Introduction
Becoming a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is more than just a professional credential—it is a deeply personal milestone that reflects years of dedication and a commitment to providing affirming, accessible care for trans* and queer individuals.
After completing my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy at Adler University, I embarked on a journey that involved over 150 hours of clinical supervision, thousands of clinical hours, and the completion of the Canadian Professional Standard for Counselling and Psychotherapy: Entry-to-Practice Exam. These rigorous steps have allowed me to grow as a therapist and ensure that I am offering the best possible care to my clients.
But my journey didn’t stop with becoming a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario. I also earned my designation as a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT) in Nova Scotia, expanding my ability to serve clients on the East Coast. Additionally, my passion for art therapy led me to achieve certification as a Board Certified Art Therapist (RCAT, ATR-BC) in North America. Each of these certifications represents countless hours of study and supervision, but they also reflect my unwavering commitment to the communities I serve.
These achievements have enabled me to expand my practice in ways that are deeply aligned with my values. I now offer independent, gender-affirming, and anti-oppressive therapy to clients across Canada—both in Ontario and Nova Scotia. My practice embraces the unique experiences of Two-Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and queer clients, offering compassionate support to those navigating identity, healing from trauma, and seeking a safe space for growth.
In this blog post, I invite you to learn more about my practice, which blends traditional talk therapy with art therapy, all within an anti-oppressive framework. Whether you’re exploring your identity, processing trauma, or simply looking for a space to feel seen and heard, my practice is here for you. Together, we can create a space for healing and self-discovery.
What It Means to Be a Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
Achieving my Registered Psychotherapist (RP) designation goes beyond meeting formal requirements. It reflects years of growth, dedication, and a deep commitment to refining my approach as a therapist. The CRPO’s emphasis on public protection, transparency, and inclusivity aligns perfectly with my values, particularly in my work with marginalized communities. By following the CRPO’s Professional Practice Standards, I prioritize the safety, confidentiality, and well-being of each of my clients (CRPO, 2020).
Now that I am a Registered Psychotherapist, I no longer require supervision, allowing me to provide services independently. This new independence isn’t just about professional freedom; it allows me to expand my offerings, particularly in gender-affirming and trauma-informed care, to trans* and queer communities across Canada.
For me, becoming an RP is about creating a safe space where clients can navigate their complex personal and emotional landscapes. It’s about providing affirming care that recognizes the impact of systemic oppression on mental health while supporting each client’s healing journey. With the expanded capacity to integrate both talk therapy and art therapy, I am able to offer a more accessible and holistic approach to care, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need.
Online Therapy: Expanding My Practice Virtually
In a world where access to mental health care can be limited by geography, transportation, or other barriers, I have fully embraced the power of online therapy. By offering therapy online, I am able to provide accessible, affirming care to clients not just in Ontario but across Canada. Whether you’re in a rural area with limited access to therapists or simply prefer the comfort and privacy of your home, online therapy offers a flexible, inclusive, and effective solution.
For many trans* and queer individuals, online therapy provides an additional layer of safety and comfort. It removes the stress of navigating potentially non-affirming environments and allows clients to connect with me from a space that feels safe and familiar. Through secure videoconferencing tools, clients across Canada can access the care they need, knowing they are supported in a welcoming and inclusive space.
Research continues to affirm the effectiveness of online therapy, demonstrating that meaningful, empathetic relationships can be built through this modality (Weinberg & Rolnick, 2020). Whether through individual therapy, group work, or art therapy, online sessions offer the same level of care and therapeutic impact as in-person therapy. The accessibility of online therapy allows for more opportunities for healing, regardless of geography or mobility.
Blending Talk Therapy and Art Therapy: A Holistic Approach
As a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I integrate art therapy into my practice alongside talk therapy, offering a dynamic and flexible way for clients to explore their emotions. For many clients—particularly those who have experienced trauma—verbal expression alone may feel limiting. Art therapy provides an alternative medium for safely processing emotions, allowing clients to express their experiences creatively and non-verbally (Wadeson, 2010).
For trans* and queer clients, art therapy can be especially empowering. Many have faced systemic oppression, internalized shame, and trauma that make verbalizing feelings difficult. Through art therapy, clients can reclaim their narrative and process their emotions in ways that are both profound and affirming. When art therapy is combined with talk therapy, the result is a holistic healing process that meets clients where they are. This flexible approach offers a wide range of options for addressing trauma, exploring identity, and reconnecting with one’s true self.
