LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
Therapy that recognizes the unique experiences, challenges, and needs of queer-identified folks without trying to fit you into a heteronormative box.
What is LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy?
Affirming means that you are supported, validated, and empowered. So shouldn't all therapy be affirming? Yes! But that doesn't mean that all therapy, or all therapists, have an understanding or training in the experiences of certain identities or minorities. LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy is an approach to therapy that is rooted in understanding and validating the experiences of queer folk, advocating for the needs and wellbeing of the community, and recognizing how discrimination, stigma, and oppression due to identity impact mental health. It goes beyond a therapist being supportive of a client's queer identity; its a commitment to creating a therapeutic space where a clients identity is accepted and considered in treatment planning and goals.
Not every queer person who goes to therapy is going because they are queer...they're going for the same reasons that straight people come to therapy: anxiety, depression, relationship stress or break-ups, family conflict, work demands, grief or other human experiences. But living outside "the norm" still has an impact on these experiences, and having a therapist who can relate makes a difference in your ability to share, process, and be vulnerable.
What does LGBTQ+ therapy focus on?
Gender and sexual identity therapy supports you in exploring or experiencing challenges related to your gender identity, sexual orientation, and overall sexual identity. You will find a safe, non-judgmental space where you can understand and express your identities, navigate societal and personal challenges, and improve your overall mental health and well-being.
Some common topics related to identity addressed in therapy include:
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Understanding your gender and sexual identity, your experiences as they relate to your identity, and the impact of discrimination, prejudice, or internalized stigma on your mental health.
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Queer relationships and family building challenges and experiences.
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Supporting individuals in the process of coming out to family, friends, colleagues, and others.
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Assisting transgender individuals in their transition process, which may include social, medical, and legal aspects.
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Addressing how various aspects of a person’s identity (such as race, culture, religion, and socio-economic status) intersect with their gender and sexual identity.
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Navigating relationships and intimacy within the context of one’s gender and sexual identity.
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Supporting family members navigate their children/teen's gender and sexual identity.
Sex & Intimacy for LGBTQ+
Sex is a normal and integral part of a healthy relationship for those who experiences sexual desire. Some challenges for any sexual partnership can include mismatched desire, communicating about sex, or overcoming anxiety around initiating sex. There can be specific experiences that relate to sex and intimacy for queer relationships, including comfortability with same-gender sex, gender transitions, the intersection of gender roles and sex, or gender dysphoria. Having a therapist who identifies as queer, commits to educating themselves on LGBTQ+ affirmative care, and focuses on sex and intimacy can be a pivotal difference in enhancing your sexual wellbeing and relationships.
Inclusive Relationship Therapy
Not all relationships are the same; in fact, relationships come in all different forms and structures. All partner therapy provided here is inclusive of more than just a heterosexual monogamous relationship, recognizing that there is no single "right" way to experience love, intimacy, and commitment. I have experience working with many types of relationships, and am committed to providing therapy for:
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Non-Monogamous Relationships, including Open, Polyamorous, Ethnically Non-Monogamous, and Swinging
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Monogamous Relationships with or without the goal of marriage
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Queer Relationships
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Aromantic and Asexual Relationships
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Long-Distance Relationships
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Cohabitation/Coparenting with Prior Partner
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Uncoupling of Partnership
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Platonic Life Partnerships
Regardless of relationship structure, the goal of therapy remains on enhancing communication, resolving conflicts, and building connection.