Registered Clinical Counselling & Sex Therapy in Downtown Vancouver

Vancouver Centre for Counselling & Sex Therapy

A Safe, Affirming Space for Couples and Individuals in Vancouver.

Located in beautiful downtown Vancouver—and available online—I provide a safe space for all, including LGBTQ2S+-affirming counselling and sex therapy. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship challenges, or intimacy questions, you’ll find a non-judgmental, sex-positive space to be seen, understood, and supported.

What I Help With:
Navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or grief
Sexual concerns: mismatched desire, performance anxiety, orgasm or arousal issues, sexual shame or compulsive behaviours
Relationship & intimacy difficulties: trust, communication, open relationships, non-monogamy
Identity-related experiences: shame, coming out, LGBTQ2+ identity development, gender exploration
Healing from sexual trauma, cultural or body image shame

My Approach:
My work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and real-world experience. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) while holding a sex-positive, trauma-informed, LGBTQ2S+-affirming stance.

Begin Your Journey
Finding the right counsellor can feel daunting—but you don’t have to do this alone. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we’re a good fit. Sessions are available both in-person at my downtown Vancouver office (steps from SkyTrain) and online across BC, AB, SK, and MB.

👉 Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward meaningful change.

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My Practice, My Mission

I am dedicated to providing a safe and affirming space for all individuals including LGBTQ2+ individuals and couples. My mission is to foster understanding, connection, and growth through specialized counselling and sex therapy.

I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with years of experience helping individuals cultivate connection, resilience, and self-compassion. My approach blends trauma-informed, relational therapy with evidence-based tools—always with warmth, empathy, and respect.

I believe in a compassionate, client-centered approach, tailoring our therapeutic strategies to meet your unique needs and aspirations. My commitment is to support your well-being and relationship health.

My values center on inclusivity, respect, and evidence-based practices. I strive to create an environment where you feel heard, validated, and empowered to achieve your personal and relational goals.

Take the First Step
Booking a free 15-minute consult can help us determine if we’re the right fit. Reach out via phone (236.785.7547), email, or fill out the contact form below. If you're seeking therapy tailored to you in Vancouver, let's connect.

FAQs

Connecting to Self, Body, and Others
At the heart of my work is the belief that healing and growth begin with connection—first with ourselves, then with our bodies, and ultimately with others. Whether you’re rediscovering your inner voice, rebuilding trust in your body’s wisdom, or learning how to show up more authentically in your relationships, therapy offers a space to deepen that connection. My goal is to support you in cultivating self-awareness, embodied presence, and meaningful intimacy—so you can live with greater clarity, confidence, and emotional ease.
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LGBTQ2+ Affirming Sex Therapy
Supporting clients in navigating desire, orientation, gender identity, and relational dynamics in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Sexual Shame & Healing
Helping individuals unpack and move through shame rooted in culture, religion, trauma, or internalized messages about sex and desire.

Desire & Arousal Difficulties
Addressing low or mismatched desire, arousal challenges, and performance anxiety—with sensitivity to both emotional and relational contexts.

Sexual Behaviour
Working with clients who feel their sexual behaviour is interfering with relationships, goals, or personal values—without pathologizing desire.

Kink, Fetish, and Non-Monogamy
Providing informed, affirming support to clients exploring kink/BDSM, open relationships, polyamory, or other non-traditional dynamics.

Coming Out & Later-Life Identity Exploration
Guiding individuals who are coming out at any stage of life or exploring aspects of their sexual or gender identity, often for the first time.

These areas reflect my commitment to sex-positive, trauma-aware, and identity-affirming care, particularly for adults navigating layered or stigmatized experiences around sex and self.

I provide specialized support for a range of concerns, including relationship challenges, communication issues, and personal development within the LGBTQ2+ community.

Sexual Health & Intimacy Concerns
Sexual challenges can show up in many ways—whether it's low or mismatched desire, difficulties with arousal or erections, trouble reaching orgasm, or anxiety about sexual performance. Some individuals experience pain during sex or struggle with out-of-control sexual behaviors that feel compulsive or distressing. Others seek guidance around kink, fetish, or BDSM exploration, or want support navigating non-monogamous or open relationship dynamics. Whatever your concern, you’re not alone. I offer a respectful, sex-positive, and trauma-informed space where we can explore your experiences without shame—focusing on your unique needs, goals, and values. Together, we’ll work to foster greater connection, confidence, and fulfillment in your intimate life.

Gender & Sexual Identity Support
Exploring your gender or sexual identity is a deeply personal journey, and it's one that can happen at any stage of life. Whether you're navigating LGBTQ2+ identity development, considering coming out, working through internalized shame or homophobia, or seeking support around gender exploration or transition, you're welcome here. I offer a nonjudgmental, affirming space where all identities are respected and celebrated. My approach is grounded in cultural humility, lived experience, and evidence-informed practices to support you in building a sense of authenticity, pride, and belonging.

Relational & Intimacy Concerns
Relationships can bring immense joy—but they can also face challenges. Whether you're experiencing communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, or working to rebuild trust after infidelity, support is available. I work with individuals and couples to navigate the complexities of monogamy and consensual non-monogamy, helping you find clarity in your relationship structure and values. For those in long-term partnerships, I offer guidance in reigniting emotional and sexual intimacy, fostering deeper connection, and strengthening the foundation of your bond. Together, we’ll create space for vulnerability, honesty, and meaningful growth.

