lgbtqia counseling

LGBTQIA
Counseling


As someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, aroace, or any other uniquely diverse identity within our community, you face a distinct set of challenges and mental health needs. While you share the fundamental human desires for belonging, connection, and self-worth, achieving these in a way that feels safe and authentic to you can be significantly more difficult.

You may encounter some or all of the following challenges:

  • Your family, friends, culture, or support system may not fully accept or embrace your identity, leading you to live a double life or hide your true self.

  • You might feel disconnected from your own body, your relationships, or the environment around you, causing feelings of distress.

  • Internalized negative messages and experiences of shame can make it hard to accept and love yourself fully.

  • Healing from mental health disorders or trauma can be complicated when past treatments have overlooked or overly emphasized your queer identity, making recovery feel incomplete.

These challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to the mistaken belief that struggling is an inherent part of being queer. However, with the right support—including compassionate and affirming mental health care—you can create a life that is not only authentically yours but also fulfilling, meaningful, and vibrant. You deserve to thrive in every part of your journey.

Mental Health Challenges


Some common mental health challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Self-Harm

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Self-Esteem Challenges

  • Family Relationship Difficulties

  • Romantic Relationship Difficulties

  • Friendship Difficulties

  • Coming Out Challenges

  • Gender Dysphoria

  • Gender Transition Stress

  • Racial/Cultural Identity Development Challenges

  • Spiritual Development Challenges

  • Existential Dilemmas

  • And more…

These challenges may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Therapy offers a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space to explore your struggles and uncover the root causes of your mental health symptoms. This journey can help you begin to feel better and discover your true self.

How I Can Help


As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I understand the challenges of finding a safe, affirming, and competent therapist. I bring together lived experience, clinical expertise, and specialized training to support you in our sessions. I am an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE). Above all, I am a compassionate human dedicated to meeting you where you are on your journey and learning about your unique experience.

I use a blend of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to help you build inner security and strengthen your relationships, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach practical skills in communication, emotional regulation, and mindfulness for navigating life’s challenges. Our work begins by creating a secure connection during sessions—a safe space for you to express your emotions and thoughts and feel truly understood. From there, we explore your identity, enhance your relationships, and work on easing mental health symptoms together.

Where to Begin


Starting Your Therapy Journey

  • Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation: Schedule a complimentary call to discuss your concerns and determine if my approach is right for you.

  • Multiple Contact Options: Reach out through phone, email, or text to have your questions answered or to schedule the first session.

  • Streamlined Paperwork: Easily consent to therapy and verify you insurance benefits using our online system.

  • First Session: An initial meeting to discuss your mental health history, explore current challenges, and set therapy goals.

  • Subsequent Sessions: Usually scheduled once a week or every other week, tailored to your goals and personalized treatment plan.

This process ensures a strong foundation and clear goals for your path to wellness.