The queer community has always been near and dear to my heart. When training to become a clinical psychologist, I knew simply being part of the community wasn’t enough to provide affirmative care, which is why I completed advanced training at the LA LGBT Center. Since then, I have gained several years of clinical experience working with queer folks across the spectrum, which has provided me with some of the most delightful and meaningful experiences of my life thus far.

Affirmative care is important for many reasons. In addition to being exposed to the everyday stressors of life, queer folks often have to unfairly endure added unique layers of trauma. While there may be aspects of society that feel out of our control, healing and embracing oneself is completely possible.

In addition to standard care, affirmative treatment may entail:

• Healing from parental abuse or neglect, bullying, religious trauma, or chronic discrimination

• Exploration and development of your sexual and gender identity

• Processing feelings and decisions related to medical care, presentation, or coming out

• Confronting internalized homo- or bi-phobia or transphobia

• Processing fears related to our socio-political climate

• Building a healthy and supportive queer-affirming support system