My name is Em (Emily) Yule and I am a non-binary, queer-identifying counselor (RP Qualifying). As a queer and trans-identifying individual, it has been a long-term goal of mine to work with other LGBTQIA+ folks and provide affirming care to these populations. To me, LGBTQIA+ affirming care means holding a safe therapeutic space for LGBTQIA+ folks to explore their experiences and emotions, free of assumptions that a cisgender identity and heterosexuality are the ‘norm’. I also believe it is important for psychotherapists to understand the nuances of intersectionality while working with LGBTQIA+, poly and/or kink clients who are also Black, Indigenous or people of colour, disabled, neurodiverse, unhoused, sex workers or hold other marginalized identities. 

While I am well-versed in the challenges that LGBTQIA+ populations face, I am also committed to the endeavor of life-long learning and unlearning in order to refine my skills and knowledge. While I acknowledge that a shared identity with a client may offer a bridge of connection, I am committed to approaching each client with curiosity, humility and compassion. With the recent increase in anti-trans and anti-queer rhetoric and legislation, I believe that it is as important as ever to hold space for trans and queer clients to explore and unpack their identity and experiences, while making positive changes in their lives.

My journey to psychotherapy has been a fairly linear path – Throughout my life, I felt a calling to the therapy profession,and went on to complete my undergraduate degree in psychology at Queen’s University. I am currently completing my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. 

My therapeutic approach is eclectic, with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-compassion — I do not believe that there is a “one-size fits all” approach to psychotherapy. I am client-centered, meaning that I believe in approaching psychotherapy based on your unique lived experience, goals and values. I may draw inspiration from acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I am committed to an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, culturally responsive and socially just framework to psychotherapy and my greatest hope is that clients come to feel safe, supported and empowered throughout our work together.