Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual, LGBTQ Issues Counsellors

Abuse - Emotional, Physical, Sexual, LGBTQ Issues

The area of abuse counselling includes both physical, emotional and sexual abuse therapy effectively conducted in a safe and caring environment. While not visible on the outside, emotional abuse is also a form of assault which, if left untreated, can leave lifelong emotional scars. Abusers often use intimidation to create guilt and fear to make the victim feel ashamed and isolated from other people.
 
● The symptoms of physical abuse are usually the easiest to see, with victims making excuses for scars and bruises.
● Children who are sexually abused will often have an age-inappropriate knowledge of sexuality and may even suffer from sexualy transmitted diseases, or pregnancy.
● Emotional abuse often goes hand-in-hand with either sexual, and or physical abuse. The victim will usually display a poor self-esteem, anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, lack of trust, pessimism, and suicide attempts, to name but a few.
 
Abuse is often carried through generations, causing victims to become abusers, too. However, abuse can be stopped.
 
Therapists in this directory use a range of approaches to address abuse victims to deal with their fears, anxiety and feelings of shame. They can also help perpetrators to put an end to the abuse.  Psychologists and counsellors utilize a variety of approaches to help victims  heal from sexual, emotional or physical abuse. Couples,  group and family therapy can often be helpful.
 
If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of abuse, you can search through the list of names below to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

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.

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

Ajay Sahota

M.A., RCC
Thank-you for visiting my page. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) Psychotherapist and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. I support people in Vancouver/Richmond... Read more

Penney Hartsen

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Video on profile
Life is difficult. We all struggle at times and need help to find our way. This is a safe place to sit with our doubts and insecurities...no judgement... on the way to healing and developing into the person you most... Read more

Christy Arsenault

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christy Arsenault (Waisman) is a seasoned therapist with extensive experience working with complex issues and diverse populations.  Christy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the... Read more

Deborrah Dunne

Ph.D., RCC
The decision to go for counselling often arises in the face of crisis and overwhelm. It can also come about because we are tired of dragging our issues along with us through days, weeks, months and even years. My goal... 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

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
    • 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

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

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

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

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

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

Lindsay Stewart

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Article(s) on profile
At the heart of Integrative Psychotherapy is a respectful and sensitive attunement to the client’s inner world. This helps create a foundation of safety and trust on which all other work in therapy is built. As... 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

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

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

Cookie Bain

M.C., RCC
What I most love in this world is to see people thriving as they live their most authentic life. I understand that may of us us have grown up in a way hasn't supported us to be our authentic self.... 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

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... 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

Roya Vojdani

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Life is a journey full of twists and turns, but you don't have to face it all alone. Depression, anxiety, trauma and other emotional struggles take away from the joys of everyday life and might leave you feeling... 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

Candice Seligman

MCP, CCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling ready for a deeper layer of healing? I am a somatic soul-based therapist who approaches therapy and healing from an embodied, compassionate, empowering, trauma-informed, and holistic perspective. By... Read more

Catherine Hollifield

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a private practice counsellor and school counsellor with over 10 years of experience. In private practice I focus on working with adults and youth 13+. Creativity and spontaneity infuse my work. I am an ideas... 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

Eryn Wicker

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder and clinical director of Bliss Therapeutic Services. I am dedicated to providing professional, confidential and... 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

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