OPEN DOOR PSYCHOTHERAPY

Working with LGBTIA Issues

 

Therapy is not a helpful setting to spend your time “educating” your therapist about the coming out process, same-sex relationships, same-sex sexuality, homophobia, transphobia, or the pain and frustrations of discrimination against LGBTQAI individuals, couples and families.

 

I am attuned to these issues and in seeking mental health services with me, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, asexual and intersex individuals can be assured that they will receive understanding, acceptance and respect. (I am also aware that grouping this incredibly diverse set of individuals/communities together is itself problematic.)

 

How therapy can help LGBTQAI individuals:

 

• Assisting and support LGBTQAI youth and young adults in coping with the challenges of the coming out process. 

• Explore and increase satisfaction around sexual behaviors and sexual communication skills within same-sex relationships - monogamous, open or otherwise

• Wedding planning, wedding stress.

• Couples counseling to strengthen intimacy

• Support in navigating and surviving internet dating

• Addressing LGBTQAI anxiety and depression within the context of societal homophobia, transphobia and transmysoginy.

• Addressing addictions/compulsions that may arise as coping mechanisms within the context of societal homophobia and/or transphobia/transmysoginy.

• Asexuality/Aromantic:  My therapy practice is also a safe space for asexual and/or aromantic identified individuals. This is a safe environment in which to explore this identity whether you are just becoming aware of it, or whether this is what you have always known to be true about yourself and simply need to know that your therapist understands you.