Question 1

Based in Harm Reduction Principles

Accepted Answer

Therapy is deeply personal. Each client comes with their own set of experiences, circumstances, and goals. Because of this, I’ve never believed in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, I’ve found harm reduction to be one of the most effective ways to support clients wherever they are in their healing process. This approach is rooted in empathy, practicality, and a deep respect for every client’s autonomy. Let's chat more about how harm reduction can support your therapy.

1. Meeting Clients Where They Are

One of the foundational principles of harm reduction is meeting clients exactly where they are. Therapy isn’t about forcing someone into a mold or rushing them through milestones they don’t feel ready to achieve. Instead, I focus on understanding each client’s unique situation, listening to what feels manageable for them, and respecting their priorities.

2. Reducing Risks Without Demands

Harm reduction is about minimizing harm in ways that feel realistic rather than insisting on an immediate or drastic change. It’s about identifying small, practical steps that can make life safer and more manageable while still respecting each person’s readiness to change.

3. Respecting Autonomy

What I love most about harm reduction is how empowering it is. My role as a therapist isn’t about telling clients what to do. It’s about walking alongside them, providing tools, and supporting decisions that align with their values and goals. This respect for autonomy is central to harm reduction because it recognizes that clients are the experts on their own lives.

4. Creating An Affirming Space

It’s vital to me that every client feels accepted in my office. Harm reduction thrives in a space free from judgment. Whether my clients are exploring sensitive behaviours, habits, or emotions, they need to know they won’t face criticism or shame.

5. Tailoring Strategies

No two clients are the same, and harm reduction is inherently adaptable to meet individual needs. I take the time to co-create strategies with each client that reflect their challenges, strengths, and goals.

Why This Approach Matters

Harm reduction works because it’s compassionate, realistic, and rooted in hope. It acknowledges that change is a process and that even small steps can be monumental. By removing this pressure, we make space for progress—in all its forms. If you’re considering therapy but feel hesitant about being judged or pushed too hard, harm reduction might be the right fit for you. With this approach, we’ll work together to identify practical steps and strategies that align with your unique path. You’ll never have to take this on alone, and every step forward, no matter how small, will be celebrated. Therapy should feel like a partnership, and with harm reduction, we’ll meet challenges one step at a time, always keeping your goals and values at the center. Change is possible, and you deserve a space where your voice is heard and affirmed.

Question 2

Trauma Informed

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a sacred space, and as a trauma-informed therapist, I approach it with deep care and respect for each client’s unique story. Trauma can leave lasting imprints on how someone navigates the world, their relationships, and their emotions. Because of this, I believe it’s essential to create an environment that feels safe, empowering, and validating. This approach guides every decision I make in sessions, ensuring therapy is a place for healing at the client’s pace—not mine.

What does being a trauma-informed therapist mean?

Taking a trauma-informed approach isn’t just a set of techniques; it’s a mindset. It means recognizing the profound impact trauma can have and tailoring my practice to meet clients where they are. It’s about understanding that healing isn’t linear and that every step forward—including the small ones—is a victory.

When I sit with a client, my focus is on creating a partnership where they feel seen, heard, and empowered to take their next steps, however big or small they may be. Trauma-informed therapy is less about pushing for immediate breakthroughs and more about building moments of trust, hope, or clarity. There are five guiding principles I rely on as I work with clients. These form the foundation of how I structure therapy sessions and interact with the people who invite me into their healing process.

1. Safety

Safety, both physical and emotional, is the starting point for effective therapy. Trauma often makes people feel unsafe, so it’s crucial to create a space where clients feel calm and secure. Beyond ensuring my office feels warm and welcoming, I’m mindful of how my words, tone, and body language can support a sense of safety during our conversations. For instance, if I’m working with a client discussing a distressing memory, I might encourage them to tell me when they need a moment to pause or ground themselves. I also offer grounding exercises, like focusing on their breath or identifying sensory details in the room, to help them feel anchored. These strategies remind clients that they are in control of the session and that their well-being is my priority.

