
Therapy for queer individuals navigating identity, family acceptance, and cultural expectations. Safe, affirming space — online across Ontario. Sessions in English or Mandarin.
"Everyone deserves a happy life, no matter what identity you hold."
— Ruilin Gong, RP(Q)
Ruilin is a Registered Psychotherapist who understands what it's like to be queer in a traditional family, to navigate two cultures, and to feel like you don't fully belong in either world. She's been where you are — and she's here to help you find your way forward.
Free 15-minute consultation · No commitment
You're 2SLGBTQ+ and your parents, your community, or your culture doesn't accept your identity. You love your family and want to honor them — but you also need to live your own life. The tension is exhausting.
You're navigating Asian family expectations, immigrant identity, or feeling like you don't fully belong in either culture. Filial piety vs. personal freedom. Traditional values vs. your own path. It's a constant balancing act.
You're anxious, perfectionistic, or struggling with self-doubt. Maybe you've struggled with self-harm. You need a therapist who actually understands what you're going through — culturally, personally, and without judgment.
You don't have to choose between honouring your family and being yourself. There's a way forward.

Registered Psychotherapist (Q) · CRPO Registered
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, University of Toronto · B.A. Psychology, McGill University
Languages: English · Mandarin Chinese
From a very young age, helping others became an important part of who I am. I believe that everyone's culture, background, identity, and lived experiences shape the challenges they face — and I bring a culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach to therapy.
I work with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity exploration, family acceptance, and cultural expectations. I also work with immigrants, Asian-Canadians, and anyone feeling stuck between two worlds.
I understand what it's like to be queer in a traditional Chinese family. I've navigated the tension between filial piety and living my own life. I've overcome self-harm. I know what it feels like to think you're alone — and I'm here to tell you: you're not.
You deserve a happy life, no matter what identity you hold.
For many queer individuals — especially those from Asian, immigrant, or traditional families — coming out means risking rejection from the people you love most. Here's what Ruilin wants you to know:
"For queer individuals growing up in traditional Asian families, filial piety is very important — wanting to be accepted by your parents. But at the same time, your own life matters. It's very important for you to own and live your own life as well."
— Ruilin Gong
You don't have to choose one or the other. Therapy can help you navigate loving your family while also honoring yourself.
Being multicultural doesn't mean you have to pick one and settle for the rest of your life. It means you have more opportunities, more possibilities, and a chance to create your own path.
Whether you're navigating self-harm, anxiety, cultural pressure, or identity struggles — you're not alone. Ruilin has personal experience with these challenges. Here's her message to you:
"You are not alone. I'm sitting here to help you. This is something I had overcome. There are other people experiencing what you're experiencing as well."
— Ruilin Gong
When people hold emotions within their body and don't have a way to express them, they ultimately find harmful ways to release those emotions. Therapy provides a safe space to share your story, explore your feelings, and find healthier ways forward.
You're not broken. You're not alone. And healing is possible.
If you're an immigrant, a child of immigrants, or someone navigating Asian family expectations alongside Canadian values — you might feel stuck in the middle. Here's what you need to know:
"Being multicultural doesn't mean you have to pick one and settle for the rest of your life. We are multicultural people, which means we have more opportunity and new possibility."
— Ruilin Gong
Common challenges we address:
Culturally responsive therapy means I understand the pressures, family dynamics, and mental health stigma that come with your background. A shared language means shared cultural context — you don't have to explain why your family thinks therapy is shameful. I already know.
$140 per session
50-minute sessions · Individual therapy · Online across Ontario · English or Mandarin
Ruilin tailors her approach based on your individual goals and preferences. Therapy is collaborative — we design the process together.
安大略省普通话心理治疗
Ruilin offers therapy in Mandarin Chinese for clients navigating cultural expectations, mental health stigma in Asian families, and the challenges of immigration.
Therapy in your native language means you can express yourself fully — without translation, without losing emotional nuance, without explaining cultural context that a therapist outside your community might not understand.
Book a Consultation in Mandarin / 预约普通话咨询"Therapy is a space where you feel respected, supported, and affirmed. You can share your story without judgment, explore your experience, and reconnect with your inner self."
— Ruilin Gong
In therapy with Ruilin, you'll find a warm, open-minded, curious presence. She tailors her approach based on your individual goals and preferences from a humanistic perspective.
Therapy is not about being "fixed." It's about creating a space where wisdom and resilience — which already exist within you — can emerge when you're given support, empathy, and freedom from judgment.
You deserve a happy life — no matter your identity, your family's beliefs, or your cultural background. Let's work through this together.
Questions? Call us: (647) 325-3136 · info@thewaitingroom.ca