THERAPY FOR GAY MEN

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Why Work With a Gay Therapist?

Being gay can be tough, especially if you come from conservative communities, churches, or families. You want your therapist to understand you, and there can be an extra "something" found when choosing a gay therapist. Many clients find it easier to discuss with a gay therapist sexual details, relationship issues, and anxiety and depression related to the stress of being queer.

It's hard enough dealing with anxiety or relationship stress without the added fear of being misunderstood. I know that just because we share a sexual orientation doesn't mean I'll understand everything about you. However, I hope you will feel comfortable and safe bringing up difficult and challenging subjects.

Being open and authentic

I have had many clients tell me they were not completely open with their previous therapists. They didn't feel comfortable sharing their substance use, sex life, or something else related to their sexuality.

Let's change that.

 
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Coming out after "coming out"

Coming out is a rite of passage that all LGBTQ+ people go through.  Some people have easy experiences and for others, it can be a real challenge.  There's another coming out that counseling and therapy can help with – claiming your true identity and living your authentic life.

In learning to hide our sexuality, we also learn to hide other important parts of ourselves.  Some of us become people pleasers.  Others become super focused on work and career.

In "coming out" a second time you can figure out more clearly what changes you want to make in your life to be more authentic and satisfied.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation to learn more about counseling.

I'm more than just my sexuality

Of course you are!  However, there are some issues and concerns that are unique to our community and LGBT counseling can help.

Issues that come up for gay men in therapy

  • Coming out

  • Reclaiming your spirituality

  • Religious abuse

  • Self-esteem

  • Body image concerns

  • Gay parenting

  • Relationship support (monogamous and non-monogamous)

  • Loneliness

  • Silencing your inner critic

  • Alcohol / drug use

  • Childhood trauma

  • Other unresolved or unprocessed trauma

  • Overcoming Internalized homophobia

  • Issues related to masculinity or femininity

I’m worried I won’t have enough to talk about. 

Don’t worry, I have plenty of questions to ask and it’s also ok if there are some moments of silence.  As you get more comfortable with the process and with me, words will come more easily.  You don’t have to be “good” at therapy and we will check in on the progress as we go.

I don’t want to be in therapy forever. 

Therapy doesn’t have to last forever.  My job is to help you achieve your goals and make the changes you want to make.  For some people that will happen in 3-6 months or for others, it may take a year or more.  It really depends on you and your goals.  We will check in on this as we progress and you are always welcome to ask questions along the way.

It’s hard to talk about my past. 

I get it.  There’s some stuff that we’d all like to forget.  If it’s important to talk about the past, we’ll get there.  While talking about trauma can be painful, it can also be freeing.  There are tools and techniques I use that can help with that process, like EMDR and mindfulness.

 

I’m ready to take the next step and start therapy.

Together we can create a plan so you can achieve your goals and live the more authentic, meaningful life you desire.