LGBT Issues therapists in Los Angeles, California CA
LGBT Issues
Christina Fornecker
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
I offer a safe and affirming space for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientation. My practice is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and experiences faced by the LGBTQ+ community, providing culturally competent and affirming care.
1 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Cheryl Feldmann
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I am a queer-affirmative therapist, and have worked with many individuals and couples who identify as queer.
36 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Paula E. Bruce, Ph.D. & Associates, A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, Clinical and Forensic Psychology
Our practice is a LGBTQ affirmative practice. We welcome all genders, sexual orientations and gender identities.
28 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Jillian Luz
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR
I have personal and professional experience knowing and working with folx who identify as LGBTQIA2S. I strive to implement cultural competency and create a safe space for you to explore and express your authentic self and lived experience.
9 Years Experience
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
David Strah
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
I have a year-long training in LGBTQ Affirmative Therapy.
LGBT Issues
Michael Pezzullo
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Most LGBTQ folks spend a significant portion of their lives living in secrecy, isolation and shame. As a result, empathic attunement and mirroring are completely absent from their everyday life experiences. Therefore, I take an actively affirmative stance when working with LGBTQ clients.
7 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Samer Fawaz
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., AMFT
As a gay man living in Los Angeles for over twenty years, I have experienced the challenges of cultivating and maintaining a genuine sense of self while being bombarded with body image issues, homophobia, gay shame, and the hyper-sexualized competitive nature of the gay community. As gay men, our sexual currency can sometimes become the focus of how we see and place value on ourselves. This can lead to addiction, self-loathing cycles, self-harm, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you dismantle what society, and the gay community has led you to believe about yourself. Together, we will get to the root of what makes you feel centered, authentic, and grounded. I am highly invested in creating a judgment-free space for you to feel safe to talk about anything you feel is relevant to your growth.
4 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Lucy Cotter
Marriage and Family Therapist, MFT
I have many years of counseling experience in the LGBTQ community.
19 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
John Vargas
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., AMFT, APCC
Supporting LGBTQ+ individuals involves recognizing and addressing the specific difficulties they encounter because of their identity.
3 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
WELL COACHED LIFE
Counselor/Therapist, PhD Clinical Psychology, MA Marriage & Family Therapy, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, EMDR, Havening
Empowerment, Equality, and Inclusion: Navigating LGBTQ+ Issues with Well Coached Life
At Well Coached Life, we are committed to fostering a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and live authentically. Our LGBTQ+ support and coaching services are designed to empower individuals to navigate the unique challenges they may face and to celebrate the richness of diversity.
Our Inclusive Approach:
We understand that LGBTQ+ issues encompass a wide range of experiences, from self-discovery and coming out to building healthy relationships and advocating for equal rights. Well Coached Life takes an inclusive approach, offering support and guidance across various aspects of LGBTQ+ life.
A Compassionate Team:
Our experienced coaches are passionate advocates for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. They provide a safe and affirming space for you to explore your feelings, find your voice, and create a life that aligns with your true self.
Personalized Support:
We respect that every LGBTQ+ journey is unique. Our coaching services are tailored to your specific needs, whether you're seeking guidance on self-acceptance, relationships, or navigating societal challenges.
Celebrate Your Authentic Self:
At Well Coached Life, we celebrate the beauty of diversity and provide the tools and support needed for LGBTQ+ individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Join us today to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be their authentic selves.
16 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Julie Anderson
Psychologist, Ph.D.
With over 20 years of non-profit work experience for the LGBT community, I can help you through the specific issues that arise from LGBTQI identities and those who care about someone who is LGBT.
24 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Omer Harari
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
I approach therapy as an anti-oppressive project. In my work supporting LGBTQ+ clients, in addition to identifying and managing the impacts of traumas, patterns, beliefs and narratives, we focus to identify the specific impacts of homophobia, transphobia, gender binaries, and other power structures that contribute to marginalization.
7 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Dr. Christina Charlotin
Psychologist, Psy.D.
Challenges related to LGBTQ identify, coming out process, challenges and transitions.
12 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Valeriya Pestrikova
Marriage and Family Therapist
I offer specialized therapy for individuals within the LGBTQ community, addressing unique challenges such as identity exploration, discrimination, and relationship dynamics. My practice provides a safe and affirming space where you can freely express and explore aspects of your identity. Together, we will work towards achieving personal acceptance, enhancing well-being, and navigating the complexities of your relationships and social interactions.
2 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Damon Dodge
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Some situations are unique to the LGBTQ+population, such as dating someone of the same sex, transitioning genders or coming out. Other times, common symptoms like depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are present and connected to one’s LGBTQ+ identity. Everyone has his/her/their own personal story and experiences life differently. For any LGBTQ+ people seeking therapy, having a therapist who can see and understand all aspects of the one-of-a-kind person you are is essential. Whether you are working through LGBTQ+ specific themes or universal human challenges in a LGBTQ+ context, I am prepared to serve you.
10 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Don ( "Dr Don" ) Etkes
Marriage and Family Therapist, Ph.D., MFT
For over 30 years I've helped both male and female same sex couples as well as LGBT individuals.
37 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Carl H. Shubs
Therapist, Ph.D.
CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT.
Things not working the way you'd like? Find out why and change it.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, gay/lesbian/bisexual issues, addictions (substances or behaviors)? These are some of the areas where I can help.
YOU SET THE COURSE, AND I'LL HELP YOU GET THERE.
39 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Ana Velouise, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
The route to parenthood for LGBTQ+ families is layered and complex. Whether you are choosing to receive fertility treatment, have a surrogate, foster, or adopt, building a family as a queer person requires intention, resources, and targeted information.
In addition to the stress and bias that comes with engaging with heteronormative medical and legal systems, you may be navigating changes to your identity and relationships. I’m here to validate your concerns and experiences, collaborate with you to develop new coping skills, and notice the joys that come with expanding your love to include children.
2 Years Experience