LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in El Granada, CA
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
My name is Carli Sterling (she/her) I am an LMFT in CA. I have a bachelors degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz and Masters in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University. Trauma informed care and eating disorders are my wheelhouse. Wheelhouses? Wheel homes.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy yoga, wakeboarding, making beats, and geeking out on investment strategies and cryptocurrency. During the pandemic I taught myself how to change fancy watch batteries and install closetmaid systems. Additionally, I am now a YouTube trained Rubik's cube solver. I have a 4 year old mini me; I work from home and she is the worst co-worker.
My name is Carli Sterling (she/her) I am an LMFT in CA. I have a bachelors degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz and Masters in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University. Trauma informed care and eating disorders are my wheelhouse. Wheelhouses? Wheel homes.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy yoga, wakeboarding, making beats, and geeking out on investment strategies and cryptocurrency. During the pandemic I taught myself how to change fancy watch batteries and install closetmaid systems. Additionally, I am now a YouTube trained Rubik's cube solver. I have a 4 year old mini me; I work from home and she is the worst co-worker.
Looking for a therapist who isn't so "therapisty"? You've come to the right place.
Sometimes life gets out of hand and you need someone neutral who understands. Maybe you've taken on your family's/ partner's/ friends' problems and are now drowning in overwhelm. Maybe your school or work life isn't what you imagined it would be. Maybe you've taken to some coping skills that you know might not be the best for you in the long run (hello, doomscroll). Whatever your situation, I get that life can be complicated, messy, and sometimes absolute (4-letter word here).
I can help!
Looking for a therapist who isn't so "therapisty"? You've come to the right place.
Sometimes life gets out of hand and you need someone neutral who understands. Maybe you've taken on your family's/ partner's/ friends' problems and are now drowning in overwhelm. Maybe your school or work life isn't what you imagined it would be. Maybe you've taken to some coping skills that you know might not be the best for you in the long run (hello, doomscroll). Whatever your situation, I get that life can be complicated, messy, and sometimes absolute (4-letter word here).
I can help!
More Therapists Nearby
I am trained in many modalities aimed at healing trauma, including AF-EMDR, and also enjoy working with the LGBT+ population.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families. If you've encountered tough experiences, difficulties in work and relationships, traumas, or addiction, I am available to help. I've done extensive work at the crossroads of trauma and mental health, and specialize in helping clients move from crisis into stabilization. I use modalities such as attachment focused EMDR, IFS, DBT skills, somatic interventions and insight oriented talk therapy. I am here to partner with you so that we can work together to help you feel better. Getting you to a place where you can live the life you want to is my primary goal!
I am trained in many modalities aimed at healing trauma, including AF-EMDR, and also enjoy working with the LGBT+ population.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families. If you've encountered tough experiences, difficulties in work and relationships, traumas, or addiction, I am available to help. I've done extensive work at the crossroads of trauma and mental health, and specialize in helping clients move from crisis into stabilization. I use modalities such as attachment focused EMDR, IFS, DBT skills, somatic interventions and insight oriented talk therapy. I am here to partner with you so that we can work together to help you feel better. Getting you to a place where you can live the life you want to is my primary goal!
Red Galura
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer, Filipino immigrant, l understand how our social identities impact our mental health.
Together we will grow your understanding of who you are and what's important to you as a great first step towards change. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that may have gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take those next steps. By collaborating on solutions together, we will arrive with a clearer sense of what you need to have a richer connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities that are important to you and the life you want to live.
As a queer, Filipino immigrant, l understand how our social identities impact our mental health.
Together we will grow your understanding of who you are and what's important to you as a great first step towards change. We will take our time to reflect on your experiences with self-worth, overthinking, and/or grief to reveal helpful elements that may have gone unnoticed in your story so far -qualities and strengths you can apply in order to take those next steps. By collaborating on solutions together, we will arrive with a clearer sense of what you need to have a richer connection with the people, values, strengths, cultures, relationships, and communities that are important to you and the life you want to live.
As a neurodivergent and trans-identified therapist, I bring a firsthand understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery to my work.
I work with folks who are looking to get curious about the beliefs, behaviors, and habits that are holding them back so they can make meaningful shifts towards their most true and beautiful life.
I often support clients who are experiencing anxiety, gender dysphoria, identity issues, lack of meaning/purpose, neurodivergence, life transitions, and challenges in relationships. I am here to offer a compassionate and affirming space to explore what is most important to you!
As a neurodivergent and trans-identified therapist, I bring a firsthand understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-discovery to my work.
I work with folks who are looking to get curious about the beliefs, behaviors, and habits that are holding them back so they can make meaningful shifts towards their most true and beautiful life.
I often support clients who are experiencing anxiety, gender dysphoria, identity issues, lack of meaning/purpose, neurodivergence, life transitions, and challenges in relationships. I am here to offer a compassionate and affirming space to explore what is most important to you!
I work with adults of all intersecting identities, but I do specialize in working with those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Empathy. Validation. Alliance. Transformation. As a therapist, it is my belief that all these elements must be present for treatment to be successful. They provide the foundation for our work together. Empathy- it is vital that you feel seen, heard, and understood. Validation- I believe that ALL feelings are valid, and I strive to create a safe space for them to emerge and process. Alliance- therapy is most effective when it is a collaboration built on trust and unconditional support. Transformation- whatever you are struggling with, my job is to inspire change and help you transform into the person you want to be.
I work with adults of all intersecting identities, but I do specialize in working with those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Empathy. Validation. Alliance. Transformation. As a therapist, it is my belief that all these elements must be present for treatment to be successful. They provide the foundation for our work together. Empathy- it is vital that you feel seen, heard, and understood. Validation- I believe that ALL feelings are valid, and I strive to create a safe space for them to emerge and process. Alliance- therapy is most effective when it is a collaboration built on trust and unconditional support. Transformation- whatever you are struggling with, my job is to inspire change and help you transform into the person you want to be.
