LGBTQ + Therapy
LGBTQ+ Therapy
Becoming aware of our authentic selves in the areas of gender and sexuality should be a celebrated experience. We know, however, that’s not always the case in a cisgender and heteronormative society.
Even our most well-intentioned loved ones often don’t know how to support us. Sadly, we’re often the target of our society’s fears and shame about gender and sexuality. We can also be wounded by our own internalization of this fear and shame.
Just some of the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face:
- Heteronormativity-the stress of living in a world of gender stereotypes
- The stress of coming out (again & again)
- Homophobia
- Transphobia
- Being shamed for identity and expression of it
- Your identity is considered “a phase” by others in your life
- Internalized homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism
- Impostor syndrome (can I really be LGBTQ+ if I do or don’t…….)
- Fear of affirming their identity due to potential consequences
- Lack of social and family support
- Face inappropriate questions about sexuality and genitalia from strangers
I specialize in helping clients deepen self-acceptance, develop and embrace their identity, and relate to others authentically. I provide gender affirming care. Affirmative LGBTQ+ therapy is a type of therapy that validates and advocates the needs of sexual and gender minority clients.
My priority is holding a safe and accepting space for all parts of you to show up. I am affirming of all gender identities, sexual orientations and relationship arrangements.
Some Benefits to Seeking Gender Affirming Support:
- Process discrimination
- Explore identity and expression
- Develop coping skills
- Address relationship issues
- Understand & work through trauma
- Enhanced understanding for the coming out process
While I’m located in Ashland, OR, I offer online LGBTQ+ therapy in Oregon, Washington, Georgia and Florida.
Return to your
Center of Balance
541-499-7338
Insurance Coverage:
Aetna, First Choice Health, Providence, and Pacific Source. If you have a different insurance provider, I can work with you as an out-of-network provider.
I offer a FREE 15-minute consultation.
Find out how LGBTQ+ Therapy can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LGBTQ+ Therapy?
LGBTQ+ therapy is affirming of who you are. Gender affirming therapy is an approach to therapy that embraces LGBTQ+ identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ+ clients. Therapy can encourage insight, self-reflection, teach healthy coping mechanisms and address the impacts of living in a heteronormative world.
How does LGBTQ+ Therapy work?
LGBTQ+ therapy can support you with exploring your gender identity or expression, explore your sexual orientation, the process of coming out, identifying and managing depression, anxiety, or gender dysphoria, and dealing with discrimination or bullying. Therapy can help address concerns such as relationship issues, parenting, sexual problems, and addiction. A variety of therapies can be used to support you in exploring this process.
How much does LGBTQ+ Therapy cost?
LGBTQ+ therapy rates are the same as rates as other therapies.
Insurance Coverage: I accept Aetna, First Choice Health, Providence, and Pacific Source insurance in Oregon, Washington, Georgia, New Jersey, and Florida. If you have insurance from another provider, I can work with you as an out-of-network provider and provide a superbill for reimbursement.
Private Pay Options: For clients without insurance or preferring to pay privately, I offer flexible rates, HSA/FSA acceptance, and several sliding scale spots for those with financial need.
When is LGBTQ+ Therapy needed?
When you are part of a group that is a target of discrimination there can be mental and emotional health side effects including trauma, anxiety and depression to name a few. If you are dealing with some of the following counseling can support you:
- Heteronormativity-the stress of living in a world of gender stereotypes
- The stress of coming out (again & again)
- Homophobia
- Transphobia
- Being shamed for identity and expression of it
- Your identity is considered “a phase” by others in your life
- Internalized homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism
- Impostor syndrome (can I really be LGBTQ+ if I do or don’t…….)
- Fear of affirming their identity due to potential consequences
- Lack of social and family support
- Face inappropriate questions about sexuality and genitalia from strangers
How long does LGBTQ+ Therapy process take?
Our work will be tailored to your needs at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you. We will work with you to design a plan that helps you meet your goals in a time frame that will work for you.
How do I know if LGBTQ+ Therapy is right for me?
I specialize in helping clients deepen self-acceptance, develop and embrace their identity, and relate to others authentically. I provide gender affirming care. Affirmative LGBTQ+ therapy is a type of therapy that validates and advocates the needs of sexual and gender minority clients. My priority is holding a safe and accepting space for all parts of you to show up. I am affirming of all gender identities, sexual orientations and relationship arrangements. Contact us for a free consultation to see if we can support you in your journey.
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Center of Balance Counseling offers affirming LGBTQ+ therapy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and nonbinary individuals throughout Oregon, Washington, Georgia, Florida, and New Jersey. Services include support for identity exploration, coming out, gender dysphoria, internalized homophobia, discrimination trauma, and relationship issues. Online LGBTQ+ therapy available via secure telehealth.