LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

Coming out has its challenges.

I am ashamed and fearful when I imagine coming out to my friends and family.

There are so many beautiful YouTube videos of people coming out to their friends and family, and it’s easy to get emotional when you watch them. But you’re afraid your experience won’t be as loving and accepting as other people’s.

Your parents or grandparents are old-fashioned or conservative, causing you to constantly worry there will be serious repercussions to coming out. You’ve heard your friends and loved ones casually make jokes or speak negatively about the LGBTQIA+ community, and it’s infuriating and terrifying.

Working with a therapist can give you the confidence you will need to speak honestly and be your most authentic self around your friends and family.

Explore your feelings about gender and sexual attraction.

I am sometimes unsure about my gender or who I’m attracted to? My lack of certainty or changes in my feelings make me doubt myself.

Developing a strong sense of self is a lifelong journey, but when you’re a teen or young adult, you have a strong sense of urgency to define yourself and be authentic. It is completely normal and a natural part of growing up to question and experiment. Questioning who you are and experimenting by trying different ways of dressing or relating to people can be fun and exhilarating. They can also leave you feeling sad and unsure.

Your parents’ approval and support are still necessary and important at this stage of your life. Keeping secrets from them weighs on your heart. Are you feeling anxiety and shame about your feelings regarding your gender or sexual orientation?

Now is the perfect time to have a safe, supportive space to explore your feelings and questions. Let’s work together to find clarity and acceptance for yourself as you are. Make space for any changes or transitions that the future may hold and develop the confidence to live and present as your most authentic self.

Please call or text me at (714) 321-1521.

Parents want to support but may have questions.

My child is exploring their identity, gender, or sexual orientation. I want to be supportive, but I have questions.

The response to discovering your child is questioning their identity can range from shocked and worried to deeply supportive but confused by the terminology and unfamiliar grammar and language usage.

How to use pronouns can be confusing. Are you unsure that you fully understand terms such as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or genderqueer? If your kid fluctuates in how they identify, you might take that as a sign that they are confused, too.

Perhaps you are outwardly supportive but secretly hoping that this is a phase and your child wants to fit in or feels overly influenced by social media or friends.

Therapy offers a chance for parents to receive answers to these questions.

I am supportive of the LBGTQIA+ community –

I even have gay friends, but I’m afraid for my child and how being part of the community will put them at risk and reduce their chances to live a happy life.

Getting accurate information is a critical factor in reducing your fears. Research shows that your child’s physical and emotional well-being, happiness, and success directly correleate to your acceptance, love, and support.

Our work together can help allay your fears and create a deep and honest ally-ship with your child.

What type of therapist is best?

Is it better to work with a therapist who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community as opposed to a heterosexual cisgender female therapist like me?

Honest answer, maybe. There are multiple factors in selecting a therapist. Your sense of ease and ability to interact with them honestly is essential. The therapist’s depth of knowledge and experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and families is another critical factor.

In my 24+ years of practice, I have worked with numerous adults, teens, and families in the LGBTQIA+ community. From helping a young person come out to their family to supporting parents struggling with their child’s gender transition – I have had the privilege of supporting many families and individuals through these steps.

Call or text me at (714) 321-1521, and let’s discuss your particular situation. If I am not the right fit, I am happy to provide you with referrals to therapists in the LGBTQIA+ community.