LGBTQ Issues Psychodynamic 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.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy can help clients to become aware of feelings of vulnerability that have been repressed from their conscious awareness. This approach is based on the theory that every person has an unconscious which stores vulnerable and painful emotions that are too deep to handle on a conscious level.

Psychodynamic Therapy addresses the defense mechanisms that  have been developed. Defense mechanisms can sometimes do more harm than good. By resolving vulnerabilities such as repression and denial, painful emotions and memories can be processed in order for the defense mechanisms to be resolved, or reduced.

Therapists use a range of core principles in Psychodynamic Therapy, based on the client's needs. It will help the client to gain perspective while recognizing behaviours, actions, responses and character traits that can be transformed.

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

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

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

Faye Shedletzky

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or grief as you navigate your days?  These are complicated times and you are not alone in this struggle.  It is possible to find... Read more

Amber Louie

M.Sc., RCC
As an anti-oppression psychotherapist, I value your experiences based on culture, race, indigeneity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexuality, age, disability, and spirituality. I often work with people who are... 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

Morgan MacCarl

M.Couns., RCC
I work with adults and couples who are struggling with grief, trauma, relationship challenges, ADHD symptoms, life transitions, and those who are generally feeling overwhelmed with life. I often meet with people who are... Read more

Megan Jespersen

M.Couns., RCC
I go by either Megan or mj and I use she/her pronouns.  I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the Founding Director of The Grounding Stone, a queer-owned and run online counselling community that offers... 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

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

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

Matty Devenish

M.S.W., RSW
Many people express feeling stuck with the issue or problem they are facing. In fact, many people's lives are completely consumed by the issue they are facing. Having worked in the counselling field since 2006, I... Read more
    • Online booking
Through an inclusive, collaborative and trauma-informed lens, Shauna has a vested interest in helping clients learn about stress and related disorders, trauma, and healthy sexuality during various adult life stages so... 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

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

Niall JM Barnard

M.Sc., RSW
People and institutions are always trying to force us into boxes – you shouldn't have to deal with that when you come to therapy. As a queer and trans person myself, I'm passionate... Read more

Sandy Boon

M.A., RCC
IN PERSON AND SECURE VIDEO-CONFERENCE AND TELEPHONE THERAPY AVAILABLE Although not all of the last 30 plus years of Sandy's professional career has been spent exclusively practicing therapy, Sandy has... Read more
    • Online booking
I've been using Mindfulness in my work with clients for 19 years. Mindfulness is a gentle, humanistic, and holistic therapeutic approach that guides your efforts, emphasizing growth rather than deficit.... 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

Alexa Moore

M.A., RCC
I work with children, teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relational difficulties. My goal is to provide my clients with a space that supports them to tolerate and express big... Read more

Lara Ellison

M.S.W., RSW
Lara Ellison, MSW, RSW Lara Ellison MSW, RSW has been professionally involved in various mental health programming since 2006.  Starting her work at Peak House, a youth residential alcohol and drug treatment... Read more

Anna Richards

M.Couns., RCC
Anna Richards Counselling & Consulting I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a certified mediator in downtown Vancouver. I am also on faculty at the Justice Institute of British Columbia... Read more

Tania Zulkoskey

M.S.W., RCSW
Video/Telephone Sessions Available. Tania counsels individuals, children and couples on issues such as:  relationship dynamics  communication issues  parenting and multiples  ... 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

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

Naomi Kolinsky

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you finding it hard to get past events that happened to you long ago? Do you find yourself turning to food, alcohol, drugs, or relationships to escape painful feelings and cope with your life? Do you find... 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

Renee Bartkiewicz

M.A., RCC
  Renee Bartkiewicz is both a Registered Clinical Counsellor and an Art Therapist. In her inclusive, creative, and collaborative practice, she sees individuals that present with a variety of  issues... Read more

Sarajoy David

Ph.D., R.Psych
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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

Martine Charles

Ph.D., RCC
I have over 25 years experience in providing individual counselling to adult women and men. I offer counselling for a wide variety of difficulties including trauma (recent and past), anxiety, depression, addictions... 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

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