LGBTQ2S+ Counselling: Affirming Your Identity
Being part of the LGBTQ2S+ community is a journey that can be filled with unique joys, yet at the same time, it brings unique challenges. From navigating your identity and relationships to facing a world that isn’t always understanding, you may feel alone, anxious, or misunderstood. We want you to know: you don’t have to navigate this by yourself.
At Cognitive Alignment, we provide professional, affirming LGBTQ2S+ Counselling. This is a compassionate and non-judgmental space designed for you to be 100% yourself. Our goal is to support you with understanding and respect, helping you feel strong, resilient, and confident in who you are.
What is Affirming Therapy?
Affirming therapy is more than just being “friendly”; it’s an active commitment to supporting your truth. It means we operate from a baseline of belief and respect: your identity, orientation, and experience are valid and real.
Our role isn’t to question or “fix” you, but to celebrate you. We understand the deep and often invisible harm that discrimination, misgendering, and prejudice can cause. Our therapist is trained to help you navigate and heal from those wounds in a space where you can be your authentic self without fear.
How We Support You: Our Approach
Our therapeutic approach is client-centred and collaborative. We build our plan around you, your needs, and your goals, always respecting your words and pronouns.
Person-Centred Talk: We believe you are the expert on your own life. We’re here to listen, support, and help you find the answers that feel right for you.
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT): We help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, including internalized homophobia or transphobia, and build healthier new ones.
Strengths-Based: We focus on your inherent strengths. The resilience that has gotten you this far is a powerful tool, and we help you build upon it.
Practical & Resource Support: This can include helping you find community resources or providing letters of support for medical gender-affirming care, should you need them.
A Safe Space for Your Journey
Your story is unique, and we are here to listen with openness and support, free from any judgment. Our therapists are trained to help with the diverse concerns that members of the community may face.
We provide a safe space to explore:
Exploring Your Identity: A space to talk through your feelings about gender identity (trans, non-binary, genderqueer, etc.) or sexual and romantic orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etc.).
The “Coming Out” Process: Offering guidance and a safe sounding board as you navigate sharing your identity with family, friends, or at work, all at your own pace.
Gender Transition: Providing consistent support as you navigate the social, legal, and/or medical aspects of your transition.
Coping with Discrimination: Developing skills to manage the stress, anxiety, and trauma that can come from microaggressions, homophobia, or transphobia.
Family & Relationship Dynamics: Healing from family rejection or conflict, or strengthening your relationships as a couple (we welcome all relationship structures).
Mental Health Concerns: Addressing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in a context that understands and validates your specific life experiences.
Religious Trauma: A space to process and heal from past hurts or exclusion from non-affirming religious communities.
What to Expect in Counselling
A Truly Affirming Welcome: Your first session is a safe, confidential space for you to share your story. Our primary role is to listen with respect and understanding, ensuring you feel seen and heard from the very first moment.
Collaborative Goal-Setting: We’ll talk about what you want to achieve. Whether it’s exploring your identity, healing from a specific challenge, or building confidence, we’ll set goals that feel right for you.
Supportive Exploration & Skills: Our sessions will involve open, supportive dialogue. We’ll explore your feelings, and we may also work on new skills for managing stress, communicating, or setting boundaries.
Growth & Resilience: Therapy is a journey. Our goal is to help you build lasting resilience, find clarity, and feel empowered to live your most authentic life.
You Deserve to Be Seen, Heard, and Celebrated
Your identity is valid, your story matters, and you deserve a space where you can be your full self without question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be "out" to come to therapy?
Absolutely not. Your journey is entirely your own, and your privacy is our priority. Therapy is a 100% confidential space where you can safely explore your feelings and identity, whether you choose to come out or not. You are in control.
My family is not supportive. Can you help?
Yes. This is an incredibly common and painful challenge. We can work with you individually to build resilience, self-worth, and healthy boundaries. We can also offer family sessions, if and when other members are willing to participate in a constructive way.
What does "LGBTQ2S+" mean?
This acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), and Two-Spirit. The “+” sign is important, as it signifies our inclusion of all other identities, such as non-binary, pansexual, asexual, and many more. We welcome all identities.
Do I have to be in crisis to get counselling?
Not at all. While we are here for you in a crisis, therapy is also a powerful tool for self-exploration, building confidence, or simply having a dedicated, supportive space to talk about your life.
Is what we talk about kept confidential?
Absolutely. As a Registered Social Worker, all sessions are strictly confidential and bound by professional ethics and privacy laws.