LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
Find empowerment and celebration through LGBTQ+ therapy.
Counseling Services for LGBTQ+ Identified Individuals & Couples
As a gay male therapist and LGBTQ+ advocate, I know first hand the challenges and struggles the LGBTQ+ community has faced. These challenges can be difficult to navigate on one’s own. Discrimination, homophobia, societal norms, and personal identity and sexual orientation issues can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. I provide professional support and guidance to LGBTQ+ identified youths (adolescents 12-18) and adults seeking help with their mental health.
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy is an approach to therapy that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and uses affirmative counseling techniques to address the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ individuals.
My clients get access to a safe, non-judgmental, and shame-free space where they feel supported and validated in their experiences. This approach to therapy for LGBTQ+ identified folks allows me to enable a sense of empowerment and celebration for clients that allows them to make positive changes in their daily life.
I’m a Licensed Therapist Trained in and Specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology
You Want A Mental Health Professional Who Gets You
I am a licensed professional who is trained in and specializes in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology, and who deeply understands the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and empathizes with our struggles. I have worked in the LGBTQ community for over 20 years, as an advocate, therapist, and artist, and I would be honored to work with you.
The LGBTQ+ community has long been underserved when it comes to mental health care. Fortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health is slowly lifting, and more people are beginning to realize the importance of taking care of their emotional well-being.
Don’t Let Your Mental Health Issues Define You
As an LGBTQ individual, it can be tough to function in the world when you’re dealing with mental health issues and challenges, especially because we are taught that our identity is the cause of such mental health conditions. But the truth is, oppression causes depression, not identity, and you should never let oppression or your mental health challenges define who you are.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation is described as one’s sexual attraction to another person. Exploring one’s sexual orientation can bring up intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, and shame, and you don’t have to go at it alone. Whether you are a young person newly questioning and discovering your own sexual desires, arousal, attraction, and orientation, or an adult questioning unexplored avenues of attraction, I can help create a non-judgemental space and shame-free zone to unpack your desires so that you have a space to comfortably process your authentic self.
Whether you want to explore and understand your own gender identity and expression or seek advice on how to support a loved one who is going through a transition, I offer valuable insights and resources. I help transgender men and women, gender non-conforming and non-binary individuals, and gender transitioning folks in navigating the challenges that come with transitioning, including emotional struggles, familial and friend support, and social stigma. Additionally, I can provide guidance on how to communicate effectively with friends and family members about gender identity so that everyone feels supported and respected.
Gender Identity
Family Therapy for a Better Understanding of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Gender identity and sexual orientation are complex issues, and they can be hard to understand and grasp for those who haven’t experienced them firsthand. Family therapy provides a safe space for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and fears without judgment or criticism. I help families address any negative attitudes or behaviors they may have and learn how to work towards embracing diversity and accepting each other’s differences. I can provide parents with the necessary tools to learn how to support their gender-diverse child through the challenges they face during the transition process, and support differences in sexual orientation.
Some members of the LGBTQ+ community have experienced homophobic victimization, in-school and online bullying, and trauma as a result of who they are. This can include experiences such as organizational discrimination, familial rejection, and violence. Survivors of anti-LGBTQ violence and abuse often report higher incidents and rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and suicidal ideation. I welcome and would be honored to work with you. Together we can build resilience and work toward trauma survival and recovery. I can provide you with the tools to build resilience and confidence in yourself.
Counseling for Trauma Recovery and Improved Mental Health
Can LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy Help You?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) affirmative therapy is a form of counseling specifically designed to help members of the LGBTQ+ community address their unique challenges and experiences related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. While each lived experience is unique, there are several signs that indicate you may benefit from LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy.
- You’re having trouble coming to terms with your sexual orientation or gender identity.
- You’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your identity.
- You’re struggling with depression or anxiety.
- You’re having difficulty navigating relationship issues.
- You’re struggling to cope with LGBTQ-related stressors.
- You’re the victim of bullying, homophobic victimization, violence, or abuse
- You’re feeling isolated or alone.
Book Your Free 15-minute Phone Consultation and Let's Talk About It!
As an LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist and openly gay man, I would be honored to support your journey in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy. Book your free consultation with me today so that I can learn a bit more about you, and I can answer any questions you have about therapy.
frequently asked questions
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQ and seeks to provide support and understanding for them. This form of therapy can be particularly helpful for those struggling with feelings of confusion, self-doubt, or isolation.
One of the key principles of LGBTQ Affirmative Psychology is the idea that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This type of therapy helps individuals to develop resilience and self-advocacy skills, and it can also provide a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding of their own identity.
My focus is on providing a safe, non-judgmental, and accepting environment in which my clients can explore their feelings and experiences. I strive to create a space that is free of stigma, shame, and discrimination so that individuals can develop healthier relationships with themselves and their identities.
LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy can help you gain the confidence and courage to be more vocal about your identity and to advocate for your rights. It can also help you to cope with the stress and anxiety that can come with being an LGBTQ person. You will gain a greater understanding of your identity and learn how to navigate various social and cultural environments.
While the process of transitioning can be one of the most exciting and empowering life stages for gender-diverse and trans people, it can also be an emotionally and physically challenging journey. The gender transition process can involve many different steps, from medical interventions such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to social and lifestyle changes.
I can provide support throughout this process, helping you to navigate the many complex emotions and experiences you may encounter. This could include assisting you in understanding your gender identity, exploring your gender expression, and developing coping skills to manage any distress you may feel. I can also provide counseling and support to family members, helping them to better understand and accept their loved one’s gender identity.