LGBTQ+ Therapy

Navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and mental health can be challenging, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're exploring your gender identity, seeking support through a relationship, or facing challenges with self-acceptance, you can find compassionate, affirming therapy tailored to your unique experience.

Some may be seeking advice on navigating the dynamics of your LGBTQ relationship or managing new situations with your partner; it's normal to feel uncertain. You may have anticipated reaching certain milestones by now and feel disappointed that you haven't. However, LGBTQ Couples Therapy can provide an opportunity for personal growth and a deeper understanding of your partner and relationship.

You don’t have to go through this alone. You can live authentically, with care, respect, and without judgment.

Need Help? I’d Love to speak with you.

I have completed years of clinical training to become an LGBTQ therapist, specifically addressing the unique challenges within the community. I am dedicated to offering affirming therapy and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples working through their issues.

-You have come to the right place-

Signs that indicate it’s a good time to reach out for help are:

  • Feeling alone and misunderstood

  • Feeling overwhelmed and stressed

  • Feeling unsure and anxious about what to do

  • Feeling increasingly agitated and angry

  • Feeling unsafe and isolated

  • Feeling down and unsure what you can do next

  • Feeling extremely worried about the health of your relationship

Areas we can work together on:

-Finding the LGBTQ community

-Embracing your identity and/or sexuality (LGBTQ+, kinky, non-monogamous)

- Navigating the dating scene or being in a gay relationship

- Coping with unsupportive family, friends, partners, and others in your life

- Getting guidance and support with your gender and/or sexuality journey

- Adjusting to changes within your identity and sexuality

- Rebuilding and healing from gay conversion therapy

- Addressing challenges (relational or sexual) within your relationship

- Exploring monogamy or non-monogamy

-It Gets Better-

As an LGBT-affirming therapist specializing in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the unique challenges and fears individuals face. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where genuine connections can occur. With my extensive experience working with the LGBTQ+ community, I am dedicated to helping you achieve personal growth and fulfillment. I am here to support and guide you every step of the way.

-Build The Life You Want-

I am dedicated to providing specialized services for couples within the LGBTQ+ community to address their unique needs. LGBTQ+ relationships have distinct dynamics that require specific attention and care. As a highly experienced therapist, I focus on addressing and resolving the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples. I am deeply passionate about offering therapy tailored for these couples, and my commitment to this important work is unwavering.

I achieve this work through the following ways:

  • Creating Safe And Non-Jugemental Spaces: Recognizing that being LGBTQ+ is a natural and valid aspect of human diversity, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued without fear of being dismissed or misunderstood.

  • Addressing Mental Health Issues Related to LGBTQ+ Experiences: LGBTQ+ individuals often face stress as a result of societal discrimination, microaggressions, or rejection from family and peers. Affirming therapy should provide clients with a supportive environment to process these experiences. Many LGBTQ+ people may internalize negative beliefs about their identities due to societal bias, and therapy should guide them in addressing these feelings while fostering self-acceptance and pride. Additionally, therapy should focus on specific mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or trauma that may arise from LGBTQ+ experiences, including coming out or experiencing rejection.

  • Supporting Relationships: Understanding and supporting LGBTQ+ couples involves recognizing their unique dynamics, which often include navigating societal stigma and issues of acceptance within families. It is important to encourage healthy communication and emotional intimacy among LGBTQ+ couples, especially those who encounter challenges related to their identities. For clients who face family rejection or difficulties, therapy can provide tools to enhance communication, foster acceptance, and build support for both the clients and their families.

  • Increase Access To Resources: It is important to help clients connect with LGBTQ+ support groups, advocacy organizations, and online communities to provide additional support. Additionally, referrals should be made for other services, such as legal assistance for name changes, healthcare resources, and LGBTQ+-friendly social services when needed.

  • Acknowledgment of Legal and Social Changes: Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans and non-binary people, may require guidance on navigating legal barriers related to gender markers, healthcare, and employment, especially in light of political changes. Clients may also seek assistance in coping with societal discrimination or microaggressions they encounter daily, including in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.

Need help? Reach Out Now.

It is always better to get started sooner rather than later.  If you are looking for an experienced queer LGBT therapist who can walk you through what you are dealing with, email me at therapy@juliaschiffmanmsw.com.  I offer a Free 20-minute consultation to get to know each other and find out how I can better help you find yourself.