LGBTQ-affirming therapy can support you whether you’re just starting to explore your identity, building a family, facing discrimination or seeking to heal old wounds. As a therapist and ally, I offer a safe haven where you can explore your authentic self without judgment.
Together, we can empower you to thrive, embrace your identity and live a fulfilling life on your own terms.
Reasons to seek out LGBTQ-affirming therapy
Life as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer person can be a vibrant and beautiful journey. But it can also be shadowed by societal stigma, internal confusion and relationship conflicts. There are many reasons that you may seek out LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Here are some of the most common:
- Questions about identity: The process of self-discovery and understanding one’s identity can be anxiety-provoking and require guidance and support.
- Low self-esteem and shame: Societal stigma and lack of representation can negatively impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of shame.
- Discrimination: Facing prejudice, harassment or microaggressions can be emotionally damaging and cause stress, anxiety and depression..
- Family conflicts: Coming out to family members who don’t understand or embrace you can strain relationships that may already be tense.
How I can help
Here are some specific ways I can assist you through LGBTQ-affirming therapy:
- Identity and coming out: Exploring and accepting your sexual orientation or gender identity can be a complex and emotional journey. I can provide a safe space to process these feelings and build self-esteem. Additionally, I can offer guidance and support for coming out to family, friends and colleagues.
- Relationships and family dynamics: When family members and friends don’t understand and support you, strained relationships and emotional distress can result. I can help you navigate these challenges, build healthy communication skills and set boundaries. As a family therapist, I can also provide support to parents of children who are exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Mental health support: If you’re experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, I can provide tools and strategies for managing these challenges, improving emotional well-being and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
- Discrimination and prejudice: Micro-aggressions and overt prejudice against the LGBTQ community are all too common in everything from housing and employment to healthcare and public spaces. I can help you cope with the emotional impact of discrimination, develop resilience and advocate for your rights.
- Transgender-specific issues: I can provide support and guidance as you manage gender dysphoria and challenges related to your transition.
- Neurodivergence: If you’re both neurodivergent and identify with the LGBTQ community, I have special expertise to help you manage these intersectional identities.
