A Therapist's Tips on Finding an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist

One of the hardest parts about being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is figuring out where and how you fit in. So much of your work is figuring out how you identify, and how much you identify with it! Being a queer individual is extraordinarily unique, and you deserve a therapist who will meet you exactly where you are. 

Whether you consider yourself pan, trans, gay, ace, queer, questioning, curious, or totally unsure, you know that sometimes it's hard to feel like you're part of a community. There is so much judgment that you encounter in the world, not only outside of the LGBTQIA+ community, but sometimes even inside it. 

Maybe you've experienced hurtful gatekeeping like “you’re not passing” or “being ace isn’t real”. You’ve received judgment for identifying as queer and being a part of a heterosexual relationship. Or, you frequently hear the question: “Are you sure this is what you want?”

What is an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist?

An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist will be sensitive to how being queer leads to difficulties with mental health, including a host of stressors like discrimination, erasure, and isolation. Your journey is unique, and you deserve support that is personal to who you are. You don’t need to be put in a box. This is why you need an LGTBQIA+ affirming therapist! 

Your therapist will meet you exactly where you are at – if you are curious, questioning, totally unsure, or solid in your gender identity and sexuality. Wherever you are, your therapist will meet you there and walk with you. No judgment, no pressure, just curiosity and compassion.

They will hold space for you and be kind, loving, and supportive. They will be curious about where you are in your journey and respect your desired name, pronouns, sexuality, gender, and relationship style.

So...How can I Find an LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapist?

First step: Reading Therapist Bios!

Therapists will usually have a bio section or "About Me" section telling you about themselves, the folks they work with, and any areas of specialty. You can find bios on the therapist’s website, social media platforms, or online directories such as Psychology Today, among other places.

What’s important about a therapist’s bio? It can be your first clue to see if your potential therapist is LGBTQ+ affirming! As you’re reading through bios, pay special attention to the language used, and even the mention of specifically working with LGBTQ+ folks. A super simple way to start the process!

Have you found some therapists with bios that seem appealing? Maybe it’s time to set up a consultation to see if you’d be a good fit working with that therapist!

Next steps: Consultations and Looking For Green Flags

Many therapists, including the therapists at Catalyss Counseling, offer a free 20-minute consultation so you can get to know them before starting therapy. The most important thing for you is to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and that gets you as a human. 

Catalyss Counseling has multiple therapists who both specialize in LGBTQ+ issues and are queer-affirming. Both individual therapy and group counseling are available, so you can find the right support for you!

It’s okay to have jitters and nervousness when meeting someone for the first time, especially a therapist! Ask yourself: Am I nervous to meet this person for the first time, or do I feel uncomfortable with them? Do I feel comfortable with them, and can I see myself trusting them? Do I feel like this person won’t judge me for who I am?

If things seem like a green flag so far, great! You can also ask your potential therapist what you should expect from your sessions together, and what the process is like as you get to know each other. 

A huge green flag: asking for your preferred name, and if you have any preferred pronouns!

The relationship you have with your therapist is the most important thing to your healing process. When you feel supported, cared for, and even gently challenged, so much healing and change can occur. 

Have Patience with Yourself and the Process

Finding a therapist is no easy task. It seems easy above written out – you just have to find somebody trustworthy, nonjudgmental… and someone that will get you. Easier said than done!

It might take some time and meeting a few different therapists in order to get a feel for what you really want out of the therapeutic relationship. Listen to your gut – if you feel like things aren’t quite right, that’s okay. Don’t feel like you need to settle for somebody, and worry that they may not understand much about LGBTQIA+ issues.

Most of all, be patient with the process. Deciding you want support is such a huge step, and it can feel tiring trying to find the right therapist for you. Know that at Catalyss Counseling, we have folks specializing in LGBTQ+ issues who offer both individual therapy and group counseling.

You can do this!

How We Can Help

If you are looking for support, or if you would like to talk to someone more about how we can help you, follow these simple steps:

1. Contact us today for a free 20-minute phone consultation

2. Or, you can book directly online with the therapist of your choice

3. Begin your journey towards a calmer, more relaxed life

Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:

Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling, and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.

Author Biography

Frankie Washofsky is a therapist with Catalyss Counseling who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and ADHD, as well as relationship, LGBTQIA+, and polyamory/non-monogamous issues. Frankie is also an avid gamer and blog author. She specializes in working with trauma survivors, highly-sensitive people, and people-pleasers. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.