LGBTQ Issues Counsellors

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.

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

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

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

Veronika Tkacova

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that therapy can be a safe space for healing and self-discovery, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to support others throughout this process.  I have experience working with various forms of... Read more

Janna Straley

M.A., RCC
Janna's focus is on the treatment of Eating Disorders as well as anxiety, depression and family related issues. She has numerous years of experience working with individuals, couples and families and advocates a... Read more

Emmalee Brunt

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Emmalee offers in person counselling in Victoria, BC, as well as phone and online video counselling sessions for clients across British Columbia. She works with individual clients and welcomes clients from all gender... Read more

Kathleen Beaton

M.Couns., RCC
Sometimes dealing with life’s difficulties can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, alone, or unable to cope. You may notice patterns in your life that continuously leave you stranded in the same stuck places,... Read more

Jordan Penner

M.A., RCC
Jordan has been helping people access their strengths and overcome challenges for the past 15 yearsl; with a focus on building skills that create lasting solutions.  True change comes from... Read more

Nicole Persall

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Nicole Persall is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Nicole provides online counselling to individuals and... 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

Yuka Oshimi

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with a Major in Psychology and a... Read more

Jayne Simpson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I am the founder of Ash Tree Counselling, and believe in the importance of building a relationship for healing to begin and sustain. Part of my personal on-going relational healing is re-connecting to my ancestral... Read more

Andrea McLaren

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Thank you for checking out my counselling profile. I appreciate and know how hard it can be to reach out for help. I support individuals to feel better in their lives. Are you having anxious thoughts, depressed... Read more

Lisa Butcher

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.  I hold a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in New Brunswick and a Bachelors degree in Health... Read more

Sarah Siddiqui RCC

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
*Now Accepting Clients.  For insurance purposes: please note I am an RSW and RCC* Whether trying therapy has been an unfulfilled new year’s resolution for the past number of years, something that just... Read more

Sarah Susswein

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Sarah Susswein, MC, RCC ✨Anxiety ✨Trauma / PTSD ✨Self Esteem / Self Worth ✨Neurodiversity Specialization (ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, etc.) ✨ICBC Approved Vendor with Direct Billing When... Read more

Judith Hradsky

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Experiences of stress, anxiety, and depression - as well as questions around your mental health - are very common. Counselling can help you "make sense" of your experiences and provide you with the... Read more

Trevor Warren

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
With over 30 years as a Relationship & Sexual Intimacy therapist, and supported well over a 1,000 couples, Trevor Warren Trevor has earned the reputation of "Relationship Expert" in the... Read more

Joanne Schwartz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I can help you achieve: Relief from negative thinking, anxiety and depression. Better coping mechanisms to help you overcome addictive or destructive behaviours. Balance in your day-to-day life. I aim to... Read more

Gerry Bock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Gerry Bock earned his Masters degree in 1990. He has been practicing as a Registered Clinical Counsellor for over 30 years (since 1991).  The practice environment and philosophy offers committed, accountable,... Read more

Toni Pieroni

M.A., RCC
I believe that healing, growth and development occur within the context of relationship. Therefore, choosing the right therapist is a critical aspect of the therapeutic process. I bring over 40 years of personal... 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

Valerie Caldeira

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in Vancouver, BC. I provide evidence-based treatment for clients with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, stress,... Read more

Elnaz Bondar

M.A., RCC
As an individual who has experienced different challenges in life, I strive to help people going through hardships and crises. Some of these hardships and crises include helping individuals... 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

Katie Burden

M.A., RCC
I believe that suffering can often carry with it important messages about who we are as people, what’s important to us, and what gives our life meaning. Therefore the goal of therapy in my opinion is never to... 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

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

Kate Gustin

Ph.D., R.Psych
As a registered psychologist, I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal emotional wounds and recover peace of mind. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being... Read more

Annique Doucette

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2006, I have been providing supportive psychotherapy to a diverse group of individuals in variety of settings: post secondary, residential addiction treatment, public health... Read more

Yoly Lin

M.A., RCC
Welcome! Congratulation on taking this brave step of the journey towards authentic connection!   If you:      - are suffering from feeling anxious, depressed, panic or emotional breakdown... Read more

Huda Sajjad

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
About Me My practice is grounded in an approach that is holistic and collaborative. I believe that all people have the ability to heal and grow. I offer my clients support and guidance to access and trust their inner... Read more

