Starting 2SLGBTQ+ counselling is similar to driving. You may feel embarrassed or overwhelmed being in the driver’s seat, as you may worry you will be judged or criticised. Some days, you may experience low self-esteem, and on other days, you may feel anxious. However, you are capable and equipped to get behind the wheel. I sit next to you in the passenger seat, ensuring you are safe, heard, validated, and supported as you drive. With your permission, we will unpack and process your self-discovery journey. You can pull over, slow down, or change lanes at any time. Driving home after your LGBTQ counselling session, you feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I empower you to make decisions and regain control of your life in a safe, affirming, and supportive space, where you can connect with an LGBTQ-friendly therapist who understands your unique experiences.
I am a registered clinical counsellor in Burnaby (#19428) dedicated to supporting individuals who identify as Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual and gender diversities (2SLGBTQ+). I understand that 2SLGBTQ+ folks experience unique challenges, and as a counsellor, I do my best to learn about these challenges by attending training and engaging with people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
I am a Burnaby therapist who supports you in healing from the rejection, discrimination, or stigma you experienced, and we unpack how your gender identity or sexual orientation impacts your sense of self and your life. This happens in a safe, affirming, non-judgmental, and confidential space in Burnaby and online. You may struggle with how others treat you, feeling judged, criticised, or like you don’t belong. I work with you to help you overcome your struggles, meet your own needs, and strengthen your relationship with yourself.
At Ease Counselling in Burnaby, I offer individual, in-person, and online counselling services for adults and youth within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I work with you to help you achieve your goals and improve your mental health.
As your Burnaby BIPOC counsellor, I ensure you feel seen, heard, validated, and accepted. Starting your healing journey takes courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way, as an LGBTQ allied therapist who is committed to your well-being.
Some clients struggle with their identity and consequently do not feel like they belong in mainstream society, where heteronormative narratives are widespread and accepted. Your friends and family members may not know you are struggling with your gender, identity, and view of self. Intersectional issues may add to a client’s struggles, especially if they were raised in a culture or religion that is not accepting of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Thus, some clients struggle to find a sense of belonging within society.
At Ease Counselling in Burnaby provides a safe space to share and continue your self-discovery journey. I create an affirming, non-judgmental, and confidential space where we accept and explore your challenges, including those related to LGBTQ relationship counselling and navigating life with support from an experienced LGBTQ therapist.
Clients share a range of concerns in 2SLGBTQ+ counselling. Some concerns include:
Burnaby 2SLGBTQ+ counselling provides a nonjudgmental, affirming, kind, and compassionate space to help you heal from rejection or discrimination. Together, we focus on your needs, which may include the following:
As your counsellor in Burnaby, I use a variety of different counselling modalities to support LGBTQ clients. Every client is different, and as a counsellor, I support each client with where they are in their healing journey. Counselling modalities that can help include:
ACT can help clients accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to change them. It can also help individuals change their behaviour so that it aligns more closely with their values.
CBT can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns. It can also help individuals challenge thinking traps. Sometimes clients struggle with black and white thinking, or they catastrophize. CBT can help shift these thought patterns.
DBT can help individuals with emotional regulation by learning skills to help them cope. It can also help individuals learn strategies to improve their distress tolerance. Sometimes clients struggle with anxiety or feelings of depression; DBT skills can help clients cope in the moment.
Burnaby 2SLGBTQ+ counselling focuses on strengthening your connection with yourself by exploring your gender identity and sexual orientation. We also focus on the connection between your race, culture, values, and identity. In counselling, I provide a safe space for clients to share their experiences and to build self-esteem and self-acceptance. Some individuals experience rejection and discrimination from loved ones. It can feel lonely, upsetting, and disappointing when those closest to us are not able to love and support us as we need and want. I focus on a client’s strengths and resilience, and we work together to establish new, supportive connections. Some clients experience depression and anxiety as they navigate their identity. In rainbow counselling, as a Burnaby therapist, I provide affirming care, supporting and empowering you on your self-discovery journey.
