2SLGBTQIA+ Therapy

At everwell, we proudly embrace an affirmative approach to counselling that adopts a positive view of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Asexual, and all other Queer identities, relationships, and lifestyles.

We recognize and strive to address the destructive influences of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism on 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their loved ones. Some of our therapists have lived experience as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and all of our therapists actively try to be allies and are committed to creating safe, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

We understand that some queer clients feel safer and more comfortable working with a therapist who identifies as queer/trans themselves. If that is the case for you, please let us know and we will keep this in mind in the process of finding you the right-fit therapist.

The Need for Support

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and self-harm can affect us all, but they are more common among those of us who are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In a 2018 study, it was found that Canadians from sexual minorities were twice as likely to experience inappropriate behaviour in a public setting than straight Canadians (57% vs. 22%). They also experienced more online harassment (37% vs. 15%) and workplace harassment (44% vs. 22%) over the previous year.

Sexual-minority Canadians were also more likely than straight Canadians to indicate that their mental health was poor or fair (32% vs. 11%). They were more likely to have seriously considered killing themselves (40% vs. 15%) and to have received a diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder (41% vs. 16%). Other factors such as age, religion, location, ethnicity, ability, and socioeconomic status can add further layers of complexity as these identities intersect, creating a specific and unique lens through which everyone sees the world. To learn about intersectionality, please check out this video.

Talking with a trained professional who understands your situation or has lived experience of what you’re going through can help.

Areas of focus for LGBTQ+ therapy can include:

• exploration of relationship to self, sexuality, and gender

• depression and anxiety

• relationship issues and couples counselling

• issues around low self-esteem

• transitioning or exploring your gender identity

• substance abuse and addiction

• self-harm and suicidality

• difficulties accepting your sexual orientation

• dealing with others’ reactions to your sexuality

• feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)

• coping with bullying, discrimination, and homophobia or transphobia

• fear of violence

• anger or rejection from family, friends, or your community

Community Resources

Canada-Wide Resources

Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) – a resource for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their families

Trans Lifeline - free helpline for people who identify as trans, (877) 330-6366

Life Force – listings of 2SLGBTQIA+ helplines.

Ontario-wide Resources

Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline  – offers free peer support for youth aged 29 and under (1-800-268-9688).

Hamilton Resources

Fruit Salad Hamilton Edition –a local community that aims to respond to the lack of spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary nonconforming folks. FruitSalad hosts a number of Hamilton events and meet-ups for 2SLGBTQIA+ women and non-binary nonconforming folks throughout the year including workshops, queer prom, etc.

Speqtrum –Speqtrum is a program of YWCA Hamilton that is youth-founded and youth-focused. Speqtrum focuses on skill-sharing and community building for 2SLGBTQIA+ young people in Hamilton, ON.

Kyle’s Place –Kyle’s Place is a trans and non-binary prioritized space that is committed to fostering community, solidarity, support, advocacy and access to resources, particularly for community members who are marginalized due to race, class, age, mental health and abilities.

GoodBodyFeel –a virtual movement studio based out of Hamilton, ON that aims to create virtual classes and workshops that are accessible and inclusive to all.

Compass Community Health – Hamilton-based programming dedicated to provide access to safe and accessible services for folks, regardless of barriers such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, faith affiliation, immigration status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability or age. FREE programs such as: 8 week CBT course for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to learn stress-coping skills, trans ID clinics to support folks in the process of updating their legal name and/or gender marker, peer-led peer support groups, and a workshop on safe self-administering of HRT injections intramuscularly and subcutaneously.

Kathleen Burns (she/her), Kathleen is a queer-identified Registered Massage Therapist in Hamilton who aims to offer affirming patient-centred care, welcoming to people of all genders and gender expressions.

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