LGBTQ Issues Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

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.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has helped couples and family members to treat distressed relationships, depression and a range of other emotional difficulties. It is one of the most common treatments used in private counselling and psychologist practices, training centres and hospital clinics around the world.

The main goal of Emotionally focused therapy is to create a secure bond between romantic partners and to reorganize and expand critical emotional responses. It helps to improve communication between partners, which is more beneficial to the relationship. EFT is a practical therapy that has been used successfully in relationships and marriages for many years, due to the fact that it creates a spirit of respect and harmony.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy generally only lasts between six to twenty sessions and has been shown effective in 90% of relationships.

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

Note:  Some practitioners practice Emotion Focused Therapy rather than Emotionally Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotionally Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.

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

Bruce Avery

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Bruce Avery, I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and I’m the founder of Avery Therapy Centre. I work with a wide range of people who may seek increased perspective, self-understanding, and... Read more

Keri Povall

M.A.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Increase your emotional well-being, decrease your anxiety and stress and increase your enjoyment of life. My counselling practice in Burnaby provides a safe, confidential and compassionate space to explore your areas of... Read more

Azula Houghton

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
Azula holds her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist  with over 20 years experience in private practice. She has also worked as a clinician with Mental Health Services for 16 years... Read more
I obtained my BSc majoring in psychology from the University of Victoria and continued on to complete my MCP at Adler University in Vancouver, before becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I have a private... Read more

Teesha Morgan

M.A., CCC
Dr. Teesha Morgan is a Psychotherapist, published author, adjunct professor, and co-founder of the Westland Academy of Clinical Sex Therapy and Westland Therapy Group. Dr Morgan specializes in Sex Therapy and Couples... Read more

Beverley Anderson

M.S.W., RSW
Beverley Anderson, M.S.W., RSW, CPF (Certified Parenting Facilitator) and Compassionate Bereavement Care Certified Provider I am a therapist who is committed to providing a safe, supportive space for individuals to... 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

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

Sarajoy David

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Audio on profile
The focus of my service is the teaching of emotional self-care skills.  I draw upon leading edge therapies in facilitating each person's journey to self-awareness, healing and empowerment. This self-exploration... Read more

Molly Mo

M.Ed., RCC
Molly Liwen Mo M.Ed., R.C.C., LCP., CP., TEP My name is Molly. I provide services in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese. Call me at 6049159111 or email me to enhance and create the lifestyle... Read more

Monique Silverman

M.A., RCC
  My Approach My work is primarily relational, experiential and emotion-focused. This approach is called Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Therapy (AEDP) and seamlessly encourages you to engage with your... Read more

Doug Elliott

M.A., RCC
What I do: rethink is a professional counselling service run by Doug Elliott, with offices in Vancouver's West End and on Bowen Island.  I hold a Masters Degree in counselling psychology and have extensive... Read more

Emma Lujan

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
My experience working with the LGBTQ2S+ community and those struggling with substance use is one that is deeply personal to me. Being a cis-gendered queer woman, and someone with lived experience with addiction and... 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

Brian Williams

M.A., RCC
My name is Brian and I appreciate you taking this important step of reaching out for assistance, which I know isn't always easy. I am a compassionate and engaged therapist who works hard for his clients. I... 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

Dawna Silver

M.A., RCC
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. If you are like many people who seek therapy, you are struggling. Maybe you are in a time of crisis in your life. Something has happened out of the blue that... Read more

Kendra Antony

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello! I'm Kendra (she/her), Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Hope Stone Counselling. I’m so glad you’re here.  Since 2006, I’ve had the privilege of being invited into people... 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

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

Geanina Armani

M.C., RCC
Welcome! I seek to work with individuals faced with personal and relational wellness issues that come from challenging life circumstances. I help clients understand their immediate struggles in their context, develop... Read more

Dennis Dion

M.A., RCC
Often in the beginning, people share being tired of struggling with one or more of the following: depression anxiety addiction (substances, gambling, pornography) disordered eating or self-harm "... Read more

Megan Sutherland

M.S.W., RCSW
Warm, accepting, inclusive and practical best describes my personal therapeutic style. I also place a high value on careful listening, empathy, professional ethics and accountability.  I believe that all people... 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

Victor Wakarchuk

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I'm Victor. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker (BC, Alberta and Ontario) who primarily works with gay men through online video counselling. I help gay men find freedom... Read more

Al Zwiers

M.S.W., RSW
I am a Registered Social Worker in BC, and have a Master of Social Work degree with additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, EMDR and Gottman Method for... Read more

Jason Lehmann

M.A., RCC
*NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS, CASH, CHEQUE, OR E-TRANSFER *Over 11 years of clinical practice.  Some Information about the work  Clients present a number of problem areas, or life issues. Jason... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Clara Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
Clara is an RSW and an RCC.  She is a therapist who provides a safe, non-judgmental, and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming space for all of her clients to share and explore their stories. She is compassionate 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