E. S. Cuevas [any]
MSW Practicum Student, BA
E is:
A Gender-Affirming Barber
A Master of Social Work (MSW) Practicum Student, University of Toronto
I’m an Afro-Caribbean, Two-Spirit, queer person whose work is deeply shaped by lived experience, community care, and anti-oppressive practice. I’m committed to creating spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+, QTBIPOC, and racialized folks feel seen, respected, and safe to show up as their full selves, without having to explain, perform, or minimize their experiences.
Today, I am a gender-affirming barber and MSW student at the University of Toronto, with a background rooted in relationship-based, trauma-informed, and community-centred care. My work has always lived at the intersection of identity, storytelling, and holding space, long before I entered formal social work training.
As a barber, I’ve spent years in one-on-one conversations with folks navigating grief, transition, burnout, joy, and everything in between. That lived, relational experience shapes how I show up in social work spaces: grounded, curious, and deeply attuned to the realities people carry in their bodies and lives.
At PSC, I’m here to learn, observe, and grow alongside the team as I continue developing my practice. I believe healing happens in spaces where people feel seen, affirmed, and met without urgency, and I’m especially passionate about gender-affirming, anti-oppressive care for QTBIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Learn about my work, vibes and the types of therapy I practice.
Quick Facts About E
E’s Work & Fees
At this time, I am not accepting clients or setting fees. The following reflects my developing areas of interest and the populations I hope to work alongside as I continue my training.
I’m especially interested in working with QTBIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as couples and relationships of all ages, with care that honours lived experience, identity, and community context.
My areas of interest include:
Gender-affirming care and identity exploration
Queer, trans, and non-binary experiences
Relationships, intimacy, communication, and attachment
Navigating systemic oppression, racism, and marginalization
Life transitions, grief, stress, and burnout
Building self-trust, self-compassion, and emotional regulation
I value slowness, consent, and relational safety. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humour into the spaces I’m part of, while staying attentive to how power, identity, and systemic harm shape people’s lives.
My background as a gender-affirming barber has taught me the importance of trust, listening beyond words, and meeting people where they are.
E’s Vibes
As an MSW student, I’m here to learn and grow within a values-driven, justice-oriented practice. I hold deep respect for community wisdom and believe healing happens in spaces that are affirming, collaborative, and grounded in lived experience. You can expect me to be:
QTBIPOC-affirming
Queer & trans-affirming
Anti-oppressive & anti-racist
Warm
Nurturing
Grounded
Curious
Relational
Reflective
Community-minded
Identity-aware
Gentle but honest
Types of Therapy
My developing practice is grounded in a relational, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lens. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including:
Anti-oppressive and liberation-focused frameworks
Trauma-informed care
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Narrative therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Relational and person-centred approaches
Strengths-based practice
“I believe therapy is most effective when it’s collaborative, culturally responsive, and rooted in respect for each person’s autonomy, resilience, and wisdom.'“
E's Life, Family and Barbering Space
