Derek Cassidy, MSW, RSW – Psychotherapy

I am a queer social worker and psychotherapist based in Toronto offering virtual individual and couples therapy across Ontario. My work over the past decade has centered 2SLGBTQ+ communities in community health, mental health, and clinical settings. However, my experience extends beyond these communities, and I welcome new clients from all backgrounds, histories, and identities to my practice.  

My intention in our sessions is to create a relationship that balances security, curiosity, and discomfort. Therapy can and should be difficult at times, but we will work together to find a sweet spot that centres safety and trust without avoiding or shying away from tough questions. For me, it is important that we establish trust and security in our connection so that we have a solid foundation to explore challenging topics, to push up against difficult emotions, and to interrogate stuck points.

I believe that healthy, secure relationships are vital to our emotional wellbeing. The focus of my work with clients naturally tends towards developing a deeper connection with ourselves, those close to us, and the communities that we are connected to. We may work well together if you are looking for a space to: 

• Understand, regulate, and transform your emotions
• Process adverse experiences  
• Examine patterns and dynamics in your relationships (e.g., that one argument that happens over and over) 
• Work through rupture towards repair and reconnection 
• Negotiate (or renegotiate) relationship structures (e.g., non-monogamy, opening or closing, living together)

Your relationship with your therapist is an important one! I offer a free 15-20 minute consultation for new clients to make sure we’re a good fit before we start our work together. This is an opportunity to discuss your expectations for therapy, for us to learn a bit about each other, and to answer any questions that you may have about my approach or therapy in general. Get in touch to set up a consultation or book online by visiting my website.