Specializations

What is 2S LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counselling?

2S LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling provides a validating space for clients to explore their inner worlds without fear or bias. Our therapists are sensitive to the unique experiences and intersecting identities of our 2S LGBTQIA+ clients, delivering care rooted in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices.

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2S LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling can help with:

Offering guidance, support and resources for coming out to family, friends, partners or communities, whether your identity does or does not fit neatly into labels
Exploring and understanding affectional, gender, and sexual orientations or identities, as well as experiences of body dysphoria and euphoria
Unpacking internalized stigma, shame and feelings of rejection or exclusion
Coping with the impacts of discrimination, prejudice, oppression and developing strategies for self-advocacy
Discussing boundaries, self-care and feelings of frustration, exhaustion and the burden associated with advocating on behalf of 2S LGBTQIA+ experiences and needs
Processing emotional and mental health challenges like anxiety, attention or focus, hyperactivity, body image, depression, eating behaviours, stress, substance use, or trauma
Addressing family dynamics, the relationship with self and others, or intimate partner conflict and violence
Developing coping mechanisms and incorporating new techniques or tools for emotional expansion and regulation
Government and health care system navigation and exploring gender affirming care or medical transition options, such as hormone therapy (HRT) or gender confirming surgeries

How does 2S LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling work at Bliss?

At Bliss, we believe your counselling should be as unique as you are. We’ll begin by getting you matched with a therapist you feel safe opening up to.
Then, you’ll get started with your initial session. During this appointment (virtual or in-person), you’ll share more about your identities and what they mean to you. You’ll leave with a better sense of your goals and how your therapist will be able to support you!
From here, you and your therapist will co-create a custom path to better understanding the relationship you have with yourself and others. With a curious, culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive guide by your side, you’ll learn strategies for managing stressors, building community and fostering self-love!
Sometimes the exploration of affectional, gender and sexual orientation can activate past traumas or attachment wounds. You may be encouraged to address and process these challenges when unresolved issues arise. Your therapist will work with you to co-create strategies that align with your unique needs, values and goals for therapy.

Get started with 2S LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling today.

You deserve to feel accepted, understood, and respected in therapy! Let’s start today – a Bliss therapist is here and ready to help you get going. Simply fill out the form below to book your initial session.

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Connect with a therapist who gets you!

We are a group of passionately committed, highly trained, down-to-earth therapists, who are dedicated to understanding your unique story so we can tailor support to help you build a life you feel truly great about.

AthenaTherapist MSW, RSW