2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
at Stone Silo
A Safe, Welcoming Space
At Stone Silo Counselling & Wellness, we’re here to offer care that truly sees and celebrates you. We believe everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, accepted, and supported in being their authentic self. Our team is proud to provide 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming mental health and wellness services in Waterloo, Kitchener, and Listowel.
We know that finding supportive care can feel especially challenging in smaller communities. That’s why we’re committed to making Stone Silo a space where you don’t have to explain or defend who you are. Stone Silo is a place that honours your unique journey and experiences.
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Our Values
Inclusive and Affirming Environment
We celebrate diversity in all its forms. We honour chosen names and pronouns, use inclusive language, and respect every identity.
Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
We maintain a strict policy for any form of discrimination, ignorance, or prejudice. Our space is designed to be a sanctuary where everyone can access care without fear of judgment or discrimination.
We’re Always Learning
Our team continues to learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, terminology, and best practices so that our care is always current, compassionate, and informed.
Specialized Services for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
Coming Out Support
Coming out is a deeply personal journey that can bring both liberation and challenges. Our therapists can help any individual of any age with:
- Exploring identity and self-acceptance
- Navigating conversations with family, friends, and colleagues
- Processing reactions from others
- Building confidence to live authentically
If you’re feeling afraid to come out because of judgment or your current living situation, you don’t have to face that alone. Our therapists are here to support you with compassion and care to help you explore the path that feels right for your mental health and overall well-being. In our space, you can speak freely, be yourself, and know that you’ll be met with understanding, not judgment.
Gender Identity and Transition Support
We offer comprehensive support for individuals exploring their gender identity. Our services include:
- Gender-affirming therapy using evidence-based approaches
- Support through social, medical, or legal transition processes
- Help processing experiences of rejection or non-acceptance
- Guidance in discovering and embracing your authentic self
Trans-Affirming Counselling
Our counsellors specialize in care that validates and supports your gender identity and lived experience. Receive support in:
- Validating your gender identity and experiences
- Processing trauma related to discrimination or rejection
- Building resilience and coping strategies
- Supporting you through any stage of your journey
Family and Relationship Counselling
Relationships can be complex when navigating 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. We offer support for:
- Couples of all gender identities and sexual orientations
- Family therapy to improve understanding and communication
- Guidance for parents and families of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
- Guidance when navigating consensual non-monogamy relationships.
Grief Counselling
Grief isn’t only about the loss of a loved one. It can also arise from any significant change or loss in your life. Many individuals within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community experience unique forms of grief and loss, especially during the process of coming out or living authentically. Our certified grief therapists provide compassionate support for those navigating:
- The grief that comes with deviating from societal “norms.”
- The pain of losing community, family, or faith due to their beliefs about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- The loss of safety or security when facing discrimination or rejection.
- The end of relationships that no longer align with one’s authentic self.
- The grief tied to missed experiences or milestones due to stigma or fear.
- The emotional impact of being misunderstood, unseen, or invalidated.
- The collective grief felt within the community in response to systemic injustice or violence.
2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Groups
Coming Soon – We’re developing group therapy options that welcome all members of sexual and gender diverse communities, providing peer support and connection in a safe, facilitated environment.
Massage Therapy
Our massage therapists create a comfortable, judgement-free space where you can fully relax. We recognize that body-related concerns, including body dysmorphia, can be especially sensitive. Our team works with care and respect, always honouring your comfort levels and boundaries.
Therapists and Team Members
Our therapists and wellness practitioners are specially trained in 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care. More importantly, we’re a team of real people who genuinely care about making you feel supported, respected, and celebrated for who you are.
Alyssa Strachan
Registered Psychotherapist, Play Therapist Intern - She/Her
My specialties: Client-centred therapy, Tabletop RPG therapy (Game to Grow Method), Attachment, Autism, Emotional regulation, Life transitions, Sexuality & gender identity, Grief
Age Group: 3 – 35 year olds
Serving: Waterloo
Price: $180 for individual therapy, $190 for Play-based Therapy
I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories: their struggles, strengths, and everything in between. It’s a true honour to hold space for vulnerability and growth in therapy, whether I’m working with a child, teen, or adult. My goal is to meet you where you’re at and walk alongside you through the journey of self-discovery, reflection, and meaningful change.
