LGBTQ+ community
When you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the process of seeking help from mental health professionals can sometimes feel intimidating, especially considering that many therapists may not openly acknowledge their lack of knowledge in mental health care for the queer community. That’s where connecting with a therapist with lived experience can be so helpful. At Integra Skills Counselling, we have two empathetic and experienced LGBTQ+ affirming therapists on our team who both work out of our Burlington, Ontario office location.
We know that it’s important to feel welcome and fully supported when you are seeking therapy, especially if you may have felt “othered” because of your identity. We’re here to offer trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ friendly mental health care.
Meet LGBTQ+ Therapist James Curtis-Welsh
Hi I’m James,
I offer individual therapy for folks ages 18 and older. I’m a Registered Social Worker and I’ve been providing mental health and community care for over 10 years. I’m also a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
As someone who has benefitted from counselling myself, I understand that it can be tricky, trying to find the right therapist for what your specific needs are. I want to just say that even the act of “looking” for a mental health provider is a big step in the right direction.
Meet LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist Nicole Lethbridge
Hi I’m Nicole,
I provide therapy for adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older. I am a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, with a background as a caseworker for at-risk individuals in the Hamilton region. I’ve worked extensively with teens, Indigenous people, and our lovely 2SLGBTQ+ community. I have specific training around providing care to queer and trans identified people, and this area of mental health is one that I have a deep appreciation for.
I provide therapy both online and in person out of Integra Skills Counselling’s Burlington location.
Honouring Your LGBTQ+ Experience
Therapists who specialize in catering to the LGBTQ+ community, providing a supportive environment that really affirms and honours your day to day life and experiences. When you can address your mental health needs with a mental health professional that truly understands, it can help you to relax and feel safer in your therapy sessions.
The benefits of seeing a therapist who understands LGBTQ+ mental health:
- No need to “educate” your therapist: When your therapist is queer, there is an understanding around the non-hetero-normative aspects of life. Where sometimes if you’re talking to a therapist who is straight, even if they are allied, they may be confused, or unaware about how common your lifestyle or relationship choices are within your community.
- Customized Approaches: Your therapy sessions will be tailored to your unique needs, to ensure a more personalized mental health care experience.
- Safe Environment for Exploration: At Integra, we are dedicated to making sure all clients feel welcome and safe. So you can freely explore your identity, relationships, and experiences without fear of prejudice or misunderstanding.
- Supportive Coping Strategies: You’ll learn techniques so you can cope with issues such as discrimination, identity-related stress, or relationship difficulties within the LGBTQ+ context.