2. Trust & Transparency

Building trust is a core part of this work. Many clients—not just those with trauma histories—are cautious about opening up in therapy. I try to earn their trust through consistent actions, clear communication, and respect for their boundaries. Before using any intervention or technique, I explain what it is, why I’m suggesting it, and how it could help. For example, if I recommend exploring a grounding technique like progressive muscle relaxation, I walk them through what it will feel like and offer them the choice to opt-out. That transparency helps create a sense of safety and collaboration.

3. Collaboration

Therapy is a partnership, not a power dynamic. I work alongside my clients, valuing their expertise in their own lives. Together, we identify goals, explore what’s working, and adjust as needed. I recently worked with a client who was hesitant to revisit their trauma directly. Instead of pushing them to disclose, we focused on their present-day experiences, building tools to manage anxiety and regulate emotions. Over time, as our trust deepened, they expressed readiness to explore the past. By collaborating on the pace and focus of therapy, this client felt empowered to take each step when it felt right for them.

4. Empowerment & Choice

Trauma often robs individuals of their sense of control, leaving them feeling powerless or stuck. My goal as a trauma-informed therapist is to give that control back. Every session is designed to remind my clients that they are the leaders of their healing process. Whether it’s deciding what topics to explore during a session or picking between different coping strategies, I always offer choices. For example, a client who struggles with overwhelming flashbacks might choose between trying a grounding exercise, processing the memory gradually, or focusing on building other resources first. These choices help restore a sense of agency, reminding them that their preferences and boundaries matter deeply.

5. Cultural Humility

I know trauma doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It’s shaped by the context of a person’s life, including their culture, identity, and societal experiences. I bring this understanding into every session by actively learning about and respecting my clients’ cultural perspectives. For example, I’ve collaborated with clients who come from cultures where seeking therapy might carry a stigma or where certain expressions of emotion are viewed differently. Instead of imposing my own framework, I take the time to understand their values and adapt my approach. This ensures that therapy feels meaningful and respectful within their unique context.

Question 3

BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Disability and Neurodiversity-Affirming

Accepted Answer

Therapy should be a space where every person feels safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are. However, for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), queer, trans, disabled and neurodivergent folks that hasn’t been the case. That’s why I approach therapy with an explicitly affirming lens. For me, affirming therapy isn’t just about saying, “You’re accepted here" and having a rainbow flag. It’s about showing that acceptance in every aspect of the therapeutic process, from the language I use, to the way I design the therapy space, to how I seek to understand each client’s lived experience. I want clients to know that I see them fully and that they don’t need to hide or diminish any part of who they are.

1. Creating An Affirming & Inclusive Space

Making clients feel safe and comfortable is the foundation of my work. Safety is about more than having a welcoming space; it’s about how I show up as a therapist. When I first meet a client, I start by honouring their autonomy. I’ll ask questions to understand how they want to be addressed, including their name and pronouns. I’m deeply mindful of the power dynamics in therapy, so I make it clear that my role is to support and collaborate—not to dictate or impose. Accessibility is also part of creating safety. For my neurodivergent clients, I make sure the environment is sensory-friendly, whether that means dimming harsh lighting, turning off noisy distractions, or offering the option of virtual sessions for comfort. For my clients from the queer or trans community, I ensure that visual cues like affirming art, LGBTQ+ flags, or inclusive literature in my office set the tone for belonging. But most of all, safety is about showing up consistently with compassion, curiosity, and validation.

2. Intersectionality

One of the most important things I’ve learned as a therapist is the significance of intersectionality. Our identities never exist in isolation. Being a queer person of colour or a neurodivergent trans individual, for example, means navigating unique challenges that overlap and influence each other in profound ways. For instance, I’ve worked with a nonbinary autistic client who shared how often they felt dismissed at the intersection of both identities. They struggled to find spaces where they could freely express their gender and their neurodivergence without being questioned or judged. In our work together, I took time to explore how these identities shaped their experiences, from navigating healthcare systems to interacting with their family. We developed tools that allowed them to advocate for themselves while finding spaces that recognized their value. Recognizing intersectionality in therapy creates a fuller picture of each client’s story. It allows me to view their experiences with nuance and honour all the parts of who they are.