Burnaby 2SLGBTQ+ counselling explores the rejection, discrimination, and stigma you experienced. In counselling, we unpack your experiences, identify your triggers, and explore how you react or respond when you feel triggered. We also explore your thoughts, feelings, view of self, and relationships with others. Some clients share their struggles with internalised homophobia, for example, and how this impacts their relationships. We explore how their faith or religious background impacts their self-talk. I work with you to cultivate a kinder, more compassionate, and accepting self-talk. Other clients struggle to build healthy relationships in which they feel seen, safe, and heard. We focus on what gets in the way, and we spend time identifying green and red flags in relationships. In couples therapy for LGBTQ folks, as a Burnaby therapist, I provide affirming care, supporting and empowering you on your self-discovery journey, while also addressing the unique dynamics of same-sex couples counselling and offering specialised support as a gender therapist.
Burnaby 2SLGBTQ+ counselling helps you heal from the rejection, discrimination, or stigma you experienced. You may struggle with feelings of loneliness, embarrassment, shame, anger, and sadness. We work together to unpack past experiences and heal them so that they are no longer triggering. Some clients worry that they will continue to experience discrimination and struggle with belonging. In counselling, I validate these concerns and explore how clients can develop a sense of belonging. Some clients disclose that they find it challenging to come out and share their gender identity and sexual orientation due to fear of judgment and lack of acceptance. We work together to unpack these worries and fears, and we find a way to move forward. As your Burnaby therapist, I encourage self-discovery and celebrate diverse sexual orientations, offering support through free initial consultations for LGBTQ counselling. I am also an experienced LGBTQ youth therapist, and I provide compassionate care as a female therapist who understands your needs.
It is unclear why some people are heterosexual and others are gay, lesbian, or another sexual orientation. Some people believe that genes predetermine this, and research shows that sexual orientation is determined early in life, sometimes at birth. Others focus on how human beings are exposed to people from a range of gender and sexual identities, and that this influences an individual's preference.
It can be heartbreaking and devastating when family members or a community are unable to accept and love a child because of their gender or sexual orientation. As a Burnaby therapist, I support parents and caregivers in creating a safe and non-judgmental space at home, school, and online. Sometimes, youth share that they feel alone or that they don’t belong. With these clients, additional support from professionals can help. For example, engaging in a youth club that is inclusive and celebrates diversity. Or participating in activities specifically designed for youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. Inclusive, safe, affirming spaces for children and youth help ensure that they feel seen and heard.
There is no cure. Identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ is not an illness. Some LGBTQ folks have had interactions and relationships with heterosexual individuals. However, these experiences have not led them to change their orientation. Some gay, lesbian, or bisexual folks have heterosexual relationships due to pressure or expectations from family, their culture, or society. Others do not explore their sexual orientation until much later in life due to fear or judgment from others. As a Burnaby therapist, I support individuals on their discovery journey.
If your child or youth has approached you about their gender, they may be seeking reassurance and support. It also means that they feel safe to open up to you, and they may be seeking further professional support to help them on their journey. If, however, your child hasn’t opened up to you but you sense that they are struggling, I would invite you to be curious and to make space. Sometimes, engaging in conversations around gender and sexual orientations can help children or youth open up. At Ease Counselling in Burnaby can support you and your youth navigate this.
Many individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ express that they did not choose to be part of this community. Instead, they notice how they feel around the same sex or how they do not belong in their body with the gender they were born into.
As a Burnaby BIPOC counsellor, sessions focus on meeting you where you are and working at your pace, alongside you, with compassion, kindness, and curiosity, both in-person and online.
As a Burnaby therapist, I incorporate evidence-based modalities in every session. I am trained in various evidence-based modalities, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Each of these modalities equips me to support your unique needs, and we work together to achieve your counselling goals.
As a Burnaby therapist, I understand the impact of inequality and oppression when supporting you in a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive space in-person and online. People from all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, including 2SLGBTQ+, are welcome. As a South Asian Burnaby therapist, I create a culturally sensitive space, and I am curious to learn more about your culture, norms, and values.
