2SLGBTQIA+ COUNSELLING
Serving Kitchener-Waterloo, Milton, Oakville, London, and the surrounding areas, Anchoridge Counselling takes great pride in working with individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The world has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Despite rapidly growing cultural acceptance of diverse sexual and romantic orientations and gender identifications, oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of 2SLGBTQIA+ people persist. Many individuals who identify themselves as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community seek counselling for similar reasons to non-2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (ie. depression, anxiety, grief, couples therapy, work stress etc). And while some issues have little to do with sexuality, gender or identity, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community does have its own set of unique challenges as well.
So What Do I Do With These Feelings?
While this is a broad category that includes a wide range of challenges and stressors. This can include coming out to one's family and friends, sorting out an "authentic" sense of self (including gender dysmorphia and sexual identity issues), monogamy and polyamory or open relationships, discrimination and oppression, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. All of these are in the face of social expectations and pressures, which can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, engaging in self-harm behaviours, and/or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Given these stressors that individuals in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community contend with, it is no wonder they suffer from mental health issues at a disproportionately high rate.
Supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
At Anchoridge Counselling, we draw a strong focus on working with individuals who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Our team of therapists have a well-rounded understanding of the best way they can support individuals and their unique circumstances. We understand the unique hardship that comes with the diverse intersectionality of the community, and we want you to be heard, understood, and seen for who you truly are.
Our team of therapists will evaluate each person individually to determine what type of treatment is best. Treatment is customized to fit the specific needs of each person. This means that our clinicians will work with you to develop a treatment strategy that you are comfortable with and can utilize in your day-to-day life.
We use psychotherapy methods such as:
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Affirmative and Supportive Talk Therapy
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...to help individuals change negative coping mechanisms, created through stress and trauma, and cultivate new, healthier means for personal growth.
2SLGBTQIA+ Counselling Offers a Safe and Welcoming Space
Whether you are struggling with coming out, questioning your gender identity, are in transition, or are facing difficulties within your relationships, we at Anchoridge Counselling are here to support you in any and every way possible. We will always provide you with a safe and welcoming space where you can express and explore yourself while receiving continuous support from us.
In the province, you are required to have a referral letter from a Qualified Therapist (or Doctor) to begin Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and/or gender-confirming surgery. We want to be there for you and support you when you make that life-changing decision - Natasha Lavji has the ability to write such a letter, provided you have been in her care for at least one year.
AVAILABLE COUNSELLORS
Here are links to a few of our clinicians who specialize in 2SLGBTQIA+ counselling.
BRANDI MAY
RP (Qualifying)
WATERLOO
EBRU EKMEN
RPQ (Qualifying)
OAKVILLE & MILTON
LOLITA SCHMALENBERG
MSW, RSW
WATERLOO