3. Addressing Systemic Barriers

The world isn’t always kind to folks from marginalized communities. I’ve seen the emotional toll that racism, transphobia, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination can take on people’s mental well-being. These experiences are real, valid, and often exhausting. My approach creates room to process and unpack these struggles while also helping clients build strategies to resist. Therapy isn’t about pretending systemic barriers don’t exist; it’s about empowering clients to face them while nurturing the parts of themselves that systemic oppression tries to diminish.

4. Using Inclusive Language

I center clients by asking what language feels best for them and adjusting accordingly. I remember working with a client whose neurodivergence was labeled in clinical settings in ways that felt dehumanizing to them. Together, we found ways to use strengths-based language that made them feel empowered rather than diminished. For queer or trans clients, I’m intentional about avoiding heteronormative or cisnormative assumptions. For instance, I don’t ask about a “husband” or “wife”; instead, I use terms like “partner” and mirror the language the client uses about their relationships.

5. Validating Experiences

Validation is one of the most powerful tools in therapy. For my clients who come from marginalized communities, that often means acknowledging the weight of their lived experiences. For example, I’ve had clients express frustration over being “the only person like me” in their workplace, school, or social circle. Instead of downplaying or offering quick-fix encouragement, I validate their reality by saying, “It makes sense that this feels isolating. That’s a heavy burden to carry, and your feelings about it are valid.”

6. Empowering Clients Through Choices

Structural inequality and discrimination can leave people feeling like others have control over their lives. I aim to restore that control during therapy. Whether that means giving a client options for how we approach a session or deciding which therapeutic tools feel right to them, I make sure they’re in the driver’s seat.

Why This Approach Matters

Counselling can’t undo the systemic forces that oppress BIPOC, queer, trans, disabled and neurodivergent communities—but it can be a powerful counterbalance. When a person walks into my office, my hope is that they feel truly seen—not just for their struggles but for their unique strengths, brilliance, and humanity. Healing often starts with knowing you don’t have to shrink who you are to be welcomed. That is what affirming therapy offers. It’s a place where you can be exactly who you are, without needing to apologize, justify, or explain your existence. You deserve a space that celebrates every part of who you are and helps you move forward, not by changing yourself, but by stepping into your power. Healing is possible, and it begins with being affirmed—in therapy, and in life.

Question 4

Sex Positive

Accepted Answer

Talking about sex can be one of the most vulnerable, and often stigmatized, topics in therapy. For many, the subject has been surrounded by shame, judgment, or cultural taboos that make it difficult to openly explore their sexual identity, needs, or challenges. That’s why I take a sex-positive approach, creating a space where clients can feel safe, heard, and affirmed as they bring this part of their lives into the room. Sexuality is a natural and meaningful part of being human. Whether someone has questions about their identity, wants to explore intimacy challenges, or is simply seeking a greater understanding of themselves, my goal is to support them with respect and openness.

What does it mean to be a sex-positive therapist?

A sex-positive therapeutic approach centers on the belief that sexuality, in all its diversity, is valid and worth exploring without shame or judgment. It means welcoming conversations about topics like sexual preferences, orientation, fantasies, and challenges while affirming that there is no universal “right” way to experience sexuality.

It’s also about acknowledging that sexuality doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Elements like culture, religion, gender identity, past trauma, and relationship dynamics all play a role in how we experience intimacy and pleasure. My role as a therapist is to guide clients as they explore these complex layers with compassion and understanding.

Unfortunately, society doesn’t always make it easy to talk about sex. Many of us grow up with societal messages that frame sex as taboo, dirty, or only acceptable under certain conditions. These ideas can lead to feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or even fear when discussing sexuality—even in a therapy setting.

Because of this, one of my most important tasks as a therapist is to normalize conversations around sex. I often remind clients that nothing is “off-limits” when it comes to what they can bring into therapy. Whether they want to process their first experiences with sex, unpack feelings about their body, or discuss harm reduction practices, we work together to create a conversation that feels validating and comfortable.

