LGBTQIA+

You can still recall the warm wash of shame that came over you when …

You first became aware that you were attracted to your best friend. You tried to push this feeling as far down as possible, but it resurfaced every time you were near him.

You didn’t want to be different in this way. How would you ever tell people you are gay?  Yet, having this secret made you feel like there was something wrong with you.  And now, you have become all too familiar with holding onto secrets.  It feels impossible sometimes to let people know exactly how you feel.

Now, years later, the world has changed, but you haven’t.

The shame is lodged deep in the recesses of your soul.

You are in a great relationship, and you still silently cringe when your boyfriend takes your hand in public. After all these years, you still feel inhibited and cannot fully accept yourself.

Caring what people think is still too important to you. You are ready to live out loud but don’t know how – yet!

Why do you care so much what other people think?

It is time to start deciding what you think about yourself, rather than always wondering what other people may think about you.  I have been where you are and know how difficult it is to feel different.  Yet, you are an adult now and it is time to celebrate your individuality, rather than focus on how to blend in.  I can help you with this!  I have learned through my own work how tiring it can be to worry about how I come across to others.  I used to constantly watch people’s faces, trying to gauge what they thought about me.  It is a gigantic relief to not give a s*** anymore.  And it is awesome to feel free from shame.

It is not too late for you. I have helped many people like you work through their shame and get to a place where they can accept themselves and their relationship freely, joyously, publicly. You deserve to celebrate your love.

Some people prefer seeing a psychologist who can directly identify with them. As part of the queer community, I am more than happy to assist you with anything you would like to talk about in therapy.

Whether you are still questioning, in the process of coming out, or have been out and open for years, it may be easier to discuss some things with a fellow queer therapist. Many issues arise, such as dating, sustaining long-term relationships, children, adoption, coming out to your adult children, or simply struggling to feel a sense of well-being.

We each have had our own unique experiences that inform how we feel about ourselves today.

Direct feedback enhances awareness.

I will give you feedback about how you come across to others and what you typically do in the face of human connection and disconnection.

In therapy, you look to see yourself from different angles. Therapy gradually increases your awareness about who and what causes you to get triggered.

You see what you are doing to push the people closest to you away. Equally important, you learn how to speak in a way that increases your connection to others.

Let’s make the connection.

My approach comes from both personal and professional experience.  That’s me on the left in the photo with my girlfriend!  I am the one wearing the plaid shirt :).

Open discussions and honest yet concerned feedback help resolve many problems.

Contact me today.