Therapy for the LGBTQ+ Community
By Therapists Who Understand
We recognize that for many queer and trans folx, finding a therapist who is both culturally competent and personally affirming can be difficult. Our clinicians create a space where your identity is respected, celebrated, and never questioned so you can focus on your healing and growth.
Bailey Toyota (they/them)
STUDENT CLINICIAN
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER-IDENTIFYING)
I work with individuals 13+, primarily with challenges related to anxiety, depression, and disability. I aim to create an environment that is especially welcoming to 2SLGBTQIA+ populations, with a special focus on trans folks. Being trans-non-binary myself, I understand that the world can be a scary place for us, and that it is difficult to be authentic and explore your identity openly.
Chrissy Martin (she/her)
STUDENT CLINICIAN
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER-IDENTIFYING)
I support clients navigating issues related to anxiety, attachment and relationships, gender and sexuality, identity, self-esteem, shame, substance abuse, trauma, and the emotional aftermath of abuse. As a queer person, I am especially passionate about supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, cultivating a space that is affirming, inclusive, and queer-informed.
Christopher Hayden (he/him)
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER-IDENTIFYING)
Growing up in Toronto, the experience of support I received as a queer person in Toronto’s 2SLGBTIQ communities inspires the work I do today. The focus of my experience has been in support of individuals experiencing anxiety, brain injury or stroke, caregiver stress, depression, difficulties in adjusting to illness or injury, integration of psychedelic experiences, problematic sexual behaviour, and sexuality.
Daniel Martin (he/him)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER IDENTIFYING)
Although I often begin with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, my approaches to counselling draw from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing as well. I strive to be flexible and creative in finding what works best for you. My past experience includes several years working with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families, treatment for problem gambling, and supporting residential treatment services.
Rachel Warner (she/her)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
(QUEER-INFORMED)
My work with the Queer community is inspired by many of my closest friends who graciously share their experiences about challenges they faced in therapy as a Queer person. I have an educational background in Queer Theory and specific training in working with the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience supporting clients in exploring their gender identity and sexuality, coming out, transitioning, and gaining confidence in their Queer identity. Most of my work is with teens and young adults at the early stages of identity exploration and coming out.
Samer Lazkani (he/him)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER IDENTIFYING)
I personalize therapy for each client because every individual or couple have their unique situation. I combine deep care and empathy while drawing from different clinical orientations that include Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I have supported individuals with concerns that include anxiety, body image, depression, gender and sexuality identity, and relationships.
Sandra Cesario (she/her)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST
(QUEER-INFORMED)
I incorporate eclectic psychotherapy techniques including a strengths-based perspective and solution-focused emphasis to meet individual goals. I have facilitated women’s groups and groups that supported healthy relationships, positive self-image and sexuality for individuals with ASD encouraging inclusion, access to information and resources.
Spencer Wheeler (he/they)
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER IDENTIFYING)
I understand just how difficult it can be to be yourself when one is constantly met with microaggressions or stereotyped for their identity. This is why I am so passionate about creating a therapeutic environment that is safe, non-judgmental, and guided by your unique needs – recognizing you as the expert of your own experience.
Tim Lee (he/him)
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
(LGBTQ+ / QUEER IDENTIFYING)
As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with specialized training as a music therapist, I work with clients age 7+ with presenting concerns related to anxiety and depression, career and life transitions, gender and sexuality related issues, grief and bereavement, peer relationship, and self-esteem. I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Why Work With an LGBTQ+ or Queer-Informed Therapist?
Working with a therapist who shares or deeply understands your identity can make therapy feel more comfortable, authentic, and validating.
Our LGBTQ+ and Queer-Informed Therapists can help you explore and navigate:
- Depression, anxiety, and trauma related to identity or social stigma
- Internalized homophobia or transphobia
- Gender identity and expression
- Minority stress and discrimination
- Relationship dynamics
- Sexual orientation and coming out
A Safe and Affirming Space for All Identities
Our clinicians proudly support individuals across the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum, including but not limited to the following identities:
- Asexual
- Bisexual
- Gay
- Genderfluid
- Intersex
- Lesbian
- Non-binary
- Queer
- Transgender
We offer both in-person therapy in downtown Toronto as well as online services across Ontario, making it easier for you to connect with the right therapist, no matter where you are.
Our LGBTQ+ and Queer-Informed Therapists integrate a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Each therapist tailors their approach to your unique needs, values, and lived experience.
LGBTQ+, Queer-Informed, and Queer-Friendly Therapists: What's the Difference?
It’s important to know the difference between the types of affirming therapists you might encounter when looking for support. At Church Wellesley Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have clinicians across this spectrum — all dedicated to providing safe, affirming, and knowledgeable care.
LGBTQ+ / QUEER THERAPISTS
These clinicians personally identify as part of the LGBTQ+ or queer community. They bring lived experience to their work, often providing clients with a deeper sense of shared understanding and authenticity. For many clients, this helps create a stronger sense of trust and belonging in therapy.
QUEER-INFORMED THERAPISTS
These clinicians have specialized training and knowledge in LGBTQ+ mental health issues, including minority stress, identity development, gender-affirming care, and trauma related to discrimination. They bring a clinically informed lens that helps address the unique mental health needs of queer and trans communities.
QUEER-FRIENDLY THERAPISTS
These therapists may not personally identify as LGBTQ+ but are committed allies who have experience working with queer and trans clients. They affirm and respect all identities, challenge discrimination, and ensure their therapeutic space is inclusive, respectful, and free of bias.