I take an integrative, client-centred approach to therapy, tailoring each session to what works best for you or your child. I offer both talk-based and play-based therapy, and often incorporate creative tools such as art, sand tray, and tabletop role-playing games, including Dungeons & Dragons. These methods are not only fun but also powerful ways to explore identity, build social and emotional skills, and navigate life’s challenges in a safe and supported space.
Outside of individual sessions, I also facilitate therapeutic role-playing groups designed to support social flourishing, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and self-expression.
I’m a neurodivergent-affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly therapist, and I strive to create a space where you feel respected, accepted, and empowered.
Joy Borutskie
Registered Psychotherapist(Qualifying) - She/Her
Rachel Urquhart
Master of Divinity, Master of Arts - Spiritual Care & Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - She/Her
Sarah Allen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) - She/Her
My specialties: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-Based Practices, Psychodynamic Therapy
Age Group: 4+ year olds
Serving: Waterloo
Price: Individual – 50 minutes – $170
Relationship – 50 minutes – $190
I also offer 80-minute sessions
Sarah Allen has extensive experience supporting teens and individuals in their 20s, and she welcomes clients of all ages. She is especially passionate about working with children, youth, young adults, as well as couples and families as her practice continues to grow.
Sarah provides neurodivergent-affirming therapy and creates a safe, inclusive space for individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. In her work with children, she views play as their natural language—a powerful way to express and make sense of their world. She honours this process by fostering a supportive and creative environment where children feel understood.
Her approach is client-centred and integrative, drawing from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, narrative therapy, psychodynamic therapy, attachment-based practices, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She takes a holistic view of well-being, considering the connections between mind, body, and—when relevant—spiritual or religious aspects of identity.
In sessions, Sarah gently guides clients in exploring early memories to better understand current patterns, gain insight, and co-create a healing life narrative. She works with a range of concerns, including grief and loss, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and complex trauma. Sarah places a strong emphasis on emotional exploration, helping clients connect with their feelings and express their internal experiences—whether through language, art, play, music, or other meaningful forms of expression.
Philip Miminas
Registered Massage Therapist - He/Him
My specialties: Deep Tissue Massage, Neck Work, Trauma-Informed Care, Pain Alleviation, Functional Improvement
Age Group: All Ages
Serving: Waterloo
Raven Parkinson
Registered Massage Therapist - She/Her
My specialties: TMJ, Deep Tissue, Pain Management, Rehabilitative Treatment
Age Group: 5+ year olds
Serving: Waterloo
Shannon Primmer
Registered Massage Therapist - She/Her
2SLGBTQIA+ Local Community Resources
We also believe in connecting you with broader community support. Here are a few trusted local and national resources:
Waterloo region support groups and local events, including groups for specific identities, social hangouts, and community events.
Comprehensive Waterloo region resources organized by age group, including youth programs, parent support, and mental health resources in partnership with Camino Wellbeing.
National organization providing resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and support networks, plus advocacy and education services across Canada.
Province-wide directory of 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming healthcare providers and comprehensive education resources for both individuals and service providers.
Why Choose Stone Silo for 2SLGBTQIA+ Care?
Rooted In Community
As part of the Waterloo and Listowel areas, we understand the unique strengths and challenges of smaller communities.
Comprehensive Care
From therapy and massage to life coaching, we offer holistic wellness support under one roof.
Experienced Team
Our therapists have specialized training in 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and ongoing education in best practices.
Safe Environment
From the first phone call to the waiting room, we’ve built our practice around inclusion and affirmation.
Taking the First Step
We understand that reaching out can feel vulnerable. Whether you’re exploring your identity, going through a transition, working through family or relationship challenges, or just looking for someone who understands, you don’t have to do it alone.
At Stone Silo, you’ll find care that honours your whole self. You deserve to be supported, affirmed, and celebrated — and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book an appointment with one of our therapists.