Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and questioning persons are frequently subjected to hurtful and negative judgments that can affect self-image, increase fears, impact careers and relationships, and block creative energy. If you are struggling with identity issues, feeling anxious or depressed, recovering from a relationship or are in an unhappy one, or grappling with self-worth, working with an LGBTQ psychotherapist can help you overcome your emotional pain and suffering.
Supportive, Affirmative & Explorative Counseling
I provide a non-judgmental and empowering therapeutic space, free of discrimination, stigma and shame. In a safe and confidential setting, we will explore your feelings, history, relationships and hopes to better identify strengths and resolve conflicts so you can feel good about yourself, live a fuller life, and have deeper relationships.
Therapy for a Broad Range of Issues Impacting LGBTQ Persons
Sexuality & Gender
I welcome my LGBTQ clients for who they are and want them to feel understood, accepted, and safe. I am here to assist you with whatever is troubling you with your sexuality and gender, be it internal or relationship struggles or issues you are experiencing stemming from them. Together we will work on your identity exploration and how it is impacting your daily life and personal relationships.
Coming Out
Sadly we live in a culture where LGBTQ people need to “come out” and where there is still a stigma. The first step is coming out to yourself, acknowledging the feelings you have had for some time, and defining your sexual orientation and identity. Then the next step is exploring the decision whether or when to tell others. All of this can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, and sadness. I can help you work through the overwhelming feelings you may be having–at every stage of the coming out process. While the coming out experience can be scary and challenging, it can also be liberating, freeing, and life-changing. This is important though…clients are always encouraged to explore these issues at their own pace and are never pressured.
Family Struggles
Every family dynamic is unique. Unfortunately, not everyone has a loving, accepting, and supporting family unit. As a result, some LGBTQ people will live completely separate lives, hiding their true selves from their family and friends, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. Others may want to be transparent, but are anxious about sharing their feelings and not sure how to do so. And then there are some LGBTQ persons who have come out to their family members and have been shunned or received less than hoped for support and acceptance. Whatever type of family relationship you are experiencing, I can help you explore and work through your disappointments, expectations and hopes.
Relationship Issues
There are relationship issues unique to the LGBTQ community. If you are in an unhappy relationship or recovering from a broken one, it is beneficial to seek a therapist who understands the relationship struggles you are feeling as an LGBTQ person. I can help you work through the grief and anger you are experiencing after a relationship ended or improve communication and build intimacy and connection with your current partner or spouse.
Career Concerns
There are not only coming out concerns with self, family and friends; there are also worries about revealing your true self at your place of employment because of current attitudes – particularly in the corporate world. You may be struggling to be transparent for fear of how you will be accepted and whether doing so will negatively affect how you are treated. We will explore together how to address and overcome the challenges you face in your career path.
Anxiety
Anxiety is severely heightened for LGBTQ persons. From self-acceptance and fear of being accepted by others to the social stigma and discrimination of just living your true life, there are so many areas that can contribute to feelings of anxiousness and worry. I will teach you the tools to manage and reduce anxiety, so you can get to your best self, feeling more relaxed and focused.
Depression
Living multiple lives, current attitudes and relationship struggles are just a few of the things that can trigger depression among LGBTQ persons. If you are feeling alone, sad, lost, hopeless, or anxious, you may need to seek the help of a mental health professional. I help clients overcome these debilitating feelings.
An LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist Committed to Acceptance and Understanding
LGBTQ persons share a particular set of unique concerns. Working through them will be best achieved by working with an LGBTQ-friendly therapist that is well familiar with these issues and is accepting, encouraging and supportive. I have worked with LGBTQ clients for over 25 years helping them through all types of challenges. I offer individual, couple, and group therapy sessions.
What You Can Expect From Our Therapy Sessions:
Ultimately, LGBTQ counseling can and should accomplish some of the following objectives:
• Lessen Fears and Reduce Anxiety
• Increase Feelings of Self-Acceptance and Esteem
• Deepen Insight and Knowledge
• Expand Hopefulness About the Future
• Achieve Greater Focus and Mastery
Therapy should show concrete results in a reasonable period of time. After several months, we will together evaluate goals and progress to make sure you are benefiting from your sessions.
Call to learn more about my LGBTQ counseling method or to schedule an appointment.