If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning your gender or sexual orientation or just see yourself as queer, it’s important that you see someone who gets where you’re coming from. It’s not only that psychotherapists are ethically obligated to be knowledgeable or “competent”, but because you deserve to see someone who is not just “affirming”. As a cisgender {she, her, hers} member of the queer community for over 40 years, I have made it a priority to understand and serve my community. As an queer person and therapist, I have spent the last 40 years studying human sexuality, and sexual and gender identity to better understand the complexities of who we are, and how to help people navigate this in their lives. Whether you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual or aromantic, transgender, gender diverse or non-conforming, non-binary, gender fluid or someone who prefers not to be labeled at all, and you are looking for a therapist to help you through some other challenges you are facing, I am here to help. Creating a safe, affirming space for those needing someone specifically to help them sort out feelings related to gender or sexual orientation/identity, and what they mean to you and your life is my priority. Coming out and living with the transphobia and homophobia have been an ongoing aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience, and more recently have become a primary focus of those seeking to use us to exert power. We live with it everyday, in one way or another. I get that. And even when it may not be the reason you are coming in for counseling and you are out and feel you have found an accepting community and “family”, I get that it is always a part of our landscape, as queer people.

For those who are trying to figure out what they are feeling and what it all means, I am here to help you explore these sometimes scary, but often complex, issues. I do so by creating a safe, welcoming and knowledgeable space for the process of self-discovery and acceptance to occur. As someone who has spent years understanding the complexities of identity, in all its forms, I believe that however you express or identify yourself and whatever gender you are attracted to and partner with, it is not only acceptable, but an authentic expression of our universal diversity. This is the affirming approach from which we will work. And even though I might hold up the mirror, I see it as your job to identify what you see, how you feel and what this means to you.

I have worked with many teens, young people and adults to explore their feelings and thoughts, gain insight about what this might mean to them at that point in their lives, and help them find peace with whatever this means and how they choose to live their lives at that moment. I see it as my job, as a therapist, to be honest, genuine, compassionate, and knowledgeable so that I can help people find peace, acceptance and contentment. I have also worked with LGBT couples on their relationship issues, intimacy, effective communication and connection. In addition, I have worked with non-traditional relationships, such as poly, open and CNM relationships, as well as being kink-friendly. As a family therapist, I also help parents navigate their child’s exploration, self discovery and coming out process, and provide support to them in the complex feelings they experience in their own coming out process. I also help LGBT parents and families in family therapy. Lastly, I have experience and training providing an affirming and non-pathologizing support to those who are autistic or are neurodivergent.

For those exploring their gender identity and expression, again, I am here to help you identify how you feel, what it means to be in your skin and how you see yourself. Whether you see yourself within the gender binary, are gender divergent and/or don’t prefer any labels or pronouns, I am here to help you in your journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I also am here to help you with how to navigate the cis, binary and heteronormative culture in which we currently find ourselves. I use an informed consent model of treatment, that does not pathologize. I see you as the expert into your own experience and what this means. And I see my role as the person exploring, affirming and supporting this process. If a letter is required in my role as a therapist, to support you in your affirming process, as appropriate, we will partner together to figure out what is needed and how/if I can help.

As an LGBT therapist and member of the queer community, I have been committed to caring for the kids, adults, couples and families in my community. In these days of uncertainty, I am even more committed to making sure that those who identify as LGBTQIA+ have a safe, caring and accepting place to be. So, if you or someone you know is struggling, I am here to help.

For more information about my experience and training, you can also see my resume here.