2SLGBTQI+ Therapists in Cowichan Valley, BC
Zarifa Andani
MPCC-P, RTC-C
This work isn’t about fixing your parts—it’s about helping you feel more like your whole self again. We can work together to slow down, get curious, and listen deeply. Our internal body wisdom is an integral source of information that speaks more significantly than words. Real change is possible when ALL of you feels safe enough to be seen and supported, just as you are.
Therapy Collective
Registered Psychologist/Counselling Therapist/Certified Counsellor
We are a group practice with psychologists, CCC's, CT's, and a therapy dog who offer counselling and formal psycho-educational assessments. We cover a broad range of presenting concerns for children, youth, families, couples, and individuals. We offer a variety of approaches as well: EMDR, Cognitive-Hypnotherapy, Art Therapy, Play-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Somatic.
Sawah Danniels
Certified Canadian Counsellor
I'm a person-centred therapist. I offer an eclectic approach, preferring to find ways to work with who you are, how you exist in the world, and what you hope to achieve. I aim to create a cozy, comfortable and safer space for you to be yourself and get curious about what is coming up for you.
Taylor Davis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
If you constantly overthink, struggle to say no, or feel overwhelmed trying to keep everyone else happy, you’re not alone. I support adults navigating anxiety, depression, and people-pleasing using IFS, somatic therapy, and attachment-based approaches to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate emotions, and build more authentic relationships. Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Emanuelito Tomas
Registered Nurse (RN), Mental Health Therapist, CPMHN(C)
With extensive experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, and national certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, I offer compassionate, evidence-based care. Let’s work together to build skills that help you manage emotions and create stability and clarity.
Michael Peddle
Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Certified IFS Therapist
Since 2011, I’ve supported clients through trauma and attachment wounds using IFS as my core approach. I integrate EMDR, SFBT, and evidence-based techniques to help people heal burdens, strengthen inner safety, and reconnect with their most grounded, empowered selves.
Bonnie Koehn
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Canadian Counsellor
My practice is grounded in a holistic and non-pathologizing approach that is client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I offer authentically compassionate and accepting therapy so you can feel free to be yourself. My clients attend virtual therapy from their preferred location- whether that’s the comfort of home, a walk in the park, or over lunch break at work.
Justine Little
Registered Social Worker
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings? Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
Debra (Debbie) Airth
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
Come as you are. Let's begin from there. I support individuals and couples navigating grief, chronic illness, trauma, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ experiences, polyamory/ENM, and life transitions. My approach is warm, trauma-informed, and rooted in genuine human connection, helping you reconnect with your strengths and move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.
Ariel Dasrath
Registered Psychotherapist
With so many elements that shape who we are and how we navigate the world, how can we expect mental health treatment to focus on only one at a time? Creating the space for nuanced conversations, MargINs Psychotherapy focuses on culturally responsive practices, primarily catering to intersectionally marginalized populations.
Carlos (Charlie) Garcia
CCC, MHC, MSc, PhD Candidate in Clinical Sexology
I help adults and couples navigate anxiety, identity, sexuality, intimacy and sexual concerns, and relationship challenges. My approach is modern, direct, and integrative — no fluff. I work with individuals of all genders and orientations, with a specialization in LGBTQ+ and trans clients. Bilingual services available in English and Spanish. Virtual sessions across Florida (USA) & Canada.
Jay Hinton
Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I am happy to offer virtual counselling in most places in Canada, and my services are covered by most insurance plans (please check your own policy for details!). I pride myself on being inclusive and accepting in my practice and life, and I genuinely love the work that I do. I treat every individual as unique, and work with a range of tools in helping to craft an approach that work for you.
Nita Agustin
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
Alo, my name is Nita Agustin, and I go by she/they pronoun. I’m your friendly neighbourhood LGBTQ therapist based in Burnaby, BC, ready to help you find yourself on this journey called life. If you’re expecting a typical, “professional” looking counsellor, I will warn you, that’s not me. I show up the way I want my clients to show up - as my whole self. I laugh loudly. I speak openly and I e...
Loretta Laurin
Registered Clinical Counsellor
I specialize in relationships, trauma, and personal growth. I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for couples, and Brain-Based Coaching with the Neuroleadership Institute. I offer individual and couples therapy in-person and online. As a relationship counsellor, I welcome and celebrate all relationships, including LGBTQIA2S+, polyamorous, and kink.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 2SLGBTQI+
What is 2SLGBTQI+ affirming therapy?
Affirming therapy creates a safe, non-judgmental space where your sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship structure are respected and validated — not treated as problems to be fixed or changed. An affirming therapist understands the unique experiences and stressors faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people, including experiences of discrimination, family rejection, navigating coming out, and the mental health impacts of minority stress. Affirming therapy can address any mental health concern, not only those directly related to identity.
Why is finding an affirming therapist important?
Research consistently shows that 2SLGBTQI+ people experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation than the general population — not because of their identity, but because of minority stress, discrimination, and lack of acceptance. A therapist who is not affirming — or who holds biases about gender and sexuality — can cause harm, even unintentionally. An affirming therapist reduces the burden of having to explain or justify your identity, and helps you address mental health concerns in a context of full acceptance.
What specific concerns do 2SLGBTQI+ people often bring to therapy?
Common concerns include navigating coming out (to family, at work, in various communities), managing the emotional impact of discrimination or rejection, exploring gender identity or transition, relationship and family issues unique to queer experiences, internalized homophobia or transphobia, trauma from conversion practices, grief related to family estrangement, and the mental health effects of living in a world that may not fully accept who you are. Affirming therapists are equipped to support all of these areas.
What is conversion therapy and is it legal in Canada?
Conversion therapy refers to practices that attempt to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It is harmful, ineffective, and has been widely condemned by medical and psychological associations including the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychiatric Association. As of 2022, performing conversion practices on anyone is a federal criminal offence in Canada. All therapists on Theralist operate within professional and legal standards that prohibit these practices.
How do I know if a therapist is truly affirming?
Look for therapists who explicitly identify as 2SLGBTQI+ affirming or who have specific training in working with queer and trans clients. Some therapists are themselves 2SLGBTQI+ identified. In a first session, you might ask how they approach work with queer and trans clients, whether they have specific training in this area, and how they handle conversations about identity, transition, or relationships. Trust your instincts — if a therapist seems unsure, asks unnecessary questions about your identity, or frames your identity as something to be explored as a "problem," that is a sign to look elsewhere.