2SLGBTQI+ Therapists in Ottawa, ON

Zarifa Andani

Zarifa Andani

MPCC-P, RTC-C

Virtual

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.

Samantha Whittle

Samantha Whittle

Registered Social Worker

Virtual In-Person

Hi, I'm Sam! I specialize in trauma, sexuality, gender and relationships. I see individuals and couples/triads/polycules who want to heal trauma, create meaningful relationships or embrace pleasurable sexuality.

Johann Kong

Johann Kong

MSW,RSW

Virtual

I can bring in our work together a wide range of expertise and experiences from a seasoned professional mindset that puts your needs at the centre. More importantly, I understand pain and trauma and know how hard it can be to navigate through these experiences towards health and wellness. I am committed to providing a safe, caring, non-judgmental space to support you in your journey.

True Roots Therapy-Alyssa Haim

True Roots Therapy-Alyssa Haim

Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Virtual

Providing evidence-based and trauma informed psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families

Ariel Dasrath

Ariel Dasrath

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

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.

Megan Gauthier

Megan Gauthier

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

Virtual

*Accepting new client in-person in Guelph and virtually across Ontario* Therapy for people who struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, and repeating painful relationship patterns.

The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy

The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy

Virtual Clinic, Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy is a virtual clinic of therapists serving all of Ontario. Offering affordable therapy starting at $125 per session, our team of therapists specializes in working with individuals, couples/relationships and family therapy. Depression, life stress/burnout, neurodivergence, parenting, and disordered eating are a few of our niche specialties.

Therapy Collective

Therapy Collective

Registered Psychologist/Counselling Therapist/Certified Counsellor

Virtual

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.

Justine Little

Justine Little

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

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?

Vrushalee N

Vrushalee N

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I’m a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, attachment wounds, identity, self-worth, and emotional regulation. My approach is trauma-informed, integrative, culturally responsive, and deeply collaborative, helping clients move beyond survival patterns toward self-trust, healthier boundaries, and meaningful change.

Laura Lockhart

Laura Lockhart

Registered Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist

Virtual

Laura is a trauma-focused psychotherapist using an integrative approach blending psychodynamic, somatic, experiential, hypnosis and parts work. She supports anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma, offering direct, compassionate therapy. Neurodivergent-affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied, she also offers psychedelic-informed care and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

Shannon Jervis

Shannon Jervis

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

Throughout my career, I have provided unwavering support to clients affected by neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, and various mental health challenges. I specialize in creating a collaborative and meaningful treatment plan tailored to individual needs, fostering a therapeutic environment. As a therapist, I use a strength-based, client-focused approach.

Myroslava Tyzkyj

Myroslava Tyzkyj

Registered Psychotherapit

Virtual

Therapy isn’t about fixing you — because you’re not broken. You’re human, and that’s messy enough. Adulting can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual — confusing, frustrating, and somehow missing a crucial piece. Together, we’ll make space to breathe, reflect, and build a life that feels more grounded, more honest, and more like you. No perfection required.

Monika Goetz (she/her)

Monika Goetz (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I support teens and adults struggling with misophonia (sound sensitivity), exploring 2SLGBTIQA+ experiences, anxiety, depression, stress, and more. I'm passionate about using an identity-affirming and weight-inclusive approach that accepts you as you are while supporting you to live the life that you want.

Kaitlyn Hillier B.A., M.C., Ph.D.

Kaitlyn Hillier B.A., M.C., Ph.D.

Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor

Virtual

In private practice since 2016, I have been providing counselling and psychotherapy virtually and in person. Presently, I operate virtually in providing mental health support for many individuals who seek support while navigating life.

Charlotte Pidgeon

Charlotte Pidgeon

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Charlotte Pidgeon Psychotherapy is a queer owned and orientated virtual psychotherapy clinic based in Toronto, ON. We are a collective of therapists offering individual, youth, couples, and low-cost therapy.

Savannah Dasilva

Savannah Dasilva

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Expressive Arts Therapist at Savannah Dasilva Psychotherapy

Virtual

Savannah Dasilva Psychotherapy is a queer-owned practice providing virtual and in-person psychotherapy services in Toronto, ON. We work wth 2SLGBTQI+ neurodivergent children, teens and adults who are looking to find balance and sustainability in their lives living with neurodivergence, anxiety, stress, chronic illness/pain, grief and loss, relationships, and identity challenges; by using the arts.

Tanja Ivic

Tanja Ivic

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.

Vanessa Leggio

Vanessa Leggio

MSW, RSW

Virtual

Hello! I’m Vanessa, a couples therapist and trauma therapist. With both personal and professional experience, I’m dedicated to creating a safe space for healing and growth. I work with couples to rebuild trust, intimacy, and connection. For couples or individuals who are struggling with trauma, I use EMDR, a powerful and effective therapy that has helped many overcome and grow from trauma.

Kumasi Jay Gwynne

Kumasi Jay Gwynne

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Relationships of any kind can be challenging. I never underestimate how complicated things can get once we tease out the relational pieces in our lives and try to understand how they are affecting us.

How do therapists in Ottawa, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

35

Average years in practice

7.3 Years

Currently accepting new clients

100 %

Therapists in Ottawa, ON who prioritize treating:

100% 2SLGBTQI+
71% Anxiety
57% Trauma and PTSD
40% Relationship Issues
29% Depression
29% ADHD
26% Emotional Dysregulation
26% Transgender

How therapists see their clients

3% In Person & Online
94% Online Only
3% In Person Only

Top therapy approaches used in Ottawa, ON:

34% Trauma Focused
31% Person-Centered
26% Relational
23% Psychodynamic
20% Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
20% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
20% Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
20% Somatic

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.