2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy in Ottawa
Find care that sees the whole you.
Do you feel like you’ve had to hide or compartmentalize parts of yourself just to get by?
Are you wrestling with questions about gender, sexuality, or identity in a world that often doesn’t understand?
Are you carrying anxiety, shame, or trauma from being rejected by your family, community, or school?
Or are you simply seeking a therapist who gets it, someone you don’t have to educate before you can begin to heal?
You deserve a space where you don’t have to explain yourself, where your experience is not only accepted but deeply honoured. Whether you’re exploring your identity, coping with the effects of rejection or trauma, navigating relationships, or seeking a therapist who is affirming and safe, we’re here for you at The Wren Centre in west Ottawa.
Finding an LGBTQ therapist in Ottawa
Many LGBTQ2S+ people come to therapy because the world isn’t built with us in mind. From microaggressions to outright violence, these experiences can create stress that accumulates in the body and mind.
The mental health impacts of systemic discrimination are well documented. LGBTQ youth are more than twice as likely to experience depression, and transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, suicidal ideation, and trauma-related symptoms.[1]
And yet, your identity is not a diagnosis. You are not broken. In fact, your resilience in the face of these pressures is profound.
At The Wren Centre, we recognize that there are many challenges LGBTQ2S+ folks can face such as anxiety, depression, CPTSD, or burnout and these can be intertwined with systemic oppression. Affirming therapy means naming these forces while helping you reconnect with your own truth, strength, and aliveness.
1. Egale Canada: Still in Every Class report (2021)
Support for Trans, Nonbinary, and Queer Clients
LGBTQ2S+ affirming therapy can help you:
Unpack internalized messages and expectations that no longer serve you
Navigate gender transition, coming out, or identity development with care and clarity
Process past trauma, including religious trauma or family rejection in a safe and attuned environment
Strengthen relationships, set boundaries, and explore what safety, joy, and connection mean to you
Work through anxiety, depression, or body image challenges in ways that honour your identity
At The Wren Centre, our therapists work collaboratively and compassionately, bringing a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens to our work. We’re not just affirming, we’re celebratory, curious, and committed to deep respect. We can work with you via virtual therapy, or in-person at our west Ottawa office - minutes from Stittsville, Kanata and a short drive from Nepean.
You won’t be pathologized or minimized here. You’ll be met with warmth, nuance, and a belief in your wholeness.
How is gender affirming therapy tailored to my needs?
What sessions might look like:
You may begin by telling your story in your own words… or not. Some clients prefer to start with body-based mindfulness or creative tools.
We might explore the pressures of performing for others, the longing to belong, or how past experiences still live in your body.
Some sessions focus on emotion regulation or skill-building, while others are spacious, intuitive, and exploratory.
Your therapist will work with you to co-create a space that fits your needs, pace, and goals.
But You Might Still Have Questions About Therapy for LGBTQ2S+ Folks...
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Unfortunately, many LGBTQ2S+ clients have. That’s why we centre safety and consent. You’re in charge of the process. You can ask questions, express discomfort, and even pause therapy if needed. Our goal is to co-create a space where you feel empowered, not judged.
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Absolutely. Whether you're questioning your identity or simply want a space where your full self is welcomed, you're welcome here. There’s no one way to be gay, queer, trans, nonbinary, bi, ace, or anything else - this therapy process is tailored to your needs; not anyone else’s.
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We see individual LGBTQ2S+ clients of all ages, and we also support parents and caregivers of gender-diverse or questioning children. Affirming therapy can help families build connection, understanding, and resilience together.
We’re Here When You’re Ready
Our team includes queer therapists with lived experience in the LGBTQ2S+ community, as well as those who have completed specialized training in gender-affirming care, trauma therapy, and neurodiversity. We’re grounded in real-world understanding, ongoing education, and deep respect for your story.
Whether you're navigating big transitions or just need a place to explore the chemistry between your inner and outer worlds, we’re here.
Ready for a step toward balance?
We offer free consultations so you can get a feel for whether The Wren Centre is the right fit. We also take great care in matching you with a therapist who meets your needs, whether you’re looking for a therapist offering counselling for non-binary people or therapy to support your trans journey.
Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation with an inclusive therapist on our west Ottawa team.
Sign up for our free workshops for parents or caregivers of gender diverse/trans teenagers. Get the support you need with workshops and therapy in west Ottawa or online in Ontario.