LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
Whether you’re looking for support related to your LGBTQ+ identity or you want to work on other issues with an LGBTQ+ affirming (and queer identifying) therapist, I’m glad you’re here!
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Are you exploring your gender or sexuality?
How exciting! And maybe also scary or confusing.
There is no single narrative for this process, but there are two common concerns that sound something like Shouldn’t I have figured this out earlier? and What if I’m just making this all up?.
While there are people who know they are LGBTQ+ from the time they are a kid or teen, that’s not everyone’s experience. Our society really doesn’t encourage us to question or explore our sexualities or genders, so it makes sense that some folks don’t start exploring their sexuality or gender until adulthood, and that when they do, the process is filled with self-doubt and pressure to prove themselves. And the medical and mental health professions have made things even harder by asking trans and gender non-conforming folks to prove they are trans enough to get gender affirming care.
Therapy Can Help
Wherever you are in this process, I’d like to offer my support. You can take as much or as little time to question and explore. Regarding both sexuality and gender, you will always be the boss about if, when, and how you come out to others. Regarding gender identity and expression, you alone get to make decisions about social and medical transitioning. I am able to write letters to support gender affirming care according to WPATH-7 (soon to be -8) standards of care. And I will always believe you when you tell me who you are. You may also find it helpful to read more about me and my approach to therapy.
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Are you dealing with rejection, discrimination, or marginalization?
Lack of family support and acceptance, concerns about safety, and having people doubt the validity of some gender identities and sexual orientations are just a few of the concerns that people bring to therapy. Symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression are common responses to these painful experiences.
Therapy Can Help
In addition to addressing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, or depression, if needed, we can help you: decide if how you want to navigate relationships with people who have harmed you or not been supportive; strengthen connections to the people and communities who support and care for you; build up the practices that fill your cup; and make plans to protect your safety, if needed. You may also find it helpful to read more about me and my approach to therapy.
“I believe that telling our stories, first to ourselves and then to one another and the world, is a revolutionary act. It is an act that can be met with hostility, exclusion, and violence. It can also lead to love, understanding, transcendence, and community.”