1. Addressing Shame & Stigma

Shame is something I encounter often in sex-positive therapy. Whether it’s due to strict cultural or religious upbringings, societal expectations, or internalized stigma, many people find it hard to talk about their sexual desires or struggles without feeling like something is “wrong” with them. I once worked with a client who felt immense guilt about their interest in non-monogamous relationships, believing they were “broken” for wanting something outside of traditional norms. Together, we unpacked what their feelings of guilt were rooted in, explored how societal messages shaped their beliefs, and worked toward a more compassionate understanding of themselves. Therapy can be a powerful space to reframe these beliefs. I like to remind my clients that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to relationships or sexuality. What matters most is personal fulfillment, consent, and mutual respect—not conforming to someone else’s expectations.

2. Exploring Sexual Identity & Preferences

Discovering and understanding your sexual identity and preferences is often a core part of sex-positive therapy. It’s not uncommon for clients to come into therapy with questions about their orientation, kinks, fantasies, or curiosities they’ve never felt comfortable voicing before. For instance, I’ve worked with clients who are exploring their LGBTQ+ identity later in life, navigating how to integrate this new understanding into their personal and relational lives. Others have come in wanting to make sense of their interest in BDSM, ethical non-monogamy, or other aspects of sexuality that are often stigmatized.

My goal is to ensure that clients feel not only safe to explore these topics but empowered to do so. Affirming your sexual identity is an act of self-acceptance, and therapy can provide the tools and validation needed to take that step confidently. For those unsure of how to move forward, we may start small, talking about what excites or intrigues them and what fears or judgments might be holding them back. Through this process, clients often find clarity and self-love, allowing them to approach their sexuality with curiosity rather than hesitation.

3. Supporting Clients with Sexual Challenges

Sex-positive therapy also involves supporting clients who are experiencing challenges in their sexual lives. This can range from low sexual desire to communication difficulties with a partner, to grappling with the effects of trauma or medical conditions on intimacy. For example, I’ve worked with couples who struggled to talk openly about their sexual needs. We focused on building skills for healthy communication, such as using “I” statements, practicing active listening, and setting boundaries, so each partner could feel heard without fear of rejection. For individual clients, sexual challenges might stem from stress, body image issues, or unresolved trauma. Creating an affirming space to process these feelings is essential. I often incorporate grounding techniques or self-compassion exercises to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reduce feelings of shame or anxiety.

Why This Approach Matters

Sex-positive therapy matters because it helps clients reclaim a part of themselves that has too often been silenced or ignored. Sexuality is a dynamic, beautiful part of the human experience, and everyone deserves a space where their desires, struggles, and questions can be met with compassion and curiosity.

Whether someone is looking to overcome barriers to intimacy, discover new aspects of their identity, or simply enjoy sex more freely, therapy can make a lasting impact. By helping clients approach their sexuality with openness and understanding, we’re also helping them grow more confident, joyful, and connected in every aspect of their lives. If you’re looking for a therapist who will meet you where you are, affirm your experiences, and empower you to explore your sexuality without fear or judgment, know that this kind of support is possible. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. You’re deserving of compassionate care that lets your full self shine. Sex isn’t just something to talk about; it’s something worth celebrating. And in sex-positive therapy, that’s exactly what we do.

Question 5

Body & Weight Inclusive

Accepted Answer

What does it mean to be a body and weight-inclusive therapist?hole being, including their body, without fear of judgment or bias. That’s why I take a body and weight-inclusive approach in therapy. I understand that societal pressure around body image can cause shame, self-doubt, and anxiety. For individuals of all body sizes, this pressure can deeply influence mental well-being.My aim as a therapist is to create a space where clients feel valued and respected, no matter their body size or shape. This is a space where self-acceptance can replace self-criticism, and where we can explore how to honor your body as it is—not as society believes it “should” be.

What does it mean to be a body and weight inclusive therapist?

A body and weight-inclusive approach means rejecting the idea that there’s a “right” way to have a body. It involves challenging harmful societal narratives that equate thinness with worthiness or health and viewing every client’s body as inherently deserving of care, respect, and celebration. This approach prioritizes understanding over judgment. It encourages exploring the complex relationship between body image, mental health, and societal pressures without placing blame on the individual. Whether you struggle with body dissatisfaction, have experienced discrimination or abuse because of your weight, or feel disconnected from your body altogether, my goal is to meet you with compassion and curiosity.

