FREE 20 MIN CONSULTATIONS 42 Carden St, Guelph, ON (548) 490-4617

Everworth Counselling Services
Everworth Counselling Services
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  • More
    • Home
    • Our Team
      • Megan Gauthier, RSW
    • Specialties
      • Anxiety
      • Attachment Issues
      • EMDR
      • Trauma/PTSD
      • 2SLGBTQIA+
    • More Info
      • Fees
      • FAQ
      • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • [Book Now]
  • Home
  • Our Team
    • Megan Gauthier, RSW
  • Specialties
    • Anxiety
    • Attachment Issues
    • EMDR
    • Trauma/PTSD
    • 2SLGBTQIA+
  • More Info
    • Fees
    • FAQ
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • [Book Now]

Queer Affirming Therapy

Are you looking to explore your inner world in a space where it's safe to show up entirely as yourself?  Are you wanting to connect with a therapist who is part of the queer community themselves?  Seeking mental health support is tough enough without the fear off bias, judgement, and oppression. At Everworth, we actively celebrate the things that make you, you - from gender to sexuality and everything in between. 

Contact UsSchedule a Free Consult

What is Queer-Affirming Therapy?

Queer affirming therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is inclusive, supportive, and affirming of queer identities. When seeking support, many queer people encounter societal stigma, discrimination, and a lack of understanding, which can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. 


Queer affirming therapy recognizes these unique challenges and offers a supportive environment where you can feel seen, heard, and validated.  It acknowledges and embraces the diverse spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations, providing a nurturing space for you to explore your unique experiences.


At Everworth, we believe it's essential to create spaces where queer people can openly discuss their identities, relationships, and experiences without fear of judgement. We hope to empower you by affirming all of the parts of you, while simultaneously helping you to address any specific mental health concerns you may be facing. 

What can we talk about in Queer-Affirming Therapy?

TLDR; Everything!

Queer people seek therapy for the same various reasons anyone else does. Perhaps you're ready for a shift in the way you feel, the way you respond to situations, or your relationships with others and yourself. Only, many queer people have extra layers of trauma and/or shame around their identities, given the predominantly heteronormative society that we live in. You may deal with invalidation,  a lack of physical or emotional safety, or having to downplay or hide parts of yourself. 


In session, we can talk about it all - mental health issues, queer issues, the way they intersect, and anything in between.

Topics you might address in Queer-Affirming Therapy

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

  • Anxiety and Depression: Discuss any feelings of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues you may be experiencing.
  • Trauma and Healing: Address past traumas, including those related to discrimination, bullying, or abuse, and work towards healing.
  • Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance: Build self-esteem, self-acceptance, and a positive sense of self-worth.

Life Transitions

Mental Health Concerns

Mental Health Concerns

  • Career and Education: Discuss career goals, workplace challenges, and educational aspirations.
  • Major Life Changes: Navigate significant life transitions, such as moving, starting a family, or major personal changes.

Relationships

Mental Health Concerns

Identity Exploration

  • Romantic and Sexual Relationships: Talk about your relationships, including dating, intimacy, and communication with partners.
  • Family Dynamics: Address family relationships, including acceptance, rejection, and navigating family interactions.
  • Friendships: Explore the dynamics of friendships, support systems, and finding affirming communities.

Identity Exploration

Affirming Your Identity

Identity Exploration

  • Gender Identity and Expression: Discuss your gender identity, explore your gender expression, and navigate any feelings or questions you may have.
  • Sexual Orientation: Explore your sexual orientation, understand your attractions, and discuss any related experiences or challenges.

Coming Out

Affirming Your Identity

Affirming Your Identity

  • Personal Journey: Share your experiences of coming out, whether you are considering it or have already come out.
  • Family and Friends: Discuss strategies for coming out to family and friends, and process their reactions and your feelings.

Affirming Your Identity

Affirming Your Identity

Affirming Your Identity

  • Validation and Support: Share your experiences in a space where your identity is affirmed and supported.
  • Empowerment: Work on empowering yourself to live authentically and confidently.
  • Navigating Society: Discuss experiences of discrimination, microaggressions, and societal stigma.

Contact UsSchedule a Free Consult

You deserve support that works for you

At Everworth, our therapists are either queer themselves, or  well versed in providing queer affirming care. With us, you can show up as exactly who you are - and we will honour and celebrate you. We are committed to adapting our approaches, communication styles, and interventions to create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your identity, and navigate life's challenges. We're ready to help you to:


  • Explore how your identity impacts your life, and process your feelings about your gender/sexuality
  • Unpack internalized stigma and shame related to your identity
  • Discuss coming out to family, friends, partners, or others, and explore potential benefits and risks
  • Discuss experiences of isolation, loneliness, or exhaustion 
  • Explore relational dynamics, including intimacy and dating and family relationships
  • Address any mental health concerns (related to your identity or not), including trauma, anxiety, depression, dysphoria, etc.
  • Boost your sense of self-acceptance and self-worth

Book a free 20 minute consultation to learn more about queer affirming therapy at Everworth

BOOK A CONSULT NOW

Queer-Identifying & Affirming Therapists at Everworth

Megan Gauthier, MSW RSW

Individual therapy for adults


Specialties: Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Relationship and Attachment Issues, Anxiety, Growing Up With Emotionally Immature Parents, Shame, Dissociation, LGBTQ+


Individual session fee: $160*

*Exempt from HST

More about Megan

I have questions about queer affirming therapy...

Queer affirming therapy differs from other types of therapy in its explicit focus on affirming and validating queer identities. Therapists are trained to understand the cultural, social, and political contexts that impact queer individuals. This approach ensures that clients feel respected and understood, and it addresses the specific mental health issues related to discrimination, stigma, and identity exploration that queer individuals may face.


Yes, queer affirming therapy can address a wide range of issues unrelated to your queer identity. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, career concerns, or any other life challenges, your therapist can help. The affirming nature of this therapy means that you can discuss these issues in a space where your identity is respected and understood, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of the therapy.


No, you do not need to have a specific label or identity to benefit from queer affirming therapy. This therapy is inclusive of all identities and is beneficial for anyone exploring their gender or sexual orientation, or those who want a supportive and affirming environment to address their mental health needs. The focus is on creating a safe and validating space for you to explore and discuss whatever is important to you.


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Everworth Counselling Services
42 Carden Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3A2
info@everworthcounselling.ca
(548) 490-4617

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