Who Are The Best Anxiety Therapists in Vancouver?

Our therapists at The Centre for Gay Counselling specialize in providing 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed, online anxiety counselling for gay men.

Our private practice may not be the best fit for your mental health needs in certain situations. Here are a few examples where our services might not align with what you’re looking for:

• You need therapy covered by ICBC or CVAP.

• You want free or sliding-scale anxiety counselling in Vancouver.

• You prefer a female-identifying anxiety counsellor.

• You are seeking in-person treatment in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of Vancouver-based therapists below who incorporate some of these elements into their counselling practices.

5 of the best Vancouver anxiety counsellors:

1. Victor Wakarchuk (he/him)

With over eight years of diverse experience in both hospital and mental health care settings, including HIV and transgender health clinics, Victor brings a wealth of expertise to his practice. His warm, nonjudgmental, and respectful approach fosters a safe and welcoming environment for clients to navigate their mental health challenges.

Victor is adept at assisting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelm, making him an invaluable ally on their journey to mental wellness. Furthermore, his extensive training in sex therapy equips him to offer sensitive and nuanced support to queer men dealing with anxiety related to sexual health and intimacy issues

• Credentials: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Registered Social Worker (RSW) in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta.
• Education: Master of Social Work (MSW), Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program through the University of Guelph, and completing the Sexual Health Certificate Program (Sex Therapy Track) through the University of Michigan.
• Google rating: 5/5
• Lumino health rating: 5/5
• Specialty areas: Anxiety/stress, 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health, sexual orientation, and sex/intimacy concerns.
• Learn more about Victor

2. Jordan Gruenhage (he/him)

With over a decade of experience devoted to queer mental health, Jordan is dedicated to addressing the distinct issues faced by gay men. He creates a warm, safe, playful therapeutic environment that helps clients feel comfortable.

Jordan addresses anxiety by enhancing emotional understanding, healing past traumas, and fostering a strong sense of self-worth in his clients. His approach ensures that clients feel supported and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey

• Credentials: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
• Education: Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, IFS Level 1, EMDR Basic Training, and Level 1 and 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
• Google rating: 5/5
• Lumino health rating: 5/5
• Specialty areas: Anxiety/stress, emotion regulation, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health, sexual orientation, self-worth, self-esteem, family of origin issues, and shame.
• Learn more about Jordan

3. Megan Sutherland (she/her)

Megan Sutherland has 25 years of experience and specializes in treating anxiety in her Downtown Vancouver practice. Megan utilizes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help clients manage and overcome anxiety. Her approach includes cognitive restructuring, alternative perspectives, self-reflection, behavioural techniques, graduated exposure, relaxation strategies, and lifestyle considerations. Megan believes in facing anxiety head-on and supports clients with tailored therapy and practical homework

• Credentials: Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW).
• Education: Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Certificate in Family Studies, San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training.
• Google rating: 5/5
• Lumino health rating: 5/5
• Specialty areas: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, neurodiversity, mood disorders, addictions, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ support.
• Learn more about Megan

4. Christine Korol (she/her)

Christine Korol has been helping adults and children with anxiety since 1998. Having personally overcome panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and thriving with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), she understands the challenges firsthand. Christine is dedicated to helping clients find relief from anxiety, OCD, and insomnia with empathy and without judgment, knowing how daunting it can be to ask for help.

• Credentials: Registered Psychologist.
• Education: Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and CACBT-certified in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Lumino health rating: 4.9/5
• Specialty areas: Panic attacks, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia.
• Learn more about Christine

5. Adrienne Wang (she/her)

Adrienne Wang is a Registered Psychologist in British Columbia with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She specializes in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), integrating elements of ACT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. Adrienne’s diverse experience includes roles at Vancouver General Hospital and AnxietyCanada, where she developed resources and presented on evidence-based anxiety management strategies. She values flexibility, mindfulness, and self-compassion in her therapeutic approach.

• Credentials: Registered Psychologist.
• Education: Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology and CACBT-certified in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Lumino health rating: 4.9/5
• Specialty areas: Anxiety, depression, chronic worrying, self-esteem issues, obsessions/compulsions, perfectionism, panic, depression.
• Learn more about Adrienne

FAQs about anxiety therapy

How do you get diagnosed with anxiety in Vancouver?

If you or your counsellor notice any of the following anxiety symptoms, you may meet the criteria for an anxiety disorderdiagnosis: panic attacks, social anxiety about actual or imagined social interactions, excessive worrying, rumination, difficulty concentrating, negative thought patterns/negative thoughts, fear of public speaking, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems/relationship difficulties, phobias, rapid heart rate, chest pain, hyperventilating, insomnia/disturbed sleep habits, OCD, lowered sex-drive, and other physical symptoms.

If you suspect you may fit the criteria for any of the most common anxiety disorders, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, nurse practitioner, or Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) who may be able to diagnose you with any of the following diagnoses: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, specific phobias such as social phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or other stress-related disorders.

Reading through all the symptoms of anxiety might feel anxiety-provoking in itself. If you feel stuck struggling with anxiety and want to break free with a positive change, book a free consultation with one of our counsellors to get started.

Is it worth getting therapy for anxiety?

You might be wondering if it’s worth it to get professional help with your anxiety, or maybe you even had a negative experience with therapy which made you question therapy altogether. If any of this is the case, it makes sense because getting the right support from the right counsellor is crucial to your success in counselling.

You’re likely to have the best results in therapy with a counsellor who takes a holistic approach to your overall well-being. A skilled therapist will assist clients in first exploring history and patterns related to anxiety, including identifying any traumatic experiences that may be contributing to their anxiety feeling stuck. A psychotherapist will usually teach new clients coping strategies and new skills for managing anxiety in their daily life. Here is an example of the resources a therapist may offer you to help with anxiety.

Lastly, the best anxiety counselling in Vancouver will not just make you feel heard; it will also explore the root causes of what you’re struggling with so that you can move on from your mental health issues and just enjoy your own life. 

What type of counselling is best for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most common therapy approaches for treating anxiety disorders. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a highly effective kind of CBT that is useful for intense anxiety. Exposure therapy is another customary form of CBT anxiety treatment.

However, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is not the only psychological treatment for severe anxiety. Other psychological treatments/approaches for anxiety disorders can include talk therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Sex Therapy, and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).

The most useful type of counselling depends on your symptoms of anxiety and the underlying causes of your anxiety. At The Centre for Gay Counselling, we’ve found that using a blend of ACT, IFS, Sex Therapy, and EMDR to treat anxiety has been successful for our 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

Anxiety counselling can help you get grounded. Reach out today to start the process.

If you’re a gay man in Vancouver struggling with anxiety and seeking professional help, we’d love to offer our support in your search for “anxiety therapist Vancouver.”

We’re wholeheartedly devoted to offering queer-affirming and trauma-informed anxiety counselling for gay men. We believe everyone has the right to live a fulfilling life while being true to themselves. Our goal is to help you achieve greater well-being and self-acceptance through counselling that genuinely honours your identity and embraces your uniqueness.

We’re continually inspired by our clients and feel privileged to work alongside them. Our greatest joy comes from supporting our 2SLGBTQIA+ peers in overcoming challenges and moving toward a more rewarding life.

Ready to start? Click through the button below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with one of our psychotherapists. This initial conversation will help us understand your concerns and determine how best to support you.