Steven Butler, also known as “The Big Friendly Therapist,” is a Licensed Counselling Therapist (LCT) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) offering therapy in Saint John, New Brunswick. He works with young adults (18+) and adults, with a particular focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

As a queer therapist, Steven’s work is grounded in creating a space where clients feel understood without needing to educate their therapist first. His approach is affirming, relational, and rooted in the belief that therapy should be a place where people can show up fully as themselves.

Steven supports clients navigating a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. His work is especially attuned to the complexities of gender identity, sexual orientation, and non-traditional relationship structures.

His clinical approach is integrative, drawing from person-centred and humanistic frameworks, alongside evidence-based modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and affirmative therapy. Sessions are tailored to the individual, with a focus on both insight and meaningful change.

Steven holds specialized credentials that distinguish his practice in the region. He is New Brunswick’s first mental health clinician to become a World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) GEI SOC8 Certified member, and provides readiness assessments for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), surgeries, and other aspects of gender-affirming care. He is also a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing his contributions to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In addition to his clinical work, Steven is increasingly sharing his expertise with other clinicians through clinical supervision and case consultation, particularly in the areas of 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care and gender-affirming practice. Steven is actively engaged in advocacy, student supervision, and community work, with a strong commitment to anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and inclusive practice. 

Steven is a College of Licensed Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick (CCTNB) Approved Supervisor offering clinical supervision for Licensed Counselling Therapist – Candidates (LCT-Cs) working toward licensure requirements in New Brunswick. 

Steven’s approach is supportive, clear, and non-judgmental. He creates a space where clients can explore their experiences openly, build self-understanding, and move toward a stronger sense of identity and connection.