AffirmativeTherapy FAQ

What is Affirmative Therapy?

Finding an affirming therapist matters.

Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexual and Transgendered and Queer identified people benefit most from a therapist who is informed and affirming LGBTQ identity and relationships.  As oppressed sexual minorities, LGBTQ people experience minority stress which impacts our mental health, our relationships and our self esteem.
Outcomes of therapy improve when working with a therapist who has the training and skills to  approach therapy with an affirming perspective on LGBTQ identity.

Affirming you as an LGBT person means that:

• You are in the best possible position to define yourself.
• You are entitled to explore your identity and sexuality
• supporting your coming out process at a pace that is healthy for you
• exploring the intersection between culture, ethnicity, family of origin and sexuality/gender
  

Working from an affirming perspective in therapy means that:

• we look at your current life challenges or symptoms through the lens of your identity development as an LGBT person, in addition to other models such as Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Attachment and Cognitive/Behavioral
• assisting you in reducing any shame or stigmatizing beliefs associated with your identity
• we draw together on your strengths and assets as a human being; not just your “problems”

How Do I Find an LGBT Affirming Therapist?

A great place to begin your search is your local LGBTQ Community Center. You can also check these searchable data bases for a listing in your area:

Southern California
The Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association

Northern California
The Gay and Lesbian and Transgender Association

Nationwide Listings
Psychology Today