2SLGBTQI+ Therapists in St. Catharines, ON
Joanna Brubacher
Registered Social Worker
Who I Work With: *Couples navigating conflict, repair, or separation *Co-parents creating healthy communication and planning around children *LGBTQ2+ individuals and families *People in non-traditional or polyamorous relationships *Neurodiverse adults and people on the autism spectrum *Individuals exploring identity, emotion regulation, or relational healing
Tanja Ivic
Registered Social Worker
*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.
Fran Isaacs
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I enjoy working with individuals from all ages and backgrounds, whatever challenges have arisen. I have experience working with anxious and depressed feelings, difficulty with control over emotions, problems arising from past experiences, current crises over relationship, career and motivation, coming to terms with grief, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Vanessa Leggio
MSW, RSW
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.
Franklynn Bartol
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I practice relational psychotherapy, which sees both suffering & healing as rooted in relationships. I support individuals & couples to grow their capacities to feel, reflect, & connect more deeply to themselves & others. I take a collaborative, trauma-informed, & anti-oppressive stance, holding curiosity for how social contexts, your personal history, & identities impact you & our work together.
Carla Barbosa
Registered Social Worker
I’m a bilingual psychotherapist (English | Portuguese) offering LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapy for adults navigating autism, ADHD, burnout, and identity exploration. I integrate compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based care to help clients feel seen and empowered across life’s transitions.
Bethany Jacobs
Registered Social Worker
Who I Work With: - Individuals navigating the impacts of trauma, grief, or emotional overwhelm - Adults seeking support with nervous system regulation, stress, or anxiety - Clients processing relational harm, life transitions, or spiritual disconnection - Those seeking therapy through an anti-oppressive, culturally sensitive lens
Nora Shapiro
Registered Psychotherapist
I'm a psychotherapist offering services both in-person (Toronto) and virtual (across Ontario). My focus areas include depression, anxiety, meaning, identity, relationship/family issues, values & ambitions, LGBTQ2IA+ mental health, gender, ADHD, and creativity & artistic practice. We can work to open new perspectives, build resilience, and create meaningful change for a more fulfilling life.
Brayden Keeler
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Brayden (she/her) obtained a Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult, Brayden is particularly attuned to the challenges faced by others with neurodivergence, especially recognizing symptoms often overlooked in youth identifying as female.
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.
Shannon Jervis
Registered Social Worker
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.
Charlotte Pidgeon
Registered Psychotherapist
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.
The Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre
Health and Wellness Clinic
We are a Toronto-based health and wellness centre providing services in-office, online, and by phone with remote therapy offered across Ontario. We have pratitioners from various disciplines, including Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Social Workers.
Alysha Bernstein
Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor & Traumatologist
I am a registered psychotherapist with a decade of experience in mental healthcare. I have built an authentic, client-centred, and empathic space in my private practice since 2020. We provide care for a wide range of mental health issues and couples or family conflict. My team is as accessible and affordable as possible and we are constantly learning new and better ways to support our clients
Johann Kong
MSW,RSW
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.
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.
Kaitlyn Hillier B.A., M.C., Ph.D.
Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor
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.
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.
Monika Goetz (she/her)
Registered Social Worker
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.
Kumasi Jay Gwynne
Registered Psychotherapist
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 St. Catharines, ON compare?
Number of therapists listed
Average years in practice
Currently accepting new clients
Therapists in St. Catharines, ON who prioritize treating:
How therapists see their clients
Top therapy approaches used in St. Catharines, ON:
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.