Coming Out and Identity Therapists
Exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, or coming out can bring up complex feelings. Connect with affirming therapists on First Session who can support your journey.
Coming out and exploring identity—whether related to sexual orientation, gender, or other aspects of who you are—is a deeply personal journey. It can involve joy, relief, and authenticity, but also fear, uncertainty, and navigating reactions from others. Having affirming support during this process can make a meaningful difference.
On First Session, you can browse therapists who are experienced in supporting LGBTQ2IA+ individuals through identity exploration and coming out. Watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach feels right, then book directly online. All therapists have had their credentials verified during onboarding.
Kristin Michie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Kristin Michie
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
she/her
Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, College or University Coaching, Childhood trauma, Decision making, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, Coming out and identity, Emotional Fluidity, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Grief and Loss, Health anxiety, Infertility, Infidelity, Imposter syndrome, Women's Health, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma processing
Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, College or University Coaching, Childhood trauma, Decision making, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, Coming out and identity, Emotional Fluidity, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, Grief and Loss, Health anxiety, Infertility, Infidelity, Imposter syndrome, Women's Health, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Trauma processing
Rima Sehgal
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, YT, NU, MB, and SK.
Waitlist
Rima Sehgal
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss
Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Maternal mental health, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationships, School challenges, Trauma, Workplace stress, Grief and Loss
Ciara Williams
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Ciara Williams
Registered Social Worker
she / her
Trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Existential questions, Emotional regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Neurodiversity, Oppressive family dynamics, People pleasing, PTSD, Spirituality, Trauma processing
Trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Existential questions, Emotional regulation, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Neurodiversity, Oppressive family dynamics, People pleasing, PTSD, Spirituality, Trauma processing
Jennifer Henderson
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON and BC.
Waitlist
Jennifer Henderson
Registered Social Worker
They/She
LGBTQ2IA+, Trauma processing, Emotional regulation, Trauma, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, People pleasing, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Sexuality and gender issues, Suicidal ideation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Grief and Loss
LGBTQ2IA+, Trauma processing, Emotional regulation, Trauma, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Navigating challenging relationships, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, People pleasing, PTSD, Self Destructive Behaviour, Sexuality and gender issues, Suicidal ideation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Stress, Grief and Loss
Kelsey Mathison
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Kelsey Mathison
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
Identity and Self-Exploration, Creativity, Emotional regulation, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Self-Care Routines, Coming out and identity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Empowerment, Grief Processing, Group Therapy, Habits, LGBTQ2IA+, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Neurodiversity, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss
Identity and Self-Exploration, Creativity, Emotional regulation, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Self-Care Routines, Coming out and identity, Depression, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Empowerment, Grief Processing, Group Therapy, Habits, LGBTQ2IA+, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Neurodiversity, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Grief and Loss
Emily Duggan
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Emily Duggan
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
LGBTQ2IA+, Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Coming out and identity, Childhood trauma, Children/Teens, Fears and phobia, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Depression, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), PTSD, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Stress, Body Dysmorphia, Chronic and acute illness, Highly Sensitive Person, Identity and Self-Exploration
LGBTQ2IA+, Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Coming out and identity, Childhood trauma, Children/Teens, Fears and phobia, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Depression, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), PTSD, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Stress, Body Dysmorphia, Chronic and acute illness, Highly Sensitive Person, Identity and Self-Exploration
Shannon Freud
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Shannon Freud
Registered Social Worker
She/Her
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Caregivers, Parenting, Caregiver burnout, Coming out and identity, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Eating disorders, Couples Therapy, Depression, LGBTQ2IA+, Racism, Attention and Impulsivity, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Erica Berman
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Erica Berman
Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Aging, Anger Management, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Body Dysmorphia, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Couples
ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Aging, Anger Management, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Body Dysmorphia, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Coming out and identity, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Dating challenges, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Couples
Daisie Auty
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Daisie Auty
Registered Social Worker
she/her
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Relationships, LGBTQ2IA+, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Break-up recovery, Burnout, Coming out and identity, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Dating challenges, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Neurodiversity, Intergenerational trauma, Parenting, Relationship anxiety, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Sexuality and gender issues, Self-Criticism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Identity and Self-Exploration
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What does it mean to work on coming out and identity in therapy?
Working on coming out and identity in therapy can involve exploring your sense of self, processing feelings about your identity, preparing for conversations with family or friends, navigating reactions from others, and building resilience. It's a space to be fully yourself, ask questions, and work through the complex emotions that can accompany this journey.
Who might benefit from therapy around coming out and identity?
Anyone exploring their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other aspects of who they are may find therapy helpful. This includes people who are questioning, newly out, or navigating ongoing challenges related to identity. Therapy can also help those dealing with family rejection, discrimination, or internalized stigma. An affirming therapist provides support without judgment.
What's it like to work on identity in therapy?
Sessions are tailored to your needs and may involve exploring your experiences, processing emotions, building self-acceptance, and developing strategies for navigating relationships and social contexts. Your therapist creates a safe space where you can be open about your journey without fear of judgment. The pace is guided by what feels comfortable for you.
How long does therapy for coming out and identity typically take?
There's no set timeline. Some people benefit from short-term support around a specific decision or conversation, while others appreciate ongoing therapy as they continue to explore and grow. Your therapist can help you determine what makes sense for your situation.
How do I know if a therapist is right for me?
On First Session, you can watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their approach. Look for someone who explicitly affirms LGBTQ2IA+ identities and seems warm and understanding. Many therapists offer free consultations to help you decide if they're a good match.
How do I book a session?
Browse therapists on First Session who work with coming out and identity. Watch their intro videos, review their profiles, and book directly online when you find someone who feels supportive. You deserve care that honors who you are.