Expanding My Practice to Serve Trans* and Queer Communities
As a trans* and queer therapist, I understand the unique challenges individuals face when exploring their gender identity. My practice is rooted in providing affirming, intersectional care that acknowledges the complexities of gender, identity, and mental health. With my RP designation, I am now able to expand my practice to clients across Canada, creating spaces where trans*, nonbinary, and queer individuals can explore their identities free from judgment or misunderstanding.
Gender-affirming therapy is not just about supporting someone through gender transition—it’s about creating an environment where all aspects of identity are celebrated and valued. Many trans* and queer individuals face societal pressures, including transphobia, cisnormativity, and other forms of oppression, which can lead to feelings of isolation and shame. My role as a therapist is to help clients unpack these layers, build resilience, and reconnect with the joy and power of their true selves (Chang, Singh, & Dickey, 2018).
Through a trauma-informed approach, I create a space where healing and self-discovery are possible. Whether clients are overcoming the trauma of living in a transphobic world or seeking to reclaim joy in their gender identity, my practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space for exploration and growth.
Trauma-Informed and Attachment-Based Therapy: Healing in a Welcoming Space
Many clients come to therapy seeking support for trauma, and my practice is rooted in trauma-sensitive and attachment-based approaches. Trauma impacts how we relate to ourselves and others, disrupting our sense of safety and connection. For trans* and queer individuals, this trauma is often compounded by experiences of systemic oppression, including transphobia, racism, and ableism.
In my practice, I draw on trauma and attachment-informed principles to help clients rebuild trust—both in themselves and in their relationships. Attachment theory allows us to explore early relational patterns, offering a framework for understanding how clients experience connection, safety, and security (Shapiro, 2020). By recognizing these patterns, clients can reshape their relationships and heal from past wounds.
Trauma-informed therapy is not just about addressing individual trauma—it acknowledges how systems of oppression intersect and shape one’s experiences. By centering my clients’ lived experiences and empowering them to reclaim their strength, I strive to create a space for healing that is both liberating and affirming.
What You Can Expect from My Practice as a Registered Psychotherapist
As a Registered Psychotherapist and Board Certified Art Therapist, my practice is grounded in compassion, creativity, and ethical care. Whether through talk therapy or art therapy, I create a space that is both welcoming and affirming, where clients feel seen and supported.
Exploring one’s gender identity is a complex and vulnerable journey, particularly for trans*, nonbinary, and queer individuals. I am committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where we can work through these challenges together, addressing internalized transphobia and shame that may have developed due to societal pressures.
My practice is anti-oppressive and intersectional, recognizing how systems of oppression—such as racism, classism, sexism, and transphobia—impact mental health. I collaborate with my clients to rebuild a sense of agency, offering personalized care that supports their unique path toward healing.
Conclusion: Embracing This New Chapter
Becoming a Registered Psychotherapist has opened new doors for me to better serve the trans*, nonbinary, and queer communities across Canada. This new chapter allows me to provide independent, accessible care, blending talk therapy and art therapy to meet the diverse needs of my clients. My practice remains grounded in trauma-informed, attachment-based principles, offering a compassionate and affirming space where healing and self-discovery can flourish.
As I move forward, I am excited to continue supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of their identities, work through trauma, and embrace their authentic selves.
Continue the Convo
If the ideas in this blog resonate with you, I warmly invite you to connect with me. Whether you’re a therapist seeking support in gender-affirming care, or someone navigating their gender identity and looking for compassionate therapy, I’m here to help. You may book individual therapy sessions or peer consultations online. Be sure to bookmark this blog for future insights, reflections, and updates.
References
Chang, S. C., Singh, A. A., & Dickey, L. M. (2018). A clinician’s guide to gender-affirming care: Working with transgender and gender nonconforming clients. New Harbinger Publications.
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. (2020). Professional practice standards for Registered Psychotherapists.
Shapiro, R. (2020). Doing psychotherapy: A trauma and attachment-informed approach. W.W. Norton & Company.
Wadeson, H. (2010). Art psychotherapy. John Wiley & Sons.
Weinberg, H., & Rolnick, A. (2020). Theory and practice of online therapy: Internet-delivered interventions for individuals, groups, families, and organizations. Routledge.
Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational information and does not constitute professional advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Any decisions based on the content are the reader’s responsibility, and Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy assumes no liability. All case studies are hypothetical with fictional names and do not reflect actual people. We prioritize your privacy and the confidentiality of all of our clients. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community care.