the requirements to be an approved psilocibin-assisted-therapy provider with therapsil. outside of work, you’ll find me playing with clay, drinking tea mindfully, wandering in the woods, taking a dance class, and reading books.

Get to know your Burnaby LGBTQ Therapist Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I encourage my clients to do the same :) I’m committed to creating a space to make mycurious youth clients feel safe, heard, validated, and affirmed no matter what they bring into the room. As an LGBTQ therapist, I draw a lot on my personal experiences to guide me in my work with my youth and young adults clients. Growing up queer in Indonesia and making a big move to Burnaby, BC, in 2011, has framed a lot of how I view the world and given me valuable insight on navigating LGBTQIA2S+ issues, cross-cultural changes, life transitions, and finding yourself. When you come see me, I want you to feel at home and welcome to be yourself. I’m not here to be an authority in your life, but an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, and a voice of compassion, understanding, and motivation.

Starting therapy is daunting. Existing in this world is not easy! There is much uncertainty and hurt. I congratulate you for taking the initial steps to find the right fit for you. I believe that everyone has the right to healing and community. We heal in community. The work I do with my clients in essence is relational. The work you will do in therapy is a radical act of self-advocacy in a world that often demands from us productivity and perfectionism. As a social justice activist, yogi, and post-modernist my approach to healing work is holistic. I aspire to go beyond the medical model and do not conform to what the norm demands from us. As your therapist, I engage with you curiously to go deeper, exploring many aspects as you unpack the layers of your narratives. Healing can only begin when we separate who we are from our problems. Coming from a bi-cultural background, I believe the narratives we have to speak to our individualistic and collective experience of events. It is vital to look within and around the communities to which we belong. I can provide services in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. My goal as a therapist is to facilitate mindful exploration of your trauma in a safe, collaborative, and open space. I want to hear your stories. Revisiting painful, challenging, and stressful stories can be a complex process. You are not alone! We work at your pace to restore your agency so that you can reclaim the narratives that serve your interpersonal growth and well-being. Through a trauma-informed lens, together, we can unpack: Anxiety and Low Moods Addictions Abuse Sexuality Social Anxiety Self-esteem and self-worth Burnout Challenges around social justice advocacy and activism Fear and hopelessness Body Image Self-Care Chronic Illness Ableism Navigating bi-cultural reality and expectations Relationships Perfectionism ADHD Feelings of isolation My approach is multi-faceted, and I will be combining traditional talk therapy with somatic psychology practices. I believe movement is essential for our healing and self-regulation. With virtual sessions, I want us to acknowledge that we are present with each other in our whole bodies and not just our floating heads. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with your senses and body through practices such as tapping exercises or body scans. I will also lean on my mindfulness philosophy to help guide a process through which you can access inner wisdom, be present in the here and now, to release your traumas, and narratives which no longer serve you. My mental health work background is grounded in traditional Vedic-Yoga practices, Buddhist psychology, and Western psychology. Over the last decade, I have strived to do collective healing work through my activism and mental health aid for community members. I am committed to supporting you on your healing journey with great compassion. At this time, I can only see clients that are currently residing in Canada. I wish to express gratitude, and acknowledgment that I currently live, work and play in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

Hi, I’m Natasha (she/her) At the heart of my practice is a deep value of connection and a belief in both the wisdom of the body and our innate ability to heal and thrive. I have a masters degree in counselling (MC) and work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia. I also have specialized training in trauma. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and draws on Feminist Theory. My therapeutic orientation is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and integrates somatic therapy, inner child exploration and internal parts work. I’m drawn to these experiential approaches as they recognize the systemic interconnection of our mind, body, and emotions, as well as our greater society and environment. I believe you are the expert of your life and already hold many answers and innate resources. In collaboration together, I focus on creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that helps you navigate difficulties, re-connect with your internal strengths and resources, while also celebrating your successes and joys along the way. Throughout this process, I take a non-judgmental stance and remain committed to your healing. During a session, I may invite you to notice what is happening for you in the present moment, fostering curiosity about your experience as we work together. Through mindful exploration, we can make space for your feelings, emotions, and sensations to be expressed and released, transform core beliefs that may be keeping you feeling stuck, heal relational wounds, and reconnect with your authentic core self. These processes may enhance your resilience and foster growth and change. Currently, I am offering sessions online using an encrypted video platform called Jane and am able to offer support to those living in British Columbia. If therapy is something you are curious about, please reach out or visit my website for more information! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. We can spend a bit of time getting to know each other and discuss what you’re looking for in therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and hearing your story!

