LGBTQ2IA+ Affirming Therapists

LGBTQ2IA+ affirming therapy provides support from therapists who understand and respect diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Connect with affirming therapists on First Session.

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Finding a therapist who truly understands LGBTQ2IA+ experiences can make a significant difference in your therapeutic journey. Affirming therapists approach your identity with respect and understanding, without requiring you to educate them or justify who you are. Whether you're navigating coming out, processing minority stress, working through relationship issues, or dealing with other life challenges, an affirming therapist provides a safe space.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who identify as LGBTQ2IA+ affirming. Watch their intro videos to get a sense of their approach and see if they feel like a good fit. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding. Book your first session online when you find someone you connect with.

Thiviyan Sithganesan

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Thiviyan Sithganesan

Thiviyan Sithganesan

Registered Social Worker
He/Him
$180/session
Childhood trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger, Attachment, BIPOC, Burnout, Children/Teens, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Infidelity, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Mindfulness, Motivation, Phobias, Stress, Insomnia, Couples, Grief and Loss
Childhood trauma, Relationships, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger, Attachment, BIPOC, Burnout, Children/Teens, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Emotional regulation, Health anxiety, Infidelity, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Mindfulness, Motivation, Phobias, Stress, Insomnia, Couples, Grief and Loss
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Emily Duggan

Registered Psychotherapist
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Offers In-Person (Alliston, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Emily Duggan

Emily Duggan

Registered Psychotherapist
She/her
$165/session
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
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Lauren Gaudet

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Calgary, AB)
Virtual Sessions in AB and BC.
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Lauren Gaudet

Lauren Gaudet

Registered Social Worker
(They/She)
$150/session
Trauma processing, Anxiety, Burnout, Deep Brain Reorienting, Emotional regulation, LGBTQ2IA+, Nervous system regulation, Mind-body connection, Depression, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic Illness, Self-Regulation, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Transitioning into Adulthood, Stress, Overwhelm, Brain injury, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Trauma processing, Anxiety, Burnout, Deep Brain Reorienting, Emotional regulation, LGBTQ2IA+, Nervous system regulation, Mind-body connection, Depression, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic Illness, Self-Regulation, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Transitioning into Adulthood, Stress, Overwhelm, Brain injury, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Shannon Freud

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Shannon Freud

Shannon Freud

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$170/session
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
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Daisie Auty

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Daisie Auty

Daisie Auty

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$165/session
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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About First Session
What is LGBTQ2IA+ affirming therapy?

LGBTQ2IA+ affirming therapy is an approach where therapists respect, understand, and support diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Affirming therapists don't treat LGBTQ2IA+ identities as something to be changed or fixed. Instead, they create a safe space where you can explore any topic without fear of judgment, and they understand the unique challenges that can come with being part of the LGBTQ2IA+ community.

Who might benefit from LGBTQ2IA+ affirming therapy?

Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ2IA+ may benefit from working with an affirming therapist—whether you're seeking support for identity-related concerns or any other life challenge. Having a therapist who understands your experience means you don't have to explain the basics of your identity and can focus on what brought you to therapy. It's also valuable for those questioning their identity.

What's it like to work with an affirming therapist?

Working with an affirming therapist means having someone who respects your identity from the start. You can discuss any topic—whether related to being LGBTQ2IA+ or not—without worrying about judgment or having to educate your therapist. Sessions focus on what matters to you while your therapist holds awareness of how your identity may intersect with your experiences.

How long does therapy typically take?

The duration of therapy depends on what you're working on and your personal goals. Some people come for support during a specific transition or challenge, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. Your therapist can help you determine what makes sense for your situation. There's no set timeline—therapy proceeds at your pace.

How do I know if a therapist is right for me?

Finding the right affirming therapist involves looking at their approach, experience, and whether their personality feels like a good fit. On First Session, you can watch intro videos to get a sense of each therapist before booking. This helps you find someone you feel comfortable with and confident will understand your experience.

How do I book a session?

Browse LGBTQ2IA+ affirming therapists on First Session. Watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you. When you're ready, book your first session directly online and choose between virtual or in-person appointments based on your preference.