Navigating the teenage years can be difficult, and this is often doubly true for teens that are also wrestling with questions regarding their gender and/or sexual identity, or a lack of acceptance from those around them. Stigma and discrimination can be present in a school setting, in peer groups or other community groups, or family members, and this stigma can lead to deep-rooted challenges with mental health and wellbeing.
When facing these challenges, it is helpful to have a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore and be curious. If a teen feels supported and nurtured in this way, they are more likely to experience success in therapy. In sessions with our identified 2SLGBTQIA+ therapist, teens and families can rest assured that they have a knowledgeable ally to tackle the many challenges that arise in the teen years, both related to and not related to their 2SLGBTQIA+ identity.
At the end of the day, we all long for a place of belonging, and being in an accepting and supporting environment can help contribute to positive mental and physical health.
SEEKING OUT AN IDENTIFIED 2SLGBTQIA+ SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR TEEN’S THERAPY IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR TEEN.
Ceilidh Harrison (RP (Qualifying)) has over 12 years experience working with diverse youth in a variety of settings, including as a mental health researcher, camp director, and creative arts teacher. Through these experiences, she’s garnered particular focus and care for those from 2SLGBTQ+, low-income and neurodivergent communities.
As a queer person herself, Ceilidh deeply understands the importance of belonging, particularly during formative adolescent years. She hopes to offer a space that empowers 2SLGBTQ+ teens and adults to depeen their self-understanding and authentically explore their identity in whatever way feels right for them.
If you’re interested in booking a session with Ceilidh, click the button below her video! Alternatively, you can call us at 416-565-4504 or e-mail info@counsellingtorontoteens.com.
Anna Hartley (RP (Qualifying)) comes to us with 20 years of experience from her previous career, bringing a wealth of knowledge, both personal and professional, to her work as a therapist. She has worked with queer/genderqueer and questioning young people who were experiencing housing instability, addiction, mental health crises, and court involvement.
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, Anna wants to offer a safe space that encourages your most authentic self.
If you’re interested in booking a session with Anna, click the button below her video! Alternatively, you can call us at 416-565-4504 or e-mail info@counsellingtorontoteens.com.
Yes. Feel free to see our clinicians listed on our 2SLGBTQIA+ Therapy page or connect with our admin team to find out more information.
Our therapists gained experience from different avenues, whether through life experience, cumulative years working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or through training. Our therapists are well-versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities and can tailor their approach to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Yes. We work to make therapy a safe and accepting space for any form of identity exploration. We support teens at their pace, letting them take the lead in telling us what is and is not right for them in their therapy journey. Our goal is to support your teen in becoming a more confident, authentic, and fulfilled version of themselves, which means supporting them because of who they are, not in spite of it.
As with all specialized client populations, our therapists ensure they stay on top of the latest research, training, and news that impacts our clients’ care.
This might mean reading up on mental health care advancements from a relevant academic journal, participating in specialized training, or keeping up with policy changes that affect the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Sometimes, it can even be as simple as learning and advocating within their personal networks.
Whatever the method, each therapist at our clinic is well-equipped to support their ongoing professional development.
Being a teenager is all about self-discovery: their interests, hobbies, life goals, and identity. They need a safe space to figure it out, and whatever that looks like, we’ll be here to support them and help them navigate all those questions.
We all want to find a place of safety, acceptance, and love. Certainly we want our children to feel that way too. Within the safe walls of individual or family therapy, we can unpack that together.
This question is outside of our scope of practice as Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Social Workers. We’re happy to talk to you about your thoughts, desires, and/or concerns. We can also have a conversation with others on your child’s care team. Ultimately, your doctor/pediatrician, can make recommendations about this depending on the needs of your child.
If you’re looking for more specific information on gender affirming medical care and timelines in the GTA, consider consulting with the SickKids Gender Care Clinic.
The fact that you’re here is already a testament to your commitment to learning and growing alongside your teen. Our therapists would be happy to set up a call to pass along specific resources they recommend for your child’s unique situation.
In the meantime, here are a few helpful places to start:
267 Runnymede Rd,
Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y5
374 Danforth Ave. 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M4K 1N8
Monday to Thursday
11am - 8pm
Friday
10am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday
10am - 6pm
Book An Appointment Now
Stay up to date with blogs, news and resources at the Toronto Counselling Centre for Teens
Stay up to date with blogs, news and resources at the Toronto Counselling Centre for Teens
267 Runnymede Rd,
Toronto, ON, M6S 2Y5
374 Danforth Ave. 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M4K 1N8
