LGBTQ2S+ teens & Young adults
counselling support in Edmonton & Sherwood Park
Thrive Teens offers a safe and affirming space for teens and young adults to explore their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
How can counselling help?
help you feel heard, understood and supported
learn practical coping skills for depression and anxiety to help manage difficult days without making self destructive choices
achieve a stable sense of identity
improve confidence
offer a safe place to speak openly about their feelings and struggles
connect with other youth or young adults who may be experiencing similar emotions or struggles in group
connect with local medical, community or social supports
resources for parents who are struggling to support their youth
Counselling can also help you build healthier relationships with the people in your life. Whether you're dealing with family conflict, friendship challenges, or difficulties at school, having a place to talk through these situations can make them easier to navigate. Together, we explore communication skills, boundary-setting, and ways to feel more empowered in your interactions. You deserve relationships where you are respected, valued, and able to express your true self without fear.
As you grow and discover more about your identity, counselling offers guidance through the confusing moments as well as the exciting ones. This is a space to celebrate your strengths, explore your hopes for the future, and learn how to advocate for yourself in environments that may not always feel supportive. Our goal is to help you build a life where you feel grounded, confident, and surrounded by people and resources that affirm who you are.
We work towards helping you go from feeling alone or helpless to feeling safe and secure in exactly who you are, with the skills and support you need to find happiness.
THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF BULLYING ON LGBTQ2S+ youth
Bullying has a significant and harmful impact on LGBTQ2S+ teens, who are at a higher risk of being targeted because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Many LGBTQ2S+ teens experience verbal harassment, social exclusion, cyberbullying, and sometimes physical violence at school or online. This constant exposure to discrimination and rejection can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, academic difficulties, and a higher risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
The effects of bullying on LGBTQ2S+ teens are often intensified by fear of coming out or lack of acceptance at home, school, or in their community. When teens feel unsafe or unsupported, they may internalize negative messages about themselves, which can worsen mental health outcomes. Supportive environments, on the other hand, play a protective role. Schools that enforce anti-bullying policies, provide safe spaces such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), and promote inclusivity help reduce bullying and improve emotional well-being.
Adults and peers can make a meaningful difference by actively intervening when bullying occurs and by affirming LGBTQ2S+ identities. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and counselors should listen without judgment, validate teens’ experiences, and advocate for their safety. Access to affirming mental health care, trusted adults, and supportive peer networks helps LGBTQ2S+ teens build resilience and feel valued. Creating inclusive, respectful environments and addressing bullying directly are essential steps in protecting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2S+ youth.
How parents can help support their LGBTQ2S+ youth
Learning the basics
What is Gender Identity vs. Sexual Identity
Sexual identity are terms used to describe who we are attracted to and who we love. For example; heterosexual, gay, lesbian, and bisexual. They describe sexual orientations. We all have a sexual orientation, Trans people included.
Gender identity is what we identify as ex. man, woman, non-binary, etc.
Being transgender is about gender identity. For Transgender people, their bodies do not match their inner experience of gender.
Other ways of support include:
Listening to their concerns
Being open to the conversation
Supporting their transition
Letting them tell other members of the family (or friends) when they feel the time is right
Educating yourself of the evolving generation; if you are not sure about something regarding your child's transition, you can look up further resources regarding your child's transition
Reaching out to parents who have youth/teens who are transgender
Realize that you need support too
We understand it can be challenging for parents to adjust to a teen discovering their full identity. What is most important is accepting them and reminding them that they are loved and valued every step of the way. Open and honest communication helps build trust and allows teens to feel safe sharing their thoughts and experiences. Taking time to listen without judgment shows respect and strengthens the parent-child relationship. When parents offer consistent support and reassurance, teens are more likely to develop confidence and a strong sense of self-worth.
Thrive THERaPIsts Edmonton & Sherwood Park
