2SLGBTQI+ Therapists in Waterloo, ON
Samantha Whittle
Registered Social Worker
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.
Savannah Dasilva
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Expressive Arts Therapist at Savannah Dasilva Psychotherapy
Savannah Dasilva Psychotherapy is a queer-owned practice providing virtual and in-person psychotherapy services in Toronto, ON. We work wth 2SLGBTQI+ neurodivergent 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.
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.
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.
Lauren Adam
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I work with children, adolescents, & young adults who are navigating anxiety, family conflict, addiction challenges, and trauma. I also have a special interest in supporting elite athletes, retired athletes & high achievers to navigate perfectionism and performance anxiety. Sessions with me are relaxed, engaging, and even fun!
Myroslava Tyzkyj
Registered Psychotherapit
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.
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.
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.
Heart & Mind Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy
A neurodivergent, 2SLGBTQIA+ safe and inclusive space, with special understanding for those with barriers! Heart & Mind Psychotherapy....... where we can develop a relationship to support your mental, physical and spiritual well-being!
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.
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.
Iryna Dutko
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker
Welcome - I’m glad you’re here. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking a space to reconnect with yourself, I’m here to support you. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist and Social Worker with 12+ years of experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, chronic illness, burnout, substance use, and other life challenges. Drawing on contemporary…
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
Vrushalee N
Registered Psychotherapist
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.
Jessica Blair
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW (she, her)
Struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm? I offer virtual DBT and trauma-informed therapy for adults across Ontario. Compassionate, structured care for BPD, complex trauma, and more. Individual sessions, DBT groups, and full DBT packages available. Learn more at jessicablair.ca.
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.
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.
Sophie Marie McPherson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) B.A., M.A.
I offer psychotherapy services to teens and adults struggling with a wide range of presenting concerns. I have experience working with ADHD, anxiety, life transitions, stress, self-esteem and body image issues, chronic illness/pain, gender dysphoria, sexuality exploration, and non-monogamous relationships.
Laura Lockhart
Registered Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist
Laura is a trauma-focused psychotherapist using an integrative approach that blends psychodynamic, somatic, experiential, and parts work. She supports anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma. Neurodivergent affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied, she offers direct, compassionate therapy and integrates psychedelic-informed care and equine-assisted psychotherapy when appropriate.
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.
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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.