Home / Services / LGBTQ2S+ Affirming Counselling
Counselling where you do not have to explain or defend who you are. We provide respectful, affirming support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, non-binary and questioning people, and for couples and families who want to support each other.
Registeredclinical social worker
In personor online across Alberta
MultilingualEnglish, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu
On this page: What it is Signs How we help How it works Therapists FAQ Book
Quick answer
Affirming counselling means your sexual orientation and gender identity are respected as valid parts of who you are, not as problems to fix. Sessions focus on what you want help with, whether that is anxiety, depression, relationships, family conflict, coming out, gender identity questions or the stress of discrimination. Your counsellor follows your lead and uses the names and pronouns you choose.
We also support parents, partners and family members who want to understand and support an LGBTQ2S+ loved one, including in South Asian and newcomer families where conversations about identity can feel especially hard.
Is this right for you?
You do not need to be in crisis. People reach out for support with many different things.
Deciding whether, when and how to come out to family, friends, community or at work.
Exploring sexual orientation or gender identity at your own pace, without pressure.
Tension with parents, faith or community expectations, or fear of rejection.
The impact of discrimination, harassment or having to hide who you are.
Communication, conflict or intimacy concerns in same-sex, queer or trans relationships.
Worry, depression, isolation or self-harm thoughts, whatever the cause.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if we are the right fit. No referral is needed.
How we help
We start by listening. You decide what to focus on, and identity is part of the conversation only as much as you want it to be.
Sessions are usually 50 to 60 minutes, in person at our South Edmonton office or online by secure video anywhere in Alberta.
Your chosen name and pronouns are used, and your identity is never treated as something to change. Conversion practices are banned in Canada, and we do not provide them.
We understand that family, faith and culture can be sources of both strength and strain, and we work with all of it respectfully.
CBT, DBT skills and trauma-informed counselling for anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. Couples and family sessions are available.
Step by step
A typical path. Your therapist adapts it to you.
A free 15-minute call to share what is going on, ask questions and get matched with the right therapist.
We listen, understand your history and goals, and agree on a plan together.
You build practical skills in session and try them in daily life, at a pace that feels manageable.
We check progress against your goals and adjust, wrap up, or plan follow-up support.
Care from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (MSW, RCSW) who is a Diplomate and Certified in CBT, with EMDR, DBT and Gottman training.
Our office is in South Edmonton, with secure video sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Counselling in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi and Urdu.
We direct bill select insurance providers. Eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP.
Respectful, trauma-informed care for people of every background.
Choose your therapist
Pick someone who feels like a good fit, then book directly with them on Jane or send us a request below.
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta and Registered Social Worker in Ontario, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling for individuals, couples and families.
Not sure who to choose? Select “No preference” in the form and we will match you.
No. You choose what to focus on. Many LGBTQ2S+ clients come in for anxiety, work stress, grief or relationships, and identity comes up only if you want it to.
Yes, if you want them to. We offer couples and family sessions, and parents can also book on their own to learn how to support a loved one.
Yes. We provide affirming counselling for transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people, including support with identity, family, relationships and stress. For medical transition, your family doctor or a specialized gender clinic can advise on health care options.
Yes. We will not share your identity or anything you discuss with family, employers or anyone else without your consent, except for the limited legal exceptions explained at the start.
In a crisis, call or text 9-8-8, or call 911. LGBTQ2S+ young people can also reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868.
No. You can book directly online or by phone. A doctor’s referral is not required, although some insurance plans ask for one, so check your plan if you plan to claim.
Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. We direct bill select insurance providers, and eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP. Check your plan for coverage details.
Our office is at 3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2, in South Edmonton. We also offer secure online sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Take the first step
Send a request and we will reply to arrange your first session, or book a time yourself on our secure Jane App portal.
587-372-3143
contact@disha.ca
3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2
In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 911. This form is not monitored around the clock.