Erika Riedlinger

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome. My name is Erika (she/her), and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor serving individuals (ages 12+) online and in-person on the Sunshine Coast, BC. Areas of Practice: Some of the reasons people... Read more

Kathryn Als

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen. I work with clients who feel like they need a compassionate, empathetic ear to listen to whatever they wish to work through. I strongly believe that everyone has the power,... Read more

Alex Charleton

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Through Alex's own journey with mental health, she experienced firsthand the healing that is possible for anyone who feels suffocated by life. Alex's lived experiences motivated her to venture into the... 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

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

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

Johanna Simmons

M.A., RCC
I believe that families are the foundation of any society. As parents you create the future through your children. Occasionally we encounter challenges and need some encouragement to overcome these. I can provide... Read more

Yaari Dyer

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
Hello! I am a Registered Psychologist (#2094) and see individual clients and couples in my peaceful Kitsilano office.  I assist adults at every life stage who are grappling with issues... Read more

Carolyn Heppner

M.Ed., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Couples Counselling and Individual Counselling for Trauma/EMDR, Anxiety and more Facing difficult times personally or in your relationship with your partner? I can help. I believe in providing practical tools... Read more

Joelle Lazar

M.A., RCC
I love my work, and am passionate about helping people have more joy and fulfillment in their lives and relationships! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive training and experience providing... Read more

Heather Bach

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
For over 20 years, Heather Bach of Bach Counselling Group brings clinical expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Myriame Lyons

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
By cultivating a sense of togetherness, Myriame works with individuals living with chronic illnesses, and those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, burnout, trauma, and life transitions.  As... Read more

Aliona Sydorenko

M.Ed., RCC
At the heart of my practice is a belief that bringing light to what pains us, with openness, kindness and compassion, helps us connect to our natural healing capacity. As a counsellor, I bring my knowledge, experience... Read more

Mary Khashabi

Ph.D., RCC
Mary has a Ph.D. in Psychology and a doctorate in Natural Science ( Human Biology) from medical school. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and a Certified Trauma... Read more

Lindsay Hickerson

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
Our past can impact us in ways we don’t always understand. Sometimes it shows up in our body in unexplained illness or pain. We might find ourselves reacting in a big way to seemingly small things that happen in... Read more

Pam Hirakata

Ph.D., R.Psych
**EXPANDING PRACTICE; ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Pam received her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety... Read more

Crystal Arber

M.S.W., RCC
 Effective Online EMDR Treatment for acute stress response and post- traumatic stress injuries.  Treatment for Post Trauma Injuries for health care workers, first responders, veterans, military, kids and... Read more

Tanya ward

M.A., RCC
About Me: I have a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a registered clinical counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have over 15 years of experience and have... Read more

Christina McGill

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christina’s work with clients focuses on helping them connect with their innate capacity to heal, supporting them to learn to trust themselves, and developing their ability to reflect on their inner self.... Read more

Raheel Rahman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Raheel Rahman is committed to providing compassion and support to help you through many life issues.   RAHEEL RAHMAN CAN HELP YOU WITH: Anxiety in adults and children Depression in adults... Read more

Bonnie Zargari

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
Bonnie Zargari is a Canadian Certified Clinical Counselor who sees clients in person, online or via telephone.  Her main clinical focus is working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety and/or... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Jagdeep Chahal

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
If you are struggling with your mental health, it can seem almost impossible to imagine that something can be done to help. However, through counselling you can better identify negative beliefs and behaviors, and... Read more

Viviane Houle

M.S.W., RSW
Viviane Houle is a Registered Social Worker (#10977) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, an EMDR and Integrative Voicework Therapist, and a Certified NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer.... Read more

ivania Redpath

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
My clients come from diverse backgrounds and live with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, and attachment dysregulation. I offer virtual counselling and in person counselling for adults and children, in addition... 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

Keisei Anzai

M.A., BCATR
No matter who we are, life has its up and downturns. Happiness is said to be a rich sense of well-being that comes only from knowing our internal self. A large part of what generates happiness is our cognition.... Read more

Laurel Tien

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Laurel Tien, PhD, RCC (she/hers/Dr) I am impassioned about working with people who are awakening to their own potential and find having someone walk this journey with them to be helpful. I believe that holding space... Read more