Depending on the reasons you're seeking therapy, the research suggests there are more important factors related to how you respond to therapy than just your therapist’s degree level and training. What also matters is how well you connect with your therapist. You may be coming to therapy for issues related to your sexual orientation (e.g., gay, bisexual, pan, asexual, etc.) and gender identity (trans-masculine, trans-feminine, non-binary, etc.), such as shame, stigma, fear of rejection, or discrimination. Questions about being gay, transgender, non-binary, or bisexual can be difficult to ask. Or maybe your identity or preferences have shifted in a way you didn’t expect. Perhaps you are seeking therapy for reasons that are not directly related to being gay, trans, etc., but want to make sure you have a safe space to discuss your concerns and that will not be judged. I understand that too.

Though therapists don’t often talk about it this way: we essentially work for you. You could fire us at any time! That is also one of the benefits of seeing a therapist in private practice. You have some autonomy and choice of who you work with (vs. seeking services in a community counseling agency or university counseling center where you are often assigned a counselor). As someone who essentially works for you, I don’t want to put you in the position of also having to educate me about the nuances or culture surrounding your identity and/or community. As a psychologist and part of the broader LGBTQIA+ community, I am informed and stay educated about working with LGBTQIA+ clients.

If you are a part of the transgender or non-binary community and are interested in services related to evaluations and referrals or my general perspective on gender-affirming care, I invite you to visit my page here.

If you feel like we may be a good fit, please reach out at 702-530-6143 or use the contact form. I will follow up with you for a brief (5-15 minute) phone call, where I can learn a little bit more about you and answer any questions you might have. You may also request a 15-minute video consultation directly in my schedule to help us determine if we are a good fit.