Bisexual Spectrum Counselling — Pan, Queer, Fluid, and more in Vancouver, BC

While things have been changing significantly for LGBTQ2S+ folks, those of us on the bisexual spectrum face some unique challenges to our mental health and wellness. As someone who first came out as a lesbian in 1992, and as queer/bi/pan a few years later, I have given this topic significant thought, research and, of course, have had many years of lived experience. I bring this consideration to my bisexual clients as they grapple with the unique and ongoing nuances of being a person on the bisexual spectrum.

Perhaps “bisexual matrix” is a more accurate term to capture the varied ways bisexuality shows up in the world.

You may still have families, friends and partners who are unaccepting or don’t understand you.

You may still be figuring out who you are.

You may not be out as bisexual even to your intimate partner and community.

You may have others, even in queer community, negate your bisexuality and define your sexuality based on your current partner. (Our sexuality is ours, and does not change based on our who our partner is.)

You may find yourself having to come out over and over again in different arenas of your life, or be invisible.

And this is all in addition to all the usual life challenges, like: life transitions, career struggles, relationship pain, mood ups and downs, grief, loss, etcetera.

Some typical subjects bisexual folks grapple with:

  • coming out over and over again — so much emotional labour!

  • making sense of your own story and identity

  • invalidation from others who do not understand bisexuality

  • stigma and stereotypes from both hetero and LGBTQ2S+ communities

  • unwelcoming family members, friends, and even partners who do not understand bisexuality

  • people who do not believe bisexulaity exists — 20% of the general population! (according to research)

  • bisexual invisibility and erasure

  • lack of representation of bisexuality in the world

  • relationships of various types

  • struggles with communicating what is important to you

  • feeling alone

  • feeling depressed or anxious

  • dating

  • break-ups

  • stress

  • heartache of witnessing our community members’ pain

Many of these challenges are not specific to being bisexual, but one’s bisexuality may add a different dimension to your experience of them.

(You might find my Therapy Prep Package useful: a free resource I send when you sign up for my newsletter)

You might find yourself thinking things like:

  • Who am I? What is important to me?

  • Can I find community?

  • Will my relationship improve?

  • How can I be and show my full authentic self?

  • Is this person right for me?

  • What do I really want?

  • How do I make lasting changes?

  • How do I love and care for myself?

  • How can I manage my difficult relationships?

  • Why do I feel badly about myself?

  • Why I am so stressed whenever I have to see a specific challenging person? Can this relationship improve?

You may also notice things like:

  • feeling overwhelmed

  • invisible

  • feeling agitated or unsettled

  • increased pessimism

  • feeling too afraid or nervous to speak up about things that are important to you

  • feeling excessively irritable or annoyed

  • being more isolated

  • avoiding difficult situations or people

  • increased criticality towards yourself

  • increased anger at yourself or others

  • feeling uncertain or confused about important aspects of your life

The result is feeling stuck, or stressed, or uncertain about yourself or how to move forward in your life. The goal of therapy is to become clearer about who you are and what you want in your life and relationships, and find support when you cannot find it elsewhere in the world.

Bisexual people may find it challenging to find counselling professionals who are competent and familiar with the unique challenges bisexual clients face or general queer and trans issues. I identify as gender fluid and queer/bi/pan and I am at home working with adults who identify as members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, with a special interest in supporting folks on the bisexual spectrum. I can help with important and often painful concerns like coming out, accepting yourself, isolation that accompanies this sexual identity, gender questioning, relationship struggles, sense of safety in the world, queer parenting, mood struggles, sexuality, challenges with family, etc.

Consider counselling with me to be a safe place to be bisexual, queer, trans, non-binary, LGBTQ2S+ — you.

Reach out for help and start the process of change now

No matter who we are, we can all benefit from outside support at stressful times in our lives.

  • Bisexual Spectrum

  • Pansexual

  • Non-binary

  • Queer

  • LGBTQ2S+

  • Trans men

  • Trans women

  • Lesbian

  • Gay

  • Two-spirited

  • Curious

  • Questioning

  • Fluid

  • Kink and poly friendly