Counselling Services Areas of Practice
LGBTQ+ Support
I endeavour to be an ally to members of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. I strive for a position of humility in my practice and it is my clients who ultimately decide on whether I have been a true ally or not.
Clients who attend my downtown Vancouver counselling and psychotherapy office tell me that I am a counsellor who helps them feel comfortable and at ease. They understand that they can talk without being judged and that I will listen. I provide therapy for clients with a variety of life concerns, including:
- Depression, including treatment-resistant depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety, including panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, phobias, social anxiety and generalized anxiety
- Addictions: alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, food, work
- Trauma: past or present
- Life Transitions
- Relationship issues, with the option of couples counselling (availability varies)
- And much more…Call or email me to ask!
LGBTQ+ clients also come to Willow Tree Counselling for support with:
- Questioning
- Coming out (including “late” coming out)
- Parenting
- Supporting trans loved ones
- Transgender issues (including–but not limited to–social, legal and medical transitioning journeys)
- Asexuality
- Homophobia / biphobia / transphobia
- Body image issues / eating disorders
- Rejection and discrimination by family, friends, employers and others
- Misgendering
- Isolation and small town upbringings
- Polyamorous or open relationships
- Marriage / long-term partnerships
- Domestic violence
- Aging
- Grief and loss
- HIV issues / sexual health
- Neurodivergence
- Disability issues
If you are seeking unconditional respect, strict confidentiality, a collaborative counselling approach, a calming office environment, and many years of experience as a therapist, you have come to the right place! Every identity is welcome here. I encourage you to contact me for a free 15 minute telephone consultation to ask questions and determine whether I am a good fit for you. I look forward to hearing from you!
A Note To Family Members
If you are parenting a trans or LGBTQ+ youth and feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to reach out. I work with parents and family members who are seeking an accepting counselling environment where feelings can be discussed openly and honestly, without judgment. As a parent of two LGBTQ+ youth, including one of whom is trans, I know how challenging this journey can be! My approach also includes sharing practical information that I have learned along the way, in the hopes of helping to smooth the way forward. I look forward to hearing from you.
Recommended Books
Books are now linked to independent booksellers; Willow Tree Counselling receives no financial remuneration for purchases made through these links. Please consider supporting local indie bookstores - many of which are fighting to stay open.
Empowered Boundaries: Speaking Truth, Setting Boundaries and Inspiring Social Change Top Pick
by Christien Storm (2018)
There is a lot of information available on boundaries but out of everything I’ve read, this is my top pick. The author is particularly notable for their discussion on the nuanced nature of boundaries–honouring the fact that setting boundaries is inherently difficult but that it is not necessarily a rigid, inflexible process. Practical, inclusive and trauma-informed, guiding strategies are offered.
Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family
by Rowan Jete Knox (2019)
A trans family memoir, showing what is possible within challenge, when love comes first.
Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes Top Pick
by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais (2022)
A children’s picture book told with sweetness and humour, that will also delight many adults too.
It’s About You Too: Reducing the Overwhelm for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids Top Pick
by Tracy Whitmore (2023)
The author stresses that when parents can honour their own thoughts, feelings and reactions to their LGBTQ+ children’s gender and/or sexuality journeys, they are in the best position to wholeheartedly support their children. A practical, encouraging book. Recommended.
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth
by Jo Langford (2020)
While designed for youth, this book–written by a sex-educator and longtime therapist–has practical and helpful information for parents who wish to better undersand and support their LGBTQ+ children.
The Transgender Child: Revised & Updated Edition: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Children
by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper (2022)
A thorough guide for families wanting to understand and affirm their transgender, gender-expansive, or nonbinary child, including transition-related information and guidance. The book also includes resources and a glossary of terms.
Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults: A Guide for Professionals and Families Top Pick
by Finn Grafton (2019)
An important intersectional work from a therapist with lived experience. Recommended.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities
by Mady G. & Jules Zuckerberg (2019)
A ‘101’ of the LGBTQ communities in a short illustrated guide: sexuality, gender identity, coming out, navigating relationships and more. Especially fun if you love mushroom illustrations.
A Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
by A. Bongiovanni & T. Jimmerson (2018)
Mini illustrated guide in comic form, packed with info and suggestions on using they/them pronouns. Now considered a classic. Especially recommended for family, friends and support people.
Beyond The Gender Binary
by Alok Vaid-Menon (2020)
Through the lens of their own life, this gender-nonconforming author compassionately explores and reimagines the gender binary.
Resources
Heads Up Guys
A wealth of information and resources on men’s mental health, with a focus on depression.
Trans Care BC
Equitable and accessible care, surgical planning, and peer and community support for trans people across the province. Also has a database of resources and groups for trans folks and their loved ones.
Vancouver Low-Cost Counselling List
List of private master’s-level counsellors, or their interns, offering subsidized counselling. Updated quarterly.
Crisis Services and Hotlines in Vancouver
Resource list, updated quarterly.
Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
Services strengthening the health and well-being of gay men.
Vancouver Friends For Life
Specialized support programs, including counselling, for persons living with HIV, cancer, hepatitis C and other illnesses.
Reduced-Cost Counselling [PDF]
A resource list of lower-cost professional counselling options in Vancouver. Corrections and suggestions welcome.
PFLAG
604-626-5667`
Info, referral and peer support to family members and friends of the LGBTQ+ communities.
Qmunity
604-684-5307
Serving and supporting LGBTQ+ folks and their allies. Programs, information and referral.