My Commitment to LGBTQ2SI+ Affirming Care

As a cisgender, straight woman, I am committed to providing affirming, inclusive care for the LGBTQ2SI+ community. This commitment goes beyond personal values—it reflects my ethical responsibility as a psychotherapist, in alignment with the standards set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). These standards emphasize respect for human dignity, cultural competence, and client-centered care. I strive to create a space where all clients, especially those from marginalized gender and sexual identities, feel seen, respected, and supported.

One of my core practices is being intentional in how I interact with and refer to each client. This includes using "they/them" pronouns when a person's gender is not specified, reflecting the inclusive nature of the English language and ensuring non-binary and gender-diverse people are respected. Normalizing the use of these pronouns is both a necessary step toward inclusivity and a challenge to the rigid gender norms still present in society.

In every session, I make sure to ask my clients how they want to be referred to. I never assume how a person identifies or what language best represents their gender and sexual identity. This intentional approach helps create a therapeutic space that is responsive to each individual’s needs, ensuring that all clients can express their authentic selves without fear of misunderstanding or invalidation.

I know that language and cultural understandings around gender and sexual identity are constantly evolving. That’s why I prioritize curiosity and openness in my practice, continuously educating myself and actively listening to my clients. It is crucial to recognize that there is no shame in not knowing every term, but there is harm in making assumptions. I commit to asking thoughtful questions and learning directly from those who live these experiences, ensuring that my therapeutic care is informed, respectful, and truly affirming.

My work aligns with the CRPO’s standards for cultural competence, which call on therapists to respect the diversity of their clients' backgrounds, including gender and sexual orientation. However, I also acknowledge that some regulatory and institutional policies have historically been biased or have failed to fully support marginalized communities. In my practice, I actively engage in behaviors that align with what is right for my clients, ensuring that I provide care that is affirming and free from the discrimination or biases that still persist in some areas of mental health care.

Supporting LGBTQ2SI+ clients means going beyond the minimum standards. It requires an intentional effort to foster a space where clients feel not only accepted, but celebrated. Upholding CRPO’s commitment to client autonomy, dignity, and non-discrimination is essential to my practice, but I also strive to go further—creating a practice where clients are empowered to express their true selves without fear or hesitation.

I understand that many marginalized communities, including LGBTQ2SI+ individuals, face financial barriers to accessing mental health care. To address this, I offer reduced rates for those who identify with marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ2SI+ community. I believe that financial challenges should never prevent someone from accessing the care they need. If you are in need of therapy and are unable to pay my full rate, please reach out so we can discuss a payment plan that works for you.

If I cannot for any reason take on a new client or offer a rate that works for you, I have a list of low-fee and no-fee therapists who are in training that I can refer you to. I always ensure that these therapists-in-training provide competent, affirming care before referring to them.

If you identify as part of the LGBTQ2SI+ community and are looking for a therapist who will affirm and respect your identity, I encourage you to contact me. My commitment is to provide a space where you feel heard, validated, and supported—where we can work together to address your needs in a way that honors who you are.