While Canada continues to make positive strides in protecting the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, 2-Spirit, Asexual, Pansexual, Intersex, Non-Binary and Polyamorous folks/folx, LGBTQ2S+ individuals still experience a great deal of trauma and discrimination within their own families and communities. Historically, mental health has not considered or valued the unique experiences LGBTQ2S+ people. Some folks/folx may experience a great deal of support from their families and communities, while some experience painful discrimination, violence, ridicule, isolation and intolerance. This can especially be true for LGBTQ2S+ folks/folx who are racialized, newcomers, poor, in the sex trade, as well as trans and gender non-conforming folks/folx.

Our therapists seek to support folks/folx in finding help in navigating their experiences, honouring their identities and finding safe spaces to explore their own unique healing journeys.

Gender and sexually diverse clients come to therapy for issues that are not so different from those presented by all therapy clients. The social context, however, can add a unique layer to their narrative and experience. There are historical and current traumas, discrimination and intolerance within families and communities, internalized stigma, and challenging and painful experiences within the healthcare system. These experiences are familiar to many of us on some level, though they are often even more prevalent for those in the community who are racialized, newcomers, lower socioeconomic status, and involved in sex work. We also know that trans and gender expansive communities (including non-binary and gender non-conforming) face a number of these social and systemic barriers and have some unique layers to their narrative.

The Healing Collective understands the unique gifts and challenges of LGBTQ2S+ folks/folx and their experiences, with some of our own therapists being a part of this experience and community. Many of the therapists at the Healing Collective work with specific issues and strive to be allies of the community. Some therapists work predominantly with queer and trans clients. We encompass and support all forms, aspects and issues around gender and sexually diverse communities and welcome you to our practice.  We are here to provide psychotherapeutic services, assistance with navigating your experiences, honouring your identities and providing a safe and affirming space to explore and heal.

For those seeking transition-related surgeries (TRS), second assessments/referrals are available at the Healing Collective. Please contact us for additional information.