LGBTQ Issues Animal Assisted Therapy

LGBTQ Issues

Counselling for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals makes the transition to living true to yourself easier. While acceptance of GLBTQ people is on the rise, it can still be stressful for some. Speaking to someone about your fears and struggles can make the transition easier.


While GLBTQ people are more easily accepted than years ago, there are still some homophobic elements that discriminate against the movement and people who form part of it.

Despite the strides made in public acceptance by the GLBTQ community, they still face many issues that require psychological or counselling intervention. Depression caused by discrimination is one of the main issues that counselling addresses, as well as religious abuse, homophobic work and living conditions, self-destructive behavior, assault, and family estrangement or rejection.


HIV and AIDS issues are serious concerns faced by gay people who might be in denial and practice unsafe sex. Some people will develop anxiety about being tested, and coping with results, while others might face the trauma of caring for a loved one with AIDS.

In the past, GLBTQ counselling was not as freely available as it is today, but the demand has risen as the community realised that it offers a safe and non-judgmental environment for people to get help. Today, counselling helps thousands of people to live freely and healthily without a fear of judgment, through specific support services and counselling that helps Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people as well as their friends and families to live harmoniously.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who works with the GLBTQ commuity you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Animal Assisted Therapy, EMDR

Animal-assisted therapy uses animals, and dogs in particular, to improve cognitive and emotional functioning. Animals help to build a report between the therapist and the patient, and can include domesticated pets and farm animals.

During the first stages of animal-assisted therapy, the therapist will assess the client's needs without animals present. The animal is only introduced once the therapist has developed a treatment plan.

The next stage involves a bond being developed between the client and the animal through motor skills. The animals are used to motivate the client, and to create positive interactions that can be translated into human interaction.

The therapist will monitor improvement and once a positive interaction is established between the client and the animal, the client is given independence in making choices for their partner in Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy.

If you are looking for a counsellor who offers Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

EMDR, also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy uses a range of processes to address the full clinical situation. Dual stimulation is one of the key elements and the therapist will use tools such as bilateral eye movements, taps or tones.

Reprocessing involves the client momentarily attending to triggers, past memories or anticipated future events, all the while focusing on the supplied external stimulus. Normally, the client will experience memory changes, new associations and insights. EMDR has been found to be incredibly useful for processing past and present trauma that can continue to impact an individual in many ways.

There are eight phases to EMDR treatment and the therapist will devise a treatment plan during the first phase, and equip the client with the necessary coping skills in the second phase. Phases 3-6 cover the actual EMDR treatment, described above. Phase 7 is about closure, while phase eight is all about re-evaluation of the process.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers EMDR Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Sara Place

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstance brings you to counselling.  We can work through difficult life circumstances, relationship challenges (including... Read more
    • Online booking
Online Mindfulness Counselling: Overcoming anxiety, depression, and relationship issues through Mindfulness.  I've been using Mindfulness in my work with clients for 19 years. Mindfulness is a gentle... Read more

Jordan Smail

M.A., RCC
If you here are looking for a therapist chances are you feel there are aspects of your life that are not as they should be. Perhaps you are in a cycle where your efforts are not producing the change you want, or maybe... Read more

Lee Lourdeaux

Ph.D., RCSW
For my list of post-graduate trainings, please see my website. Everyone's story is unique and no therapy session follows a predictable path. Yet the following steps provide a general outline of how your therapy... Read more

Douglas Matear

Ed.D., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.... Read more

Krista Blakelock

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
We wake up each day, perhaps with the hope that today will be easier than yesterday, that stressors won't cause outbursts, that conversations won't be agonizing. You try to handle a variety of issues, challenges... Read more

Joachim Sehrbrock

Ph.D., R.Psych
    NOTE: We currently provide online and in-person therapy services When we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or bogged down by difficult situations or circumstances, it can be tough to see where to go,... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... Read more

Ana Mozol

Ph.D., RCC
  Dr. Ana Mozol is the founder and director of Dreamwork Theatre, a space where individuals can reflect on, reclaim and remember aspects of their lives and inner world through depth analysis, dreamwork, online... Read more

Clayre Sessoms

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Online booking
As a trauma therapist, I'm deeply dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of trans* and queer adults and older youth. My training encompasses Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment, EMDR, and... Read more

Stephanie Pugsley

M.A., RCC
I have over 20 years experience of working with individuals, couples, families and groups in private practice, the Health Service, the Social Services and voluntary organisations.  I am a registered Clinical... Read more
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
With over a decade of experience as a clinical counsellor, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My commitment lies in creating a secure, non-judgmental, and confidential... Read more

Jenny Hsu

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling disconnected from those around you? You might find yourself stuck in the same arguments or patterns with your partner.  Or you may be struggling to find a sense of belonging in your family,... Read more

Kelly Archer

M.A., RCC
Kelly Archer, MA, RCC (pronouns: she/her/hers) Kelly is a clinical counsellor with over 13 years of experience working in the social services field with children, youth and young adults within outreach, community... Read more

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Heather Deans

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Heather and I bring many years of experience with me as both a counsellor and clinical supervisor for other mental health professionals. I work with people to help figure out what is at the root of their... Read more

Sara Ahmadian

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of feeling trapped in a cycle of pain and exhaustion? Do you long for a sense of relief and hope in your life? I'm here to offer you a guiding hand on your journey towards healing and well-being. I... Read more

Marc Keith

M.A., RCC
Marc Keith currently lives and works in British Columbia.  Marc and his wife have two daughters, aged 18 and 14 who attended local schools and are engaged in recreational and social activities in the community. The... Read more

Jolene Bloomfield

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I have always felt called to become a counsellor. I’m naturally inclined to see the light and goodness inside people. Helping people to reconnect to that goodness, to their own ‘Self’ is part of the... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online for clients in BC. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to facilitate personal growth, healing, and empowerment. My... Read more

dean diamond

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
I am a Nature Guided Focusing Oriented Therapist, Sandplay Therapy Intern, and Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master’s of Education in Disability Studies.  I offer embodied and experiential forms of... Read more

Maureen Lee

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. Maureen Lee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in North Vancouver. She practices a client-centred approach to therapy which means you, the client, decide the outcome, goals and direction... Read more

Susan McConnell

M.S.W., RSW
I have been in private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 20 years. During that time I have had the privilege of being able to connect with people and help them achieve their personal goals, create... Read more

Colter Long

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Martin Luther King JR. Are you looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy?  If you are interested in learning psychological tools or... Read more

Xavier Williams

MCP, CCC
I take an existential-phenomenological view when working with clients—which means that I seek to be open to whatever issues you bring to our sessions, without judgement or applying my interpretation. Together we... Read more

Eileen Peterson

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
  NOTE: To provide support during COVID-19 precautions,  sessions may now be in person or virtual: video or by phone. Please call or email to book your appointment. Taking new clients. I'm a... Read more

Duncan Keist

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Duncan was inspired to become a counsellor after being a youth worker for the City of Coquitlam, The District of Maple Ridge, Covenant House, and the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission for several years.... Read more

Tamara Adilman

M.A., RCC
Tamara has specialized training in relationship therapy and individual psychotherapy. As a relationship therapist she works with couples, adult children with their parents and adult sibling relationships. Her goal is to... Read more

Andrew Huber

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you hoping to make positive changes in your life but fear is getting in the way? Are you feeling stuck in a familiar pattern of doubt, confusion, indecisiveness, or unsure how or where to begin ... Read more

Tricia Antoniuk

M.S.W., RSW
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet... Read more