2SLGBTQIA+ Counselling in Victoria BC
Non-judgmental, inclusive, and affirming counselling for issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity
COUNSELLING TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE WORLD AS A QUEER PERSON
Whether you or a loved one is two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual or any of the other identities under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella, or on a journey of exploring gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, therapists at Bodymind Counselling are here to support you.
Understanding one’s sexual orientation and gender identity can be a lifelong process, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and anti-oppressive environment for this exploration.
We also know that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks need counselling for issues entirely unrelated to sexual orientation or gender identity – and we are here for that too!
THERAPY CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR GENDER IDENTITY AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Many people seek therapy to support them after years of wondering if they may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or asexual. If you find yourself asking, “am I trans,” or “am I bisexual or lesbian or gay” or otherwise feel that something is holding you back from a connected and comfortable life, therapy can be a wonderful tool. Asking these questions is healthy and normal!
It also sometimes happens that when people begin to address their depression, anxiety or other issues, they find that underneath it all they have been avoiding their gender identity or sexual orientation.
THERAPY FOR DYSPHORIA
Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can experience dysphoria in many different ways. Dysphoria refers to a sense of unhappiness, indifference, unhappiness, and discomfort. For queer people, this can manifest as a profound discomfort with their bodies, the way their gender is perceived, their role in relationships, or the way they have been socialized. While not all 2SLGBTQIA+ people experience dysphoria, this condition can be debilitating, and therapy can be part of your journey to feeling better.
TRAUMA-INFORMED AND ANTI-OPPRESSIVE THERAPY FOR QUEER PEOPLE
Our team of affirming therapists also understand that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community often face discrimination and violence related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Therapy can be an important tool for addressing trauma and adverse childhood experiences–and our body-centered approach can be especially helpful if you have experienced violence, fear, or dysmorphia, or you have had to repress your identity. Bodymind Counsellors are also equipped to help with trauma from a religious upbringing, if applicable.
For some 2SLGBTQIA+ clients, a body-focused approach isn’t appropriate, or needs to be approached with lots of sensitivity, especially in the initial phase. Our counsellors are flexible and will adapt their strategies in partnership with you.
CENTERING QUEER JOY
While we recognize the many challenges queer people face, our team understands the importance of queer joy, queer community, and affirming spaces to the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We want to work with you and celebrate with you as you discover this deep joy and resilience!
AFFIRMING THERAPY FOR 2SLGBTQIA+ PEOPLE
We strive to be a practice where our queer clients will not have to explain their identities to us – you should show up to your therapy appointment ready to get into the work, not explain your experience to your counsellor.
Whether your reason for seeking a therapist is related to your gender identity or sexual orientation or another aspect of your life, at Bodymind Counselling, we know that your queer identity is a fundamental aspect of who you are and plays a role in how you show up and experience all aspects of your life. A 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive counsellor is an essential part of the safe container you need to focus on your own growth and healing.
All of our team members are affirming and will be happy to work with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients. Many of our therapists are also members of the community. We encourage you to learn more about our team and consider booking a free 20 minute consultation to find a therapist who will be a good match for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling for 2SLGBTQIA+ People
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For many people the journey to discovering their own sexual orientation and gender identity is lifelong. Your life experiences will change how you relate to other people and experience your own gender. Most people experienced some degree of homophobia and transphobia in the environment they grew up in, and it may take time to work through this and be able to accept and understand yourself. Our therapists will affirm you and meet you where you are at as you explore your identity and orientation and discover your true self. We can’t answer the question for you, but we will help you find your own answer.
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Although we know there are many complex, personal factors that go into a decision to come out, our therapists have worked with many clients who have come out later in life. We know that being in the closet can pose significant challenges to your mental and even physical wellbeing, and we are also aware that it is not always safe to be out. Our therapists will work with you to explore how you can live your truth and your best life at any stage of life.
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Most extended benefit plans do cover the services of a Registered Clinical Counsellor or a Registered Social Worker, but please check your plan to confirm. Unfortunately, MSP does not cover private counselling services.
We believe everyone should be able to access therapy, regardless of their financial situation or income. Bodymind Counselling offers counselling sessions with highly trained and carefully selected student counsellors, who have completed the academic portion of a Masters in Counselling program. These students are hand-picked from a long list of applicants, and undertake a 12 month practicum at our clinic. They offer sessions both in person, and via secure video therapy. These sessions cost $30 for your first appointment and $60 plus GST for subsequent appointments.
Students receive intensive supervision and lots of instruction during their 12-month practicum, and are able to provide clients with a longer-term relationship and more sessions than many other short-term, low-fee options can provide.
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While this varies greatly from person-to-person, clients experiencing acute challenges often benefit from approximately 6-8 appointments, while clients unpacking complex and chronic problems may need more. We know that time and cost are a barrier for many of our clients, and we will work hard to make every appointment count for you. Some people may experience great relief almost immediately, and others may want to work with their therapist over a period of months or even years.
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Our team provides in-person appointments for clients based in Victoria, BC and virtual appointments for clients in other locations in British Columbia who prefer virtual therapy for any reason.
