LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy: What to Look for in a Practice and What to Expect During Your Sessions

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a powerful reminder of the importance of safe, affirming spaces, including in mental health care.

June may be Pride Month, but LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy is crucial at any time of year.

The first step toward therapy for most individuals involves finding the right practice to suit their needs. For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is an added layer of finding a therapy office that feels protective, secure, and supportive of all identities.

What to Look For

Are you searching for a therapist that will support you and your unique story? As you consider your options, keep an eye out for the following signs of an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practice:

Pronouns 

If a therapist lists their pronouns in website bios and/or email signatures, they are sending a clear signal that they will respect the pronouns – and identities – of their clients. 

Shared Content

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practices will often share content geared toward the LGBTQIA+ community on their website and social media channels, including blog posts, Instagram reels, LinkedIn posts, and more.

Who They’re Following

While you’re exploring a practice’s social media accounts, take a look at who they’re following and who is following them. Do you see accounts created by and for members of the LGBTQIA+ community? This is usually a sign that the practice is LGBTQIA+ supportive. 

Positive Recommendations

If you feel confident enough to reach out, LGBTQIA+ acquaintances who have had positive therapy experiences may be able to suggest a practice to explore.  

What to Expect

Once you’ve done the research and booked a session, you may find yourself wondering about your first appointment. Here is what you can expect from an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practice:

Cultural Literacy

Your therapist will likely be well-versed in LGBTQIA+ culture and history, which can be helpful for providing context, support, and resources during your sessions.

Up-to-Date Knowledge

An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist will be familiar with the stigmas, biases, and other societal challenges that impact LGBTQIA+ mental health, as well as current, research-based treatment practices to best meet your needs.

Empowerment

Perhaps most importantly, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists will celebrate your individuality and encourage you to continue exploring your uniquely beautiful identity. 

At our practice, we consistently work towards creating a space where all of our clients feel welcome, affirmed, and celebrated.

Important Reminders

Above all, keep in mind that a truly affirming therapist will never shame you for how you choose to identify or express yourself, and they will certainly never suggest conversion therapy. If you ever experience shaming, conversion suggestions, or other equally harmful behavior during a therapy appointment, please don’t hesitate to seek a new therapist immediately.

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and affirmed every step of the way, even if that means trying different therapists or practices until you find one that works for you. No matter the reason you've chosen to explore therapy, our team hopes your LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy practice reminds you that your identity is valid, your story matters, and you are worthy of care that uplifts and honors exactly who you are.