1. Challenging Weight Stigma

Weight stigma is everywhere—from how bodies are represented in media to how healthcare systems often discriminate against people in larger bodies. These messages can reinforce the harmful belief that a person’s value is determined by their size. I actively work to challenge these messages, both within the therapy room and in my broader practice as a mental health provider. For example, if a client has internalized the idea that they’re “less than” because of their weight, we’ll unpack where that belief comes from. We’ll explore how external influences like anti-fatness, diet culture, or personal experiences of discrimination might have shaped this narrative. Together, we’ll replace those harmful thoughts with compassion based on the truth—that your worth is not defined by the number on a scale.

2. Addressing Internalized Biases

Many clients come to me carrying internalized biases about their own or others’ bodies. These biases are often learned through years of being surrounded by diet culture, narrow beauty standards, and overt or subtle fat-shaming. Unravelling these deeply rooted beliefs takes time, but it’s an essential step in building a healthier relationship with oneself. For instance, I once worked with a client who realized that their negative feelings about their body were tied to childhood experiences of being ridiculed for their size. These memories had shaped how they viewed themselves as an adult. By processing these experiences, we externalized the shame they’d been carrying and gently reminded them that those judgments were never theirs to hold in the first place. Together, we worked on reframing their self-perception to one rooted in compassion and kindness.

3. Fostering A Different Relationship with Your Body

Many clients I work with have spent years at war with their bodies, trying to conform to cultural ideals that are unattainable for most people. Therapy can be a powerful place to pause and ask, “What does my body need from me?” instead of, “What does the world want my body to look like?” This shift often involves incorporating practices of self-compassion. For example, I might encourage a client to notice how they speak to themselves about their body. Are there harsh words? If so, we explore ways to replace those words with more nurturing and affirming language. Connecting with your body also means appreciating what it can do and honouring its needs. This might look like practicing mindfulness exercises to enjoy how your body feels in motion, or it might involve setting boundaries with people or media that perpetuate harmful messages about weight. Every step toward a more respectful and understanding relationship with your body is a step toward greater well-being.

4. Be Empowered

When you’re constantly battling feelings of inadequacy about your body, it’s easy to feel stuck or powerless. One of the goals of body and weight-inclusive therapy is to help restore a sense of agency over your life. For example, I’ve worked with clients who went from feeling ashamed of their appearance to setting goals that prioritized joy, health, and self-care over societal expectations. One client described how they redefined “health” on their own terms, focusing on mental and emotional well-being instead of arbitrary physical standards. It wasn’t about conforming; it was about flourishing. This kind of empowerment doesn’t happen overnight. But with consistent compassion and determination, it’s possible to reclaim your right to exist, thrive, and take up space in the world exactly as you are.

Why This Approach Matters

We live in a society that frequently tells people they must change their bodies to be worthy of love, belonging, or even basic respect. But these messages are lies, and they cause tremendous harm. Body and weight-inclusive counselling pushes back against these harmful ideas and creates a space where every person can access the support they deserve.

You are worthy of kindness, care, and connection exactly as you are. You don’t need to change your body to be respected or loved. If you’re ready to build a different relationship with your body and redefine what self-acceptance looks like for you, therapy can be a compassionate place to begin. You deserve to feel empowered, at peace, and fully at home in your own skin. Together, we can work toward that vision, one moment of self-compassion at a time.

IN-PERSON & REMOTE SERVICES IN WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY & ACROSS ONTARIO

Kim Levergood

COUNSELLING SERVICES

My Therapeutic Approach

Based in Harm Reduction Principles

Trauma Informed

BIPOC, Queer, Trans, Disability and Neurodiversity-Affirming

Sex Positive

Body & Weight Inclusive

If You Are In Crisis

Kim Levergood Counselling Services is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911, go to your local emergency room, or contact one of the crisis supports below.

Kim Levergood

COUNSELLING SERVICES