LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
What brings LGBTQIA+ folx to therapy?
Many Queer and Trans folx come to therapy for reasons outside of their identity. For others, their identity is the focus of their counseling. LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and polycules start psychotherapy to process:
Identity Exploration and Affirmation: Many seek therapy to explore, understand, and affirm their gender identity, sexual orientation, or chancing relationship structure in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Coming Out/Inviting In: Therapy can provide guidance and support during the process of coming out to oneself and inviting others in.
Internalized Homophobia or Transphobia: Therapy can assist in addressing internalized negative beliefs about one’s own identity.
External Discrimination: Support in dealing with discrimination, harassment, or microaggressions in various settings, including work, school, or social environments.
Family Acceptance: Seeking help with family conflicts or issues related to acceptance and support from family members.
High-control or religious influences: Recovering from assigned beliefs systems that promote shame and guilt
Life Adjustments: Navigating major life changes or transitions, such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or other significant life events.
Working with V
As a Queer, non-binary therapist, I offer both lived experience of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community and clinical expertise in identity development, minority stress, and cultivating Queer and Trans joy. Therapy with me will be safe, affirming, and kind.
I offer:
Individual therapy for adults centered on identity exploration and celebration
Individual therapy for caregivers to help offer understanding for their gender-diverse child
Letters of support for those accessing gender-affirming healthcare such as hormone therapies and gender-affirming surgeries
Couple’s therapy to support a partner’s transition, process significant life changes, or consider a change in relationship structure
If I’m not the right fit for you, here are some inclusive provider directories to help widen your search:
The Gender Affirming Letter Access Project
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color
For those looking for healthcare support, here are some resources for Washington State residents:
Mary Bridge Gender Health Clinic
Seattle Children’s Gender Health Clinic
Additional Resources
Conversion therapy, also known as "reparative therapy" is an unethical practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Major professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Counseling Association, and many others have denounced conversion therapy and recommended against its use.
Many countries, cities, and states have banned the use of conversion therapy because it can lead to significant psychological harm, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
A word on conversion practices