Do you find yourself constantly on edge, overcome with anxiety, work-related stress, low self esteem, or people pleasing? Are you putting yourself on the back burner while you struggle to keep up with the demands of your busy life? Are you stuck in a cycle of setting high expectations and never feeling good enough? If you’re feeling like this you may even be experiencing guilt and shame about these feelings. Maybe you're craving the chance to shed your responsibilities and just be yourself. If you’re nodding along, you're not alone. And you've just taken an amazing step in seeking help. I'm passionate about helping you build your confidence and regain control of your life. I specialize in anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and ADHD. My therapeutic approach is personalized to meet your unique needs. My LGBTQ+ affirming culturally sensitive approach honours your unique experience, beliefs, and identity. If you're looking for a therapist who you can be real with; who is there with you through both the tears and the laughs, please reach out! I offer a free 15 minute video consultation so we can touch base and see if we're a good fit to work together. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to your best self.

Julie has Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counselling and is currently finishing her doctorate’s degree in clinical psychology. In addition to professional training and experiences in psychotherapy and treatment, clinical counselling, behavioural intervention, and neuropsychological assessments, Julie also has a background in psychological research at the doctoral level and uses the empirical insights gained from previous studies to supplement her current clinical practice, making her unique as a practitioner of both clinical-scientist and scientist-practitioner models. Julie has worked with BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA), Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV), Chimo Community Services, and local medical clinics and healthcare centres. She has provided individual and couple/family therapy, treatments, and assessments to individuals for disorders and issues including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, feeding and eating disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, neurocognitive disorders, affect management, self-regulation, stress management, sexual/physical abuse and violence, crisis intervention and stabilization, couple/marital/parenting conflicts, academic/work stress, identity crisis/exploration, self-introspective needs, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. She identifies as a cisgender female who is open to clients belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Julie applies an integrated theoretical framework informed by trauma theory, understanding of behavioral and neuropsychology, and multicultural sensitivity to her eclectic therapeutic approach. As an advocate of positive psychology who understands that mental health is more than the absence of illness, she focuses on building success and helping clients flourish rather than merely reducing distress. Her clinical repertoire includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CASE Approach for Risk/Suicide Assessment, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing/Body Awareness Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Clinical Hypnosis. Owning to her mixed ethnic heritage, she is a native speaker of English, Mandarin, and Hokkien, and has conversational-level skills in Japanese and Cantonese.

My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion and an understanding that many people come in feeling pulled in different directions or unsure of where they’re headed. In our work together, I aim to offer a supportive space where you can show up just as you are and explore what clarity, healing, and support might look like for you. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Master of Arts student in Counselling Psychology, providing therapy under clinical supervision. I work with individuals navigating life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem concerns, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, viewing clients as whole people rather than a set of symptoms, and value curiosity, reflection, and moving at a pace that feels right. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Together, we may explore patterns in thoughts and emotions, reflect on the stories you hold about yourself, and build on your existing strengths to support meaningful and lasting change. My work is especially attuned to first-generation and bicultural experiences, where transitions often carry added layers of cultural expectations, family responsibility, and identity negotiation. I support individuals who may feel caught between worlds, navigating who they are becoming while staying connected to where they’ve come from. You don’t have to sort this out alone. Growing up in an immigrant household shaped my awareness of how culture, family roles, and unspoken expectations can influence emotional well-being. These experiences deepened my sensitivity to identity, belonging, and the quiet ways people carry their struggles, and they continue to inform my commitment to culturally responsive and compassionate care. I strive to offer a space that honours the fullness of your story, without asking you to simplify any part of it. All parts of you are welcome here.

