As a parent we hope to make our child feel better when they are sick, frustrated or unhappy. This is easier when they are 5 but when they are 16 it can be a little more challenging. We have an open relationship with our child and can talk about pretty much anything but we were finding it tough to really communicate with him in the way that he needed.

I did my homework to make sure I chose someone that I felt my child would feel comfortable with and Leigha Gouthro was the one!! She open my child’s eyes to the amazing human being he is.

Our child shared his sexual orientation with us at a young age. Unfortunately that is where the sharing stopped. Early on it was not an issue as I am sure it felt good just to release that information to the most important people in your life and nothing changed – love is love. As time went on I could see his not being honest with loved ones and friends was stunting who he is and everything he could become. I told him that until he is honest and true to himself - happiness would always be beyond his grasp.

Leigha provided him with the tools to look inside and see his value and a plan to help him share his true self with those he loved. I will never forget the text I received January 1, 2018 – “I did it Mom”. He opened up for the first time to someone other than his parent. “Leigha was right – I will never forget this feeling – this is going to be a good year”.

Our family is forever grateful for Leigha

I happened upon Leigha during a difficult time for our family.  After recently discovering our teenage daughter was having thoughts of suicide, my husband and I were beside ourselves with worry and fear. Leigha was so compassionate and accommodating and was able to meet with our daughter almost right away. She was so patient with us and answered our questions and addressed our concerns in a non-judgemental way that made us feel comfortable knowing our baby was in capable hands. In just a few short months Leigha has helped our daughter work through her anxiety issues and begin to come out of her shell.

In addition to the incredible counselling sessions, she provided her with individualized tools and techniques to manage her anxiety on her own.  Leigha has helped our daughter tremendously to begin the journey of "coming into her own" by guiding her into a healthy direction of growth.  In fact Leigha has helped us all grow, by opening our minds to different ways of thinking and addressing issues. My family cannot thank you enough for all you have done and continue to do for us.

As our trans daughter grows older, she will face not only personal and psychological challenges, but also pressure from a culture that is slow to accept new gender identities. We're relieved to know she will have Leigha close by, to help her navigate those difficult waters.