Embrace Your Authenticity
Queer Affirming Therapy Ontario For Authentic Living.
Virtual queer affirming therapy and counselling for individuals, couples and families across Ontario.
VALIDATION & AFFIRMATION
Queer affirming therapy provides a safe space where your gender identity and sexual orientation are affirmed and respected. Our therapists are trained to understand and validate your experiences, helping you feel seen and understood.
IDENTITY EXPLORATION
We provide a safer space for exploring and understanding your gender identity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of yourself, allowing you to gain clarity and self- awareness while fostering personal growth and authenticity.
HEALING FROM MINORITY STRESS
We address unique stressors and challenges such as internalized shame, discrimination, stigma, and bullying. Our therapists can help you process and heal from these experiences, reducing their negative impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Lived Experience Matters
Queer folks go through a unique set of challenges that need to be considered when seeking help. Our therapists identify as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are familiar with the unique hurdles our community members face. Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective offers a safer space to connect with Queer affirming therapists, so you can get the support you need and deserve.
We get you.
Does this sound like you?
- I feel like I don't belong. What's wrong with me?
- I feel ashamed and embarrassed, and I struggle to connect
- I'm feeling depressed and anxious. What can I do to feel better?
- I'm feeling stuck, and don't know how to move forward.
- I don't feel seen, heard or accepted.
We are here to guide you, and support you every step of the way.
QUEER AFFIRMING THERAPY ACROSS ONTARIO
Areas We Support
Safe Space, Brave Journey: Queer Affirming Therapy
Queer lives are unique and beautiful. A queer-affirming therapist understands your challenges and can support your journey to well-being and authenticity.
EXPLORING YOUR IDENTITY
EXPRESSING
AUTHENTICITY
HEALING INTERNALIZED SHAME AND GUILT
IMPROVING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
MANAGING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
THRIVING WITH NEURODIVEGENCE
PROCESSING TRAUMA AND HEALING
NAVIGATING THE WORLD TODAY
LEARNING TO BE SELF-COMPASSIONATE
Live Authentically: Unleash Your True Potential
QUEER-AFFIRMING THERAPY
How We Can Help
Our queer-identified therapists offer individual and relationship counselling to tweens, teens and adults, virtually all over Ontario. Feeling safe and understood is essential, and our queer-affirming therapy creates a space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (and allies) to heal and thrive. Folks of all genders, sexualities, and cultural identities are welcome in our virtual office!
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a form of therapy that helps people manage their emotions, build connections, and cope with stress. It’s especially helpful for queer individuals who might experience unique challenges due to discrimination or navigating their identities. By learning skills to handle intense emotions and relationships, queer folks can boost their well-being and improve their connections with others.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a popular type of therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. For queer individuals, CBT can be a powerful tool to address internalized homophobia, transphobia, or other negative beliefs they may hold about themselves. By shifting these beliefs and developing positive coping strategies, people can experience greater self-acceptance and a boost in self-esteem.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a type of therapy that looks at the different “parts” of a person’s inner world and helps them work together harmoniously. For queer individuals, IFS can be incredibly useful for navigating the complexities of identity, especially when facing pressure to conform from society or family. By encouraging self-compassion and understanding, IFS helps people embrace every part of themselves.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT focuses on building strong emotional connections and creating a sense of security in relationships. For queer individuals and couples, EFT can be incredibly helpful for improving communication, rebuilding trust, and navigating conflict more effectively.
Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is a type of therapy that helps people improve their relationships by developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. It offers a safe and affirming space for queer individuals and couples to explore their emotions, navigate challenges, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people accept their thoughts and feelings while taking actions that match their values. ACT provides tools for queer individuals to explore and understand difficult emotions, navigate societal pressures, embrace their authentic selves, and build resilience in the face of discrimination without internalizing negativity.
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses creative expression as a way to heal emotionally and explore your inner self. It can be especially helpful for queer individuals who may find it easier to process complex feelings through art rather than words. By getting creative, people can gain insights, express themselves authentically, and feel more empowered.
Holistic Counselling
Holistic counselling looks at the whole person—your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This approach helps queer individuals develop self-care practices, improve their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Transpersonal Psychology
Transpersonal psychology delves into the spiritual side of human experience, focusing on how we’re all connected and the idea of something bigger than ourselves. This approach can help queer individuals explore questions of identity, purpose, and meaning in a way that goes beyond societal norms and expectations. By combining spiritual and existential perspectives, people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and find greater inner peace.
Compassionate & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Compassionate and psychodynamic psychotherapy dives deep into unconscious patterns, relationships, and emotional wounds. These approaches can help queer individuals uncover and heal from past traumas, navigate their identity journey, and develop self-compassion. By creating a supportive and trusting relationship with a therapist, this type of therapy can lead to profound healing and personal growth.