Healing from Trauma & Shame
Sexuality and self-worth are often shaped by our past—sometimes in painful or limiting ways. Whether you're navigating the lingering impacts of sexual trauma, struggling with religious or cultural sexual shame, carrying negative body image, or healing from deep attachment wounds, you are not alone. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where your experiences are honored with care and sensitivity. Grounded in trauma-informed and attachment-based approaches, our work together will focus on rebuilding safety in your body, reclaiming your voice, and moving toward a more empowered and compassionate relationship with yourself and others.

Life Transitions & Emotional Wellness
Life’s changes—whether expected or unexpected—can deeply impact our emotional and intimate well-being. You may be facing anxiety, depression, or grief that’s affecting your relationships or sexual expression. Perhaps you're adjusting to aging, illness, or shifting life roles. Or maybe you're exploring your sexual identity later in life and seeking support in making sense of what this means for you now. These transitions deserve care, curiosity, and compassion. I provide a supportive space to help you process, adapt, and reconnect with yourself and others in meaningful ways, no matter where you are on your journey.

ICBC-Related Therapy and Support
If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have an ICBC claim, I'm here to help. I offer evidence-informed therapy specifically tailored to support your recovery journey. My goal is to help you navigate both the emotional and physical impacts of your accident, and I'm experienced in working with ICBC to ensure you get the care you need.

My work is client-centered, collaborative, affirming, and grounded in both clinical insight and lived experience. I offer an integrative approach to sex therapy that honors the complexity of identity, relationships, and desire. My practice is sex-positive, trauma-aware, and LGBTQ2+ affirming.

I draw from:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to help clients build psychological flexibility and live in alignment with their values.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – to support deeper emotional awareness and connection, especially in relationships.

Somatic & Attachment-Informed Practices – to explore how past experiences live in the body and shape present patterns.

Sex Therapy Principles – addressing issues such as desire, arousal, performance anxiety, sexual identity, kink, shame, and intimacy with openness and curiosity.
Sessions are tailored to the individual or couple, creating a space where people can explore challenges and possibilities without fear of judgment.

Yes, I offer virtual sessions to provide convenient and accessible support to clients anywhere.

Sessions with me are collaborative, non-judgmental, and grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect. Whether you're seeking support around intimacy, identity, relationships, or sexual concerns, therapy will be tailored to meet your unique needs and pace.

What You Can Expect

You can expect a safe, affirming space where all sexual orientations, gender identities, relationship structures, and personal histories are welcomed without judgment. My approach is grounded in evidence-informed therapy and guided by your unique needs and values. Together, we’ll collaborate to clarify your goals—whether you’re looking to improve communication, heal from shame, increase sexual confidence, or deepen emotional and physical connection. Therapy will support you in understanding your inner experience while creating meaningful, sustainable change in your daily life and relationships. I offer flexible session formats—both in-person at my Vancouver office and virtual across provinces where counselling is not regulated. Evening and weekend appointments are available, and direct billing may be offered when eligible. Modalities may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other trauma-informed approaches tailored to your needs.

Upcoming Workshops and Group Sessions

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Relationship
Communication
Workshop

Next Meeting Oct 9th

The Connection Project is a therapeutic offering designed to help individuals rebuild emotional, physical, and relational connection. It draws on your expertise in identity development, sex therapy, trauma-informed practice, and men's mental health, and emphasizes integration of self-awareness, embodiment, and interpersonal authenticity.

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Gay Men's Book Club

Fall 2025 (please check back for sign up).


The Gay Men’s Book Club is a small, intimate group (limited to 10 participants) designed to foster connection, reflection, and authentic conversation among gay, bi, queer, and questioning men.

Upcoming Read:
Park Cruising: What Happens When We Wander Off the Path by Marcus McCann

This book explores controversial themes of public intimacy, queer desire, risk, secrecy, and resistance with nuance and vulnerability.

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Stephen "Skip" Olshefsky

M.Sc., RCC 



Hello, I’m Skip (he/him/his — though I prefer not to use pronouns). My name is a little different, and that reflects who I am.

I’m human—just like you—shaped by life’s challenges, changes, and growth. As a cisgender gay man, I know what it’s like to face both subtle and obvious pressure to fit into a heteronormative world.

I offer sex-positive counselling and sex therapy, primarily for gay men who want to reconnect with their true selves beyond society’s expectations. My goal is to help you build a sense of inner balance that supports all areas of your life.

While I focus on working with gay men, I welcome and affirm people of all identities. You don’t have to go through it alone—we’ll work together to find your path toward peace and authenticity. 


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"A DESIGNATION OF BC ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL COUNSELLORS"

Types and Cost of Treatment

Personal counselling
165/session

Individual sessions for personal growth and healing.

Couple Counselling
165/session

Sessions for couples to foster understanding and intimacy.

Book Club
Pay what you can.


Community, learning, and exploration of the gay identity.

Get in touch! 

Get connected, Come together

  • 236-785-7547
  • stephenolshefsky@icloud.com
  • 308-515 W. Pender St. Vancouver BC
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