LGBT Issues therapists in Gonzales, California CA
LGBT Issues
Jonathan Kruger Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Members of the LGBT community face unique and multifaceted challenges that add additional layers of complexity to the therapeutic process. It is vital that therapists working with LGBT clients have a deep understanding of these challenges in order to serve as an effective partner in the journey of self-discovery. My work with LGBT clients, as well as my own personal experience, have taught me that throughout each stage of life, LGBT persons are confronted with issues and prejudices that can be easily internalized, resulting in a profound struggle within themselves trying to maintain a healthy sense of self, self-confidence, and self-acceptance.
Indeed, for many LGTB persons, these issues begin early in youth: a significant portion of the LGBT community have faced down unaccepting parents and families, bullies, and, at times, a deeply prejudiced society that teaches from birth that LGBT persons are defective and unworthy. These are messages that wound at a fundamental level and, unfortunately, can reinforce an internalized message of unworthiness and defectiveness. Left unexplored, these external attacks on the self can manifest in many ways: shame which leads to substance abuse, reckless sexual behavior, an inability to sustain long-term intimate relationships.
Another unique aspect of my work with the LGBT community is the continued reverberation of the AIDS crisis that swept the community in the 80s and 90s. While we have made enormous strides in both understanding and the treatment of the HIV virus, learning of an HIV positive diagnosis remains a traumatic life event, where one’s sense of self may become gravely damaged or perhaps even destroyed. In addition, a large portion of the LGBT community directly experienced the peak of the AIDS crisis, and faced the untimely loss of beloved friends and colleagues, leading to intense bereavement, grief, and the relentless death of entire communities. The effects were and are ravaging; the trauma intense and enduring.
Furthermore another challenge facing this generation of openly gay men is that they are the first entering old age openly gay and out of the closet. How to not become invisible to the community, disappear and lose all sense of oneself becomes a vital priority. There have been few role models, no one demonstrating how to age in a successful, happy, purposeful way. So with age comes the loss of physical vitality and attributes, which for many gay men has been the leading currency of their lives. How does one reinvent oneself so as to stay vital and relevant, or risk slipping into the invisibility cloak that old age often brings upon gay men and people in general?
In treating the LGBT community, I strive toward creating and fulfilling a sense of completeness and wholeness within the self. Working empathically, slowly and deliberately to heal old wounds, and eradicate the innate sense of defectiveness. Always seeking to understand the sources from which that sense of defectiveness derived. With insights, understanding, processing and evaluating we then begin to reinstate a sense of enough-ness, perfection (even where there may be imperfection), wholeness, and completeness within and unto the self. It is a journey of self discovery which I have lived, understand and continually work on healing.
Slowly building understanding and conviction that the LGBT person is as complete and perfect as any other differently sexually identified person. The goal is to create and improve a strong, authentic sense of self, not one that needs to be propped up by the creation of a “false self” in order to be loveable or to feel adequate and enough.
11 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Rachel W. Friendly, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
It can be so hard to find affirming, safe spaces where we can explore our whole, authentic selves - where we can truly be all of us, in our largeness, our messiness, and our queerness. And especially these days, gender expansiveness can feel particularly scary. Gender trauma is real - but living inauthentically is excruciating. I work with queer and gender expansive adults who want to live their truth and explore their identities, but who might not be sure where to start. We can dig in to what may be holding you back, so that you can start to craft your truest, most beautiful life. We can investigate the internalized messages that may lead to shame or self-doubt. And we can work on replacing those messages with self-compassion, curiosity, and self-love. Together, we can help you to become your truest, most beautiful self.
13 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Kim Christine Stevens
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Specialize in working with the LGBTQ and trans populations
9 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Chad Cryder
Psychologist, PhD
As a gay male, I understand the struggle, the feelings of isolation, and shame that can arise from coming to terms with our gender and sexual minority status. However, it is from our experiences where we find our strength and growth. You are not alone, and no matter where you fall within the LGBTQI+ community, I believe in your inherent greatness and want to help you believe it.
9 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Kim Gengler
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Human sexuality is a core part of my practice and I focus on the ways oppressive forces impact individuals as they strive to live their satisfaction. Standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a supportive and respectful space to explore the issues impacting them as individuals, couples, or moresomes.
5 Years Experience