The Angry Therapist

Anti-Captalist, Queer And Neurodivergent focused trauma therapy.

About Me

Trauma therapy through an anti-capitalist lens. Offered virtually to Ontario-based residentsSpecial focus on: Childhood and Adult Complex Trauma, 2SLGTBQIA, bi-affirming, ADHD, Autism, Non-monogamy, Kink and Sexuality, Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Religious Trauma, Eco/Social/Political anxiety through an Anti-Capitalist lens

Why the "Angry Therapist"?

With the rise in far right politics and challenging economic times, it has become more and more challenging for me to offer trauma therapy without addressing the impact that living within a capitalistic society has on our trauma responses.In addition, many of us who come from trauma histories have complex relationships with anger. Many survivors learned that anger is dangerous and is an emotion to be avoided. I believe that anger is an emotion that serves a purpose like any other and that learning how to feel and express anger in safe ways, is important for trauma work.

My Therapeutic Approach

My therapeutic style combines talk therapy, exposure therapy, Attachment Theory and Parts Work Theory (also known as Internal Family Systems Theory) to create unique and individualized approaches for each folk I work with.I provide psychoeducation on how trauma impacts our nervous system, brain development and the way we connect to ourselves and others. I believe that looking at trauma through a systemic lens allows for a more wholistic and shame reducing process.I also work with eco and political anxiety and use the approach of Climate Collapse Awareness.I do not believe in "healing" trauma. Rather, I believe that the more we understand our trauma, its impact on our lives becomes less frequent, less time consuming and less intense.I prioritize working with queer folks, neurodivergent folks (ADHD and Autism), activists, social workers and those who have histories of religious/cult trauma.We cannot erase our trauma. We can learn to walk alongside it.

My Biases

I am an able bodied, bisexual, cis-gendered white person. I have a university education (a Bachelors and Masters degree). I am a survivor of homophobic violence and childhood abuse (emotional, emotional sexual, physical, religious). I have been homeless and I became a Ward of the State at sixteen after entering the foster care system as a result of being disowned by my parents for being queer. I am polyamorous and one of my partners lives with a chronic and degenerative disability. I have ADHD and C-PTSD. Both of my partners are on the autism spectrum. I work in the social work field and make under 60k/ year. I do not own the home I live in, I still have student loans and am a small business owner (independent contractor - psychotherapy).Politically, I am far left leaning. I do not identify with a specific political ideology label but would fall somewhere between socialism and anarchy. I am in support of organized action to move towards a post-capitalist society.I believe that housing, education, information, banks, internet, heating, water, electricity, food and medical care should be publicly funded. I believe that private landlords should not exist. I believe that basic income should exist and that no-one should live in poverty in days society. I believe in resource sharing and have a strong distrust of our current government and systems. I am anti-capitalist, anti-organized religion, pro union and anti-war.Click here for a list of my credentials and social justice involvement .

Writing

I have self-published several books discussing mental health, trauma and sexuality. I also writes queer smut as an act of reclamation and rebellion against religious and anti-LGTBQ organizations. I share my writing in hopes of providing a sense of validation for other survivors with similar histories to my own.On Patreon, I publish writing on sexuality, queerness and trauma.On Substack, I publish writing on political and social justice topics.You can also find hard copies of my writing for sale here, as well as, my official published works below.

  • Out Proud: Stories of Pride, Courage and Social Justice. Breakwater Books, 2014: Produced in partnership with Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, Out Proud: Stories of Pride, Courage, and Social Justice is the second in a series of essay anthologies designed to give attention to issues that are sometimes ignored in the mainstream media—and a voice to those most closely affected by them. Expertly edited by sociologist Dr. Douglas Gosse, Out Proud features more than fifty short essays on the experience of LGBTTIQQ2SA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgendered, Intersexual, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies) and written by members of our diverse, Canadian community. Following the critical success of the first book in the series, Out Loud: Essays on Mental Illness, Stigma and Recovery, Out Proud aims to broaden the conversation around sexuality and social justice.

  • Pretty Little Playthings: Queer, Kinky Stories. Microcosm Publishing, 2023: Get lost in stories of ties and whips, bite marks and bruises, a primal chase, femme bottom desire for their butch tops, and delicious acts of queer rebellion. This kinky compilation of femme/enby/butch flash fiction, featuring lots of dom/sub encounters, celebrates the liberating power of BDSM and the whole spectrum of femme bisexual ecstasy. Some of these stories may push boundaries, so choose your safe word before partaking in their pleasures.

  • The Best Bi Erotica of the Year: Volume 1: The Best Bi Erotica of the year: Volume 1, presents fifteen exclusive stories by some of the most talented writers of erotic fiction today. Edited and with an introduction by Christian Pan, each story in this collection explores bisexuality in new and arousing ways, expanding upon and even challenging how bisexual people are represented in literature. Centering bi characters in each of these narratives, this anthology features intimate encounters with one or more individuals with multiple genders and identities, with narratives set in and out of the home, in the city or in the country, in genres ranging from contemporary to science fiction. Some stories even experiment with other forms of writing, from poetry, political tract, and letters–but every story in The Best Bi Erotica of the Year, Volume 1, is personal, sensual, and unbelievably hot.

