At Ekko Wellness, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals can feel heard and supported. We understand that members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges – As an LGBTQ+ owned business, we are committed to providing a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all individuals can feel heard, supported, and empowered to improve their mental health and overall well-being.
Our goal is to offer therapy to help people navigate their mental health challenges with confidence and resilience. From choosing the right therapist to understanding common mental health issues in the LGBTQ+ community, our counseling service provides a secure and welcoming space for all individuals.
Tailored Therapy for LGBTQ+ Individuals
We understand that LGBTQ+ individuals may experience mental health issues related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or unique experiences. Our licensed therapists specialize in providing therapy that is tailored to individual needs. We offer a wide range of mental health services, including mindful music therapy and individual counselling therapy sessions to best meet the needs of our clients.
How Does Mindful Music Therapy Benefit People?
At Ekko Music, we use music as a tool to help individuals experience a sense of relaxation and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. Music therapy uses music to improve emotional, cognitive, social, and physical well-being.
One of the key benefits of music therapy is the ability to facilitate mindfulness, which is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness in music therapy can help individuals to become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations. Additionally, mindfulness in music therapy can improve self-awareness and increase feelings of well-being and happiness.
How Does Counselling Therapy Benefit People?
Counselling therapy can offer individuals a support system, providing a secure and validating environment to work through and conquer obstacles. Through counseling, people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, increase self-esteem and confidence, improve communication and relationship skills, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Our certified therapists, Laura Dougall (CCC & RCT-C) and Yasmin Kawar (MTA & RCT-C), are experienced and knowledgeable about the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community, and work collaboratively with clients to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their unique experiences and goals.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Choosing the right licensed therapist is essential for anyone seeking therapy. In fact, The American Psychological Association recommends seeking out licensed mental health providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues and experienced in providing therapy. At Ekko Wellness, we’re committed to helping you find a good fit for your needs.
Yasmin Kawar, Counselling and Music Therapist (MTA & RCT-C)
Yasmin is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate (RCT-C) with extensive experience providing therapy for those impacted by addiction, trauma & abuse, depression/anxiety, ADHD, criminal justice system challenges, and overall mental health concerns.
She works collaboratively with clients, offering a person-centered, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed approach that emphasizes trust, safety, and choice. Yasmin draws from an integrative model that incorporates elements of psychodynamic, experiential, and cognitive-behavioural therapies, and uses music therapy techniques such as music listening & discussion, lyric analysis, singing, improvising, music-assisted relaxation, and therapeutic song writing to help clients process their feelings and experiences.
Laura Dougall, Counselling Therapist (RCT-C & CCC)
Laura is a counselor trained in multiple science-based counseling techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and family therapy. With experience in supporting clients dealing with anxiety disorders, depression, identity confusion, grief and loss, low self-esteem, and substance abuse, she takes a client-centered approach to create personalized treatment plans that support their goals.
Laura’s background in soccer playing and coaching gives her insight into the internal pressures that can often be experienced. She is committed to personal growth and creating a non-judgmental, safe environment for her clients.
We Use Evidence-Base Treatment Approaches
Our team of therapists is committed to providing evidence-based treatment approaches to support clients in managing their mental health concerns and developing healthier coping strategies.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We believe in the effectiveness of CBT, a widely used form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health issues.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): We also utilize DBT which is designed to help individuals with complex mental health issues by teaching them skills to manage difficult emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase mindfulness.
- Person-Centered Therapy: Additionally, we offer Person-Centered Therapy, a client-centered approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening to create a safe, non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Our goal is to provide our clients with the tools and strategies they need to manage their mental health concerns. We believe that evidence-based treatment approaches like CBT, DBT, and Person-Centered Therapy can be highly effective in achieving these goals, and we are committed to providing the best mental health care possible to our LGBTQ+ clients.
Session Fees and Consultation Information
It’s not uncommon to be worried about pricing when considering therapy. We understand that accessibility is important, which is why we offer a free 15-minute session to anyone who has questions before their initial assessment. We believe that everyone deserves to have access to mental health professionals, and we’re here to help you navigate any concerns you may have.
Our subsequent session fees are $120 + HST for individual counselling therapy sessions, which are 50 minutes in length. Please note that extra fees for paperwork, file preparation, or phone calls related to your care may also be billed at our standard clinician rates. Several health care provider services cover our counselling, so it’s important to check with your provider to see if they are covered in your plan. Currently, we do not provide direct billing to insurance companies, but we are happy to provide you with the necessary documentation to submit for reimbursement.
LGBTQ+ Therapy at an LGBTQ+ Owned Business
Ekko Wellness is an inclusive, welcoming and safe space for all individuals to feel heard and supported, with a specific focus on providing therapy services to the LGBTQ+ community. We’re committed to offering tailored mental health services that cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Music therapy and counseling therapy can offer individuals a supportive and validating environment to work through and conquer obstacles, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and develop healthier coping strategies. Our team of therapists provide evidence-based treatment approaches and is committed to providing the highest quality care possible. With a free 15-minute consultation and a fee of $120 + HST for individual counseling therapy sessions, we’re dedicated to making mental health support accessible to all.
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