Hi, I’m Larissa (she/her). I navigate the world as a queer, cis woman with mixed ancestry. My mom’s side being settlers from Europe and my dad’s family being Coast Salish from Sq’ewqétl (Skowkale) First Nation. That in-between space shapes how I understand identity belonging, and the complexity of people’s experiences. My counselling approach is flexible and relational, drawing from person-centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), strengths based, and mindfulness and rooted in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care. I recognize that many of the struggles we carry are shaped not just internally, but by the systems and environments we exist in. I work with young adults and adults, including women and folx who identify as queer and LGBTQIA+, and aim to create a space where all parts of you are welcome, even and especially the messy or uncertain ones. Outside of counselling, I enjoy slowing down through arts and crafts (most recently diamond art and junk journaling) and spending time with my therapy cat (who often likes to sit in on work-from-home sessions). I also love exploring new places, whether that’s close to home or another country. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

*** Now Accepting New Clients *** I work with LGBTQ2S+ adults who are tired of being "hooked" by their own minds—that loop of anxiety, the "not good enough" narrative, or that "stuck" feeling. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or just feeling "flat," I help you get your hands back on the steering wheel of your life.

Hello! I’m Mischal (they/them), a queer, non-binary graduate practicum student with Outside the Box Counselling. I am passionate about supporting queer and trans youth, adults, couples, and families, as well as those exploring neurodiversity, gender identity, relationships, disability, and anxiety—areas that make up my own lived experiences. As a student under supervision, I am able to offer lower-priced services, with a sliding scale. Our aim is to never turn away someone for lack of funds. I can also work with folks across many provinces and territories, including BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NU, and the NT. My approach is warm, gentle, curious, and at times playful. I use an integrative style tailored to each person, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Relational Therapy, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Attachment-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Psychodrama, and Gestalt. I am deeply honoured by the trust it takes to invite someone into your story. Getting to know people, understanding their lived experiences, and walking alongside them as they explore relationships, identities, and hopes is my favourite part of this work. Whatever you’re grappling with, I’m here to support you with warmth, openness, and collaboration.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or struggling to balance different parts of yourself? Maybe you’ve felt misunderstood or like your needs aren’t being fully seen. You might also be dealing with relationship challenges or difficult emotions. Trying to meet the expectations of family, society, culture, work, and your own inner standards can add extra pressure. Holding multiple identities can make this even more complex. As a queer woman of colour, I can relate to how challenging this can be. I’m passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ and racialized individuals, as well as folks from all walks of life. Together, we’ll work to create a space where you can feel heard and supported as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking understanding, practical tools, or a safe space to process difficult emotions, we’ll go at your pace to find what feels most helpful for you. Life can be tough, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If this resonates with you, let's connect for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit.

Are you struggling to maintain relationships? Maybe you feel disconnected, unable to get through the day without negative thought patterns. As a psychotherapist, I work with both teens and adults, specializing in relational and childhood trauma. However, I also work with individuals who have faced various life challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. Holding a queer identity and a crisis counselling background, my therapeutic space is highlighted in inclusivity, incorporating anti-oppressive and strength-based frameworks to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts freely. My sessions often take a client-centred approach, building a collaborative process of unlearning damaging self-beliefs, practicing healthy coping skills, and reclaiming your life through newly formed self-awareness. This is your journey, and I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. I view trauma as a relational experience. Not only is it often experienced in relationships with others, but it is also a new development of healthy relationships that can assist in healing.

I help clients explore why their mind functions the way it does, especially when they feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, ADHD-related difficulties, or emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity, helping clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while developing practical tools for change. When working with me, clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space where we move at a pace that feels supportive. Together, we will work toward greater clarity, emotional awareness, self-compassion, and confidence in how you navigate your life.