  • Handcuffs, Chains, and Canes: Queer, Neurodivergent, Disability-positive Smutty Stories: A beguiling collection of kinky, sapphic smut, featuring steamy encounters that seamlessly incorporate femme, butch, and enby characters' diverse disabilities into each scene. Let your imagination run wild in these stories celebrating the liberatory thrills of dom/sub play, gender fluidity, scintillating communication, and more, told with romantic flair and no shortage of juicy details. From canes to nerve pain, wheelchair use to depression, each page makes clear that people with disabilities have agency, autonomy, and hot sex. Some of these stories may push boundaries, so choose your safe word (one suggestion from inside: "communion") before partaking in their pleasures.

Contact

Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute meet and greet where we can connect and see if working together feels like a good fit for both of us!Alternately, you can schedule a free meet and greet HERE. Note: Therapy appointments with new clients booked without a meet and greet will be canceled. Meet and greets are mandatory to ensure good therapeutic fit.

Formal Credentials

  • Wilfred Laurier University / Masters of Social Work. September 2018 - June 2019, Kitchener Ont. CASW Accredited

  • University of Waterloo / Bachelor of Social Work. September 2013 - June 2014, Waterloo Ont. Honours Bachelor of Social Work (CASW Accredited)

  • University of Waterloo / Bachelor of Arts. September 2010 - April 2013, Waterloo Ont. Social Development Studies, 3 year general major, Social Work Specialization.

Awards and Advocacy

  • 2010: Ontario Youth Matter Certificate of Public Service

  • 2011: KYAC Award – Social Justice and Action

  • 2011: Top 40 Under 40

  • 2012: RYLA Youth Leadership Award

  • 2012: Youth Leaving Care Working Board

  • 2013: Leading Women’s Award

  • 2013: Family and Children Services of Guelph and Wellington Award of Merit in Recognition of Improving the Lives of Youth in and Leaving Care

  • 2013: ORCA Conference speaker

  • 2013: The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, The Children’s Rights Trailblazer Award

  • 2014: The Amethyst Award for Outstanding Achievement by Ontario Public Sector

  • 2014: LGTBQ Youth in Care Working Board

Speaking Events

  • 2009: Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region Believe it Achieve it Speaker

  • 2010: Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region ONLAC Peer Mentor speech

  • 2010: Ontario Youth Matter speech

  • 2010: Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region Breakfast of Champions speech.

  • 2011: Speaking event at St. Andrews Church thanking for the use of Roy Street agency building.

  • 2011: Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region Believe it Achieve it speech on being a kid from foster care and following your dreams.

  • 2011: Waterloo Regional School Board speech on supporting kids from the foster care system in school.

  • 2012: Catholic Secondary School Board speech on supporting youth from foster care

  • 2014: WAYVE Youth Conference

  • 2015: Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region Foundation speech

  • 2016: University of Waterloo Town and Gown Event

  • 2016: University of Waterloo Social Development Studies Recruitment speech

News Coverage

  • 2012: The Record: Crown wards voice fears over losing support too soon

  • 2013: Provincial Advocates Office: Blueprint for Fundamental Change to Ontario’s Child Welfare System

  • 2012: Rogers TV Talk Local: Youth Leaving Care

  • 2017: News Article : Saving our kids - child care reform puts safety first

Advocacy and Protest Involvement

  • 2010: Kitchener - Waterloo Kiss in protest

  • 2012: Youth Leaving Care YouTube Video

  • 2013: Tri Pride OUTstanding Youth Award

  • 2013: CBC News: High proportion of LGBTQ youth among homeless, say researchers

  • 2014: Kitchener City Hall Rainbow Flag Advocacy

  • 2014: Next Gen Rogers TV interview on Youth Homelessness in Waterloo Region

  • 2015/16: Family and Children Services Waterloo Region Board of Directors

  • 2015: Parkminister Church speaking event on queer youth

  • April 7, 2017: Queens Park Education protest

  • 2018: The Community Edition: How to Cut on Waste Without Cutting the Bank

  • June 3, 2020: Black Lives Matter protest Kitchener-Waterloo

  • September 2023: FIGHT BACK/Queer Youth Defence Protect Queer Youth Counter Protest

  • September 2024: Queer Youth Defence Protect Queer Youth Counter Protest

  • October 2024: October 7th Pro Palestine Solidarity Protest

Reports & Publications

  • 2012: The Provincial Advocate: 21 is the new 25

  • 2014: Out Proud, Stories of Courage, Pride and Social Justice.

  • 2015: The Provincial Advocate: The Bus Ride Home

  • 2017: FIVE 14 Event – Walking Alongside my Trauma

Rates

50-minute intake and subsequent therapy 50-minute appointments: $140
30-minute check in appointments: $95
65-minute couples therapy appointments: $170Sliding scale is available depending on capacity and client need.I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.