Carolyn Claire - Registered Psychologist

Carolyn Claire LGBTQ2S+ Therapy:

Our society assumes that every child will grow up to be a heterosexual adult, so when that doesn’t turn out to be true, there may be a number of challenges to be faced. This can be a confusing, stressful, and anxiety provoking time. Of course it can also be an exciting time. Having a supportive nonbiased person in your life can be helpful when sorting out what your attractions may mean to you in terms of your identity and your life. People who identify as LGBT2Q+ commonly face issues related to self-acceptance, coming out to family and other important relationships, finding community, dating, and dealing with internalized homophobia.

I have worked with people who were questioning their sexual orientation and/or addressing issues related to an LGBT2Q+ identity for the past 20 years. For example during my employment with Centre for Sexuality (1995-2005), I worked with colleagues to regularly facilitate a psycho-educational group for women entitled, “Questioning Your Sexual Orientation”.

I am an LGBT2Q+ affirming therapist which means that I approach therapy in a way that embraces a positive view of LGBT2Q+ identities and relationships, and that acknowledges/explores the negative impact of homophobia and heterosexism can have on our lives. I believe it is also important to realize and acknowledge that sometimes the issues that bring us to counselling have nothing to do with our sexual and/or gender identity. Affirming therapy means that you are working with someone who is a part of the community and understands the nuances of the LGBT2Q+ community.