LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counseling

Having a therapist who does not add to the stigma of marginalized identities, can help put language to unspoken experiences, understands the unique cultural dynamics in queer communities can really increase the effectiveness of therapy for LGBTQIA+ identifying people. My work as a LGBTQIA+ affirming and identifying therapist often looks like supporting folx with identity exploration, challenging internalized shame, and navigating relationships (familial, platonic, and romantic).

Additionally, I am experienced in writing letters of support for gender affirming care and surgeries for adults and adolescents. As anti-gender affirming care legislation and pressures increase, I maintain my commitment to advocating for my clients in this way but my effectiveness against larger systems may be diminished.

Minority Stress

Minority Stress is a well-researched phenomenon that explains the differences in mental health outcomes between LGBTQIA+ adults and youth compared to their cis-gendered and heterosexual counterparts. Luckily current data shows that gender affirming care, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, and some life changes can be reparative factors and build resilience. As anti-LGBTQIA, especially transphobic, discrimination and policies are on the rise it becomes more important to access support and community.

Causes of Minority Stress:

  • Prejudiced/Discriminatory Events & Policies

  • Expectations of Rejection

  • Concealment, Even When Protective

  • Internalized (Homo/Bi/Trans)phobia

Impacts of Minority Stress:

  • Emotional Dysregulation

  • Social/Interpersonal Problems

  • Cognitive/Thinking Patterns (Rumination, Shame, etc.)

  • Physical Health Outcomes