LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling

It is an extremely challenging time to belong to the LGBTQ+ community. You may be experiencing significant fear about your physical safety or bearing the emotional burden of knowing that your rights may be taken away because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. You might deal with these issues by not sharing your identity with others or by disconnecting from who you are. It's likely that you feel inauthentic and drained by constantly having to monitor how much to share, with whom, and in what settings you might be safe. Even if you are out to most people in your life, coming out is a highly unique and lifelong process. It can also mean grieving the loss of the individuals in your life who refuse to accept who you truly are. 

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All of these experiences can be very painful and challenging to figure out alone. Together we can explore your sexual orientation and gender identity to give you clarity and foster long-term comfort with all aspects of yourself. We can address the negative impact of gender dysphoria and celebrate experiences of gender euphoria. We can work toward alleviating internalized heterosexism and transphobia and build resilience during stressful times. As we work together, your self understanding may change. Our sessions can be a place for you to acknowledge your fluidity and safely experiment with using different pronouns, dressing differently, or changing your name. I will not rush or dissuade you in your journey. Along the way, we can discuss strategies to build community and enhance your social support. Ultimately, whether your reasons for coming to counseling are identity related or not, I will accept who you are and will strive to reduce as many barriers as possible for you to get the support you deserve to live an authentic life.