LGBTQ Issues Mindfulness approaches

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.

Mindfulness approaches

Mindfulness approaches help clients to be focused in the here and now. Generally rooted in Eastern meditative techniques,  Mindfulness approaches offer a non-judgmental alternative therapy for dealing with stress and other psychological issues.

By observing worrisome thoughts and learning to accept situations for what they are, people can learn to cope with issues better and make more productive choices.

Mindfulness approaches include a range of models, including dialectical behaviour therapy,  mindfulness-based stress reduction, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. These approaches can be used in a wide range of settings to reduce the symptoms of a broad spectrum of psychological issues.  These therapies can be practiced effectively in individual or group therapy.

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

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

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

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

Kerry Chutter

M.A., RCC
I provide counselling online across British Columbia. Do you need support at this time? My practice emphasizes individual counselling within a range of concerns. These concerns include but are not limited to: grief and... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more

Bianca Rucker

Ph.D., RMFT
    • Audio on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
Bianca Rucker uses a brief model of psychotherapy and/or clinical hypnosis to help individuals and couples who experience sexual or relationship difficulties. Dr. Rucker is a CAMFT Approved Supervisor and Mentor.... 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

Teddy Chu

MC, RCC
Hello! I am the founder of WAVE Performance and Wellness offering individual clinical counselling, relationship counselling, and mental performance / sport psychology consulting services. My passion for... Read more

Cara Tull

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm passionate about how relational connection can be a healing force in our lives that allows us to have the support needed to navigate the complexities of life. If you're looking to practice new... 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

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

Zoe Nichele

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I’m Zoe! I work with people seeking freer self-expression, deeper authenticity, and calmer presence in life. The people I work with are often struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or life... Read more

Jefferson Smith

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Life is really hard and often painful. We all need support to find our way through this confusing and challenging existence. Most of us think we are broken and aren’t certain how to help ourselves through... Read more

Michael Boyle

M.S.W., RSW
I am a graduate of the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. I am a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. My counselling experience is in the area of... Read more
    • Online booking
When explaining my approach, I often ask the question, “Who are you”? It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? No matter how hard we try, our stories rarely can sum it all up. Inevitably, something is... Read more

Virginia McConchie

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Waitlist for new clients. My name is Virginia and I am a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. I work with individuals over the age of 18 who may be struggling with trauma, anxiety, existential questions, life... Read more

Joseph Tse

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am Registered Psychologist (#2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).... Read more

Shelley Hine

M.Couns., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who blends perspectives of inclusiveness, feminism, social justice and trauma work into my counselling practice. I am trained in a variety of clinical methods and... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... 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

Claire deBruyn

M.A., RCC
Hi! I’m Claire deBruyn, and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).  Through my counselling practice I work to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for us to collaboratively find solutions... 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

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

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Mahsa Yaghoubirad

Ph.D., RCC
Reaching out to a counsellor may not be easy, but would it be worth it if your future self appreciated it? I am a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with BCACC, and and a approved therapist... Read more

Katie Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine. I... Read more

Harp Shergill

M.S.W., RSW
Seeking Peace and Resilience? Harp Shergill Can Help Are you battling anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma? Harp Shergill, Registered Social Worker understands that each person’s struggle is... Read more

Becca Smith

M.S.W., RSW
Counselling is a deeply personal experience. A therapy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and trust is built over time as we gain knowledge and experience of another person. With 25 years of clinical... Read more

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
*Taking new clients*. My practice is here to help you to have honest conversations that start to uncover the areas in your life where you feel stuck or at a loss. Clients find that after only a few sessions they’... 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