ABOUT US
Why Work With Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective
Kristie Brassard
MSW, RSW
Our virtual queer affirming psychotherapy clinic was built on the philosophy that we’re all imperfect humans with our own strengths and struggles – there are no bad parts of us, only steps to take in our personal journey to living authentically.
When you’re struggling with your emotions, feeling disconnected, or craving more meaning in your life, it can be hard to know what you need to start feeling better.
There are so many competing priorities that you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck existing in a space that isn’t giving you enough joy, peace, or purpose. We want to help tap into the inner strength that allows you to uncover the passion, confidence, and courage you have for living wholly as you.
Our therapists have extensive lived experience and professional expertise. We use a client-centered, eclectic, and holistic approach to help you get the results you need.
Let us help you embrace your authenticity boldly & proudly by supporting your goals, identity, and life aspirations!
Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective is a queer-affirming, ally friendly, virtual therapy practice that is:
INCLUSIVE
Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community often feel like outsiders who are being ridiculed, rejected, abandoned, or “othered”. Our practice aims to create a sense of belonging and representation for all clients.
AUTHENTIC
We model our beliefs in a way that develops a deeper connection with our clients. By creating a safe space for expression and vulnerability, we help you find your true voice and purpose that you want to carry into your own life.
COLLABORATIVE
Our therapists embrace a client-centered, eclectic approach, meeting clients where they are. We trust in their inherent wisdom & offer support, encouragement, and interventions to help tap into their inner resources.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Queer Therapists Ontario
OUR APPROACH
How Our Queer Therapy Works
YOU PICK YOUR CLINICIAN
Find the right therapist for you. You can book a free 15-minute consultation to see if the fit feels right between you and the clinician of your choice, or book an initial session right off the hop!
WE MEET YOU WHERE YOU’RE AT
We learn what you're struggling with now, what past challenges may be influencing your current distress, and how you want your life to be different. We want to hear your story, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
WE DEVELOP A COLLABORATIVE PLAN
We work with you to understand your goals and dreams, as well as the individual and collective barriers you face. Together, we develop a flexible plan specific to your needs, wants, and priorities.
WE WORK ALONGSIDE YOU
Each of our sessions is a stepping stone to living a more authentic, calm, and content life. We adjust the plan based on what you bring to each session, and what you need to feel good about today and in the future.
Questions About Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions About Queer Therapy
What does 2SLGBTQIA+ stand for?
The acronym that represents the queer community has changed and shifted over the years, and it continues to evolve.
2S: Two-spirited people
L: Lesbian
G: Gay
B: Bisexual
T: Transgender
Q: Queer & Questioning
I: Intersex
A: Asexual
+: And all other labels that represent the community.
Are your clinicians queer friendly?
Yes, all of our clinicians identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+
community. Supporting queer folks and allies is our passion, and
the team is diverse in their cultural backgrounds, sexuality & gender
identities. That being said, clients of all genders, sexual orientations,
spiritual, and cultural backgrounds are welcome in our virtual office!
What types of issues or concerns can you help me with?
We’re here to support your well-being journey. Our therapists help individuals, families, and couples with a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Stress management
- Trauma recovery
- Relationship challenges
- Gender and sexuality exploration
- Self-esteem and confidence building
- And much more…
How can you support someone who is questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity?
We understand the journey of self-discovery as queer people in a world that often expects something different. Our lived experiences and professional expertise combine to create a safe space where you can explore your true self, your desires, and how to overcome the challenges you face. We’ll help you connect with your inner knowing and express yourself authentically, at your own pace.
What therapeutic approaches do you use to support queer clients?
Our therapists blend the best of traditional and innovative approaches to create a truly personalized experience. We draw inspiration from various modalities, including:
- Cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, ACT)
- Relationship-focused therapies (EFT, Gottman Method)
- Mind-body approaches (IFS, Yoga, Mindfulness, Art therapy)
- And many others, to help you achieve your goals.
How long will it take to feel better?
Although the length of the therapeutic process varies between
clients, feeling heard and understood is a powerful experience. We offer a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with a therapist who truly listens. Whether you’re navigating challenges or celebrating your strengths, we’re here to support you on your journey.
QUEER THERAPY ACROSS ONTARIO
What You Can Expect From Queer Therapy
While therapy is a personal journey with varying results, many of our clients who engage fully in the process experience positive changes, such as…
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Stronger relationships
- Greater self-awareness and understanding
- Improved emotional regulation
- And a deeper sense of connection and contentment
Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective
Get In Touch
Unleash Your Pride
Kaleidoscope Counselling Collective
Embrace Your Truth: Queer Therapy for a Bold, Authentic Life
