LGBTQ Affirming Therapy and Counseling
Acceptance, Healing, and Growth for a Brighter Tomorrow
We proudly serve members from the LGBTQ community in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, San Francisco, and San Mateo County
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Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community can be incredibly frightening, especially if you have no support by your side.
At Bright Moments Therapy, we know just how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your skin, and we understand how vital the coming out process is. As a
sexuality and gender identity therapist, I will be with you every step through your coming out process, so you never have to feel depressed, alone, or anxious navigating your new identity.
Feeling Guilty
for
Being You
You should never have to feel guilty for simply being you. As someone who is a part of the LGBTQ community but has hidden it for years, you might find yourself wanting desperately to escape and be your true self, only to feel guilty about who it will affect. What others will think and how your family will react can weigh heavily on you. According to the
CDC, social stigmas and lack of support contribute to the higher rates of depression, increased stress, and anxiety among gay and bisexual men.
Nowhere to Turn
As the anxiety and depression about your true identity continue to grow, you feel this weighing heavily on you and your loved ones. Hiding your true status as a member of the LGBTQ community has
negative consequences, including depression, problems with familial relationships, friendships, and even problems with future intimate relationships. Even with all the harmful effects of hiding your true identity, you just don't know how to live a genuine life without affecting those around you.
Finding
the
Strength
to
Be Whole
The coming out process can be difficult, but it is so worth it for you to be the person you truly are. Living as a member of the LGBTQ community and coming out to family and friends takes bravery and courage. Using your inner strength, you can do what it takes to accept your identity, regardless of what others might think. You are powerful and are capable of living a life free of confusion, depression, anxiety, and guilt!
Have
a
Partner
by
Your Side
By taking part in LGBT counseling, you can have additional guidance and support when navigating the coming out process. Help from a private therapist will also help you overcome the obstacles and mental health challenges you might already face as a member of the LGBTQ community, be it depression, trauma, or stress.
LGBTQ
Therapy
Is
Key
We understand how new and scary coming out can be. Fortunately, we are trained in offering understanding, compassionate, and open-minded counseling, so you never have to feel alone. Seeking counseling from an LGBTQ-affirming therapist can help you better understand your feelings. It can also help you navigate feelings, support others, and stop any guilt or frustration that you have about being LGBTQ+.
Take the first step to being your true self today.
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Your initial discovery consultation is
confidential
and
free.
Why Choose Us as
LGBT-Affirming Therapist
Faith & Gratitude
We recognize a higher power, spiritual laws, and our place in the universe
We help you find motivation through people and events that positively impact your life
We help you access healing energy that exists outside of ourselves
Collaboration
Experience the comfort and confidence of a trusted partner during your journey
We jointly identify your goals and create a treatment plan to reach your desired outcomes
Feel comfortable to be open and honest in a safe, non-judgmental environment
Develop skills for improved inter-relations
Self Empowerment
Discover inner strength to achieve your goals
Understand how your individual experiences impact ways of coping
Discover often unconscious meanings and motivations
Eliminate or control troubling symptoms to move to a place of increased self-realization and healing
What to Expect With LGBT Counseling?
Step 1.
Discovery
We’ll have a brief 20-minute conversation to discuss what brings you to seek a therapist. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for your therapist’s style.
Step 2.
Let's Get To Work
During a series of confidential, 50-minute sessions we will create a personalized treatment plan, discuss possible outcomes and provide evidence-based tools to address your identified objective.
Step 3.
Live With Optimism
Progress through the continuum of self-efficacy. The goal of therapy is to feel confident in your coping skills and navigate life with increased self-awareness.
Isn't It Time to Love All of You?
There's no better time than the present to start living life with your true LGBTQ identity! Don't wait a day more and call today to set up a consultation.
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Can I Get Help for My Spouse and Me?
Yes! Coming out can be incredibly difficult if you're already married to a heterosexual partner, and even if you have children. In addition, research has shown that feelings of internalized homophobia and dissociation can occur if you've spent years hiding your true identity. These feelings can have a severe negative impact on future relationships. Fortunately, I also offer LGBTQ couples therapy so you can have a healthy relationship with your current partner, as well as learn to navigate new relationships with future partners. I know that coming out affects the entire family, but that shouldn't be a reason to continue to hide your true identity.
What if I’m Not Ready to Come Out?
According to the Yale School of Public Health, around
83% of LGBTQ community members hide their orientation from those around them. I want you to know that you're not alone, and it is difficult to come out as LGBTQ to your close family and friends or even at work. If you're not ready to come out, we'll talk through the complicated feelings you might be experiencing and help you come to terms with who you are. Together, we'll work at a pace that you're comfortable with and help you find the strength to come out on your terms. When you're ready, you'll have the skills and confidence needed to navigate your new identity with ease.
Is Coming Out Worth It?
Coming out as a member of the LGBTQ community is vital for your overall health and well-being! Coming out will allow you to experience a new sense of self, accept every part of you, and help your family understand you at a deeper level. There's no telling how much more liberated you'll feel once you're able to understand your inner feelings and get the help of a caring and understanding therapist.
Bright Moments Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker PC
1160 Brickyard Cove Road Suite 110, Richmond, CA, 94801