Addictions - Sexual, Gender Identity Issues Psychodynamic Therapy

Addictions - Sexual, Gender Identity Issues

Sexual addiction relates to any sex-related compulsive behaviors that are performed regardless of the consequences to the individual, his or her family, friends or work environment. Sex becomes a priority, ahead of everything else, and at all costs. It also refers to a dependency or compulsion relating to sexual acts and it can dominate the individual's life.

People with sexual addiction will spend a lot of time thinking about sex, masturbating compulsively, having multiple affairs, using pornography consistently, and performing unsafe sex. It can also take on a darker side when it involves rape or molestation, incest, sexual harassment, voyeurism, and using prostitutes.

Therapists can assist with sexual addiction by examining the person's behavior and sexual history. Many people with sexual addictions may have experienced abuse as children or adolescents and a therapist will explore those issues to help the person identify his or her thought patterns and danger zones.   

Support groups have been shown to be effective in dealing with sexual addiction, though establishing a support network and accountability circle.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist to address your sexual addiction you may want to search through the list of names below to find a therapist who will be right for you.

Gender identity issues can make a person feel that nature has played a cruel trick, leaving them living in a body and role that is contrary to what they feel inside. However, as society becomes more accepting of gay and lesbian individuals it is also becoming much easier for people to admit that they are transgender than ever before. However, therapy can help people with gender dysphoria to cope with gender identity issues.

Most people with gender dysphoria prefer the term transgender as they deal with the social expectations of living a life that is authentic to their own emotions while conforming to their birth gender.

Whether you are confused about the possibility that you might be transgender, or whether you have accepted the reality, it is a good idea to speak to a therapist. If you are considering gender reassignment surgery, therapy will help you prepare for the psychological impact of the decision.

Living in your gender of choice will take a lot of courage, as well as some experimentation. You will have to learn how to find a congruent appearance, and explore different ways for you to present your body so that it relates to your true gender.

Counselling from a therapist trained in gender identity issues will provide a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your emotions, fears and feelings regarding what is happening for you.  Individual and group therapies are common for gender dysphoric patients, while family therapy can help foster better communication, and understanding. Family therapy can help deal with conflicts that can arise from gender dysphoria.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers gender identity counselling to address your gender dysphoria issues 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.

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
    • Online booking
I work alongside youth and adult clients to support and explore challenges related to neurodivergence, trauma, mental health, identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, well-being, relationships, and confidence.... 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

Elizabeth Holland

M.A., RCC
Elizabeth Holland is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. With a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology (UBC), she works with adults and young adults from diverse... 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

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

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... 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

Adrienne Moya

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I'm Adrienne, owner of Camas Mental Health. Camas offers therapy services with a specialization in supporting reproductive mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan through... 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

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

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... Read more

Olivia Kienzel

M.Couns., RCC
Olivia has more than a decade of experience as a counsellor working with clients to transform their relationship to themselves, their lives, and the people they care about. She can help you, gently, get to the root... 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

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

Rosanne Johnson

M.A., RCC
  As a counsellor, Rosanne offers therapy to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Greater Vancouver and Burnaby. She understands how important it is for these populations to have a... 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

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
*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

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

Ally Abrami

MC, RCC
I focus on helping individuals and partners navigate the extra something that makes their relationship(s) a unique challenge. The folks I work with are often loving outside of the cisheteronormative & mononormative... Read more

Halina Deptuck

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Periods of struggle, challenge, or feeling stuck inevitably occur throughout our lives. Whether you’ve gone through a life transition, are experiencing low mood, heightened anxieties, relationship challenges,... Read more

Tyler Schaus

M.Couns., RCC
As a queer, transguy, and adoptive parent to a neurospicy child, I prioritize the importance of seeing people as complex, nuanced, and unique beings. I strive to keep my practice flexible, authentic, holistic... 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
    • Online booking
Vernon Playroom Now Open! At Pathways Play Therapy Services, my mission is to support children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, strengthen their attachments, and increase their connection to self. As a play... 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

Yana Petronis

M.A., CCC
The world we inhabit is strange, varied, wondrous, and constantly evolving; we are too. We are shaped by our experiences, families, communities, ancestry, hopes, visions, loves, and losses—​and we are more... Read more

Chelsie Pilon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of repeating the same limiting patterns in your life? Does anxiety, overwhelm, or depression feel like a constant battle for you? Maybe you feel stuck, confused and alone. My name is Chelsie Pilon, and I... 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