I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals who are working on self-discovery and unlearning as well as seeking answers to questions about identity, belonging, and authenticity.
My approach is relational, with a mix of warmth, humor, and directness. I hope to empower you to regain a sense of strength and acceptance in your life, cultivate self-awareness, and reframe unhelpful thought processes. I hope to help you feel more secure in yourself as you navigate various life experiences and transitions.
I support LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals who are working on self-discovery and unlearning as well as seeking answers to questions about identity, belonging, and authenticity.
My approach is relational, with a mix of warmth, humor, and directness. I hope to empower you to regain a sense of strength and acceptance in your life, cultivate self-awareness, and reframe unhelpful thought processes. I hope to help you feel more secure in yourself as you navigate various life experiences and transitions.
My ideal client is someone who appears capable and composed but feels emotionally exhausted or disconnected inside. They may be dealing with anxiety, relationship strain, or identity questions and are realizing that pushing through no longer works. They want clarity, relief, and a deeper understanding of their patterns so they can create change that feels intentional and sustainable.
My ideal client is someone who appears capable and composed but feels emotionally exhausted or disconnected inside. They may be dealing with anxiety, relationship strain, or identity questions and are realizing that pushing through no longer works. They want clarity, relief, and a deeper understanding of their patterns so they can create change that feels intentional and sustainable.
Additionally, I have expertise in working with people who have survived childhood abuse, who experience feelings of alienation and estrangement from others, with men and masculinity, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
My approach to psychotherapy accentuates open-ended exploration, reflection, and a meaningful, collaborative relationship between therapist and client. I believe that change comes through deepening understanding of one's feelings, interpersonal patterns, and life experiences.
Additionally, I have expertise in working with people who have survived childhood abuse, who experience feelings of alienation and estrangement from others, with men and masculinity, and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
My approach to psychotherapy accentuates open-ended exploration, reflection, and a meaningful, collaborative relationship between therapist and client. I believe that change comes through deepening understanding of one's feelings, interpersonal patterns, and life experiences.
I value helping to foster a secure space and use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to reach their personal goals. Intersectionality has been paramount on my own personal healing journey and I have had the opportunity to work with clients who benefit from the same lens. I draw from an integration of approaches to include the internal family systems model, emotionally focused therapy, and psychoanalytic theory in order to work with and honor a wide range of identities and experiences.
I value helping to foster a secure space and use an integrative approach to help clients feel empowered to reach their personal goals. Intersectionality has been paramount on my own personal healing journey and I have had the opportunity to work with clients who benefit from the same lens. I draw from an integration of approaches to include the internal family systems model, emotionally focused therapy, and psychoanalytic theory in order to work with and honor a wide range of identities and experiences.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood.
I utilize introspection to build insight into how relationships, expectations, boundaries, attachment, and trauma history might have impacted someone, as well as how to promote recovery and wellness. This can include issues of identity, orientation, systemic issues, and communication barriers that might be impacting a transition or feeling of stability.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I try to be affirming to those struggling with being accepted or understood.
I utilize introspection to build insight into how relationships, expectations, boundaries, attachment, and trauma history might have impacted someone, as well as how to promote recovery and wellness. This can include issues of identity, orientation, systemic issues, and communication barriers that might be impacting a transition or feeling of stability.
Treating anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, self-esteem, and more.
My process is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Indeed, the work we do together is unique to every individual I encounter and always begins with accepting you just as you are. Beginning the self-exploration of therapy is an act of courage. I respect your bravery by always providing a calm, warm, and nonjudgmental space to discuss and process your concerns.
Treating anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, self-esteem, and more.
My process is not a one-size-fits-all affair. Indeed, the work we do together is unique to every individual I encounter and always begins with accepting you just as you are. Beginning the self-exploration of therapy is an act of courage. I respect your bravery by always providing a calm, warm, and nonjudgmental space to discuss and process your concerns.
I am dedicated to providing safe, transparent, collaborative, and empowering therapy, especially for queer, trans, and BIPOC clients.
I believe people are trying their best through good and hard times. Especially during the hard times, we find ways to make it through. I work with people to figure out what their survival strategies are, which ones they want to keep or change. Sometimes, these strategies require us to code-switch, mask, or deny parts of ourselves. I enjoy helping people find out more about themselves, their values, and what ways to care for themselves. I work with them to build a therapy experience for rest, healing, and discovery. Together my clients and I build more places and experiences where they just get to be.
I am dedicated to providing safe, transparent, collaborative, and empowering therapy, especially for queer, trans, and BIPOC clients.
I believe people are trying their best through good and hard times. Especially during the hard times, we find ways to make it through. I work with people to figure out what their survival strategies are, which ones they want to keep or change. Sometimes, these strategies require us to code-switch, mask, or deny parts of ourselves. I enjoy helping people find out more about themselves, their values, and what ways to care for themselves. I work with them to build a therapy experience for rest, healing, and discovery. Together my clients and I build more places and experiences where they just get to be.
I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care.
My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing.
I specialize working with trans, queer, bisexual, lesbian, questioning, and gay people of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, Latino/a/x/e, Multiracial/Biracial), providing gender- and queer-affirming care.
My approach is integrative, relationship-oriented, and social-justice informed. I adapt my evidence-based methods to your needs. We build a supportive therapeutic relationship that helps you heal and grow. In each session, we focus on what matters to you, with consideration of how your environment, relationships, and social realities affect your wellbeing.
I work mostly with gay and queer men and people who’ve lived through trauma, especially in childhood.
If you’ve spent a long time feeling like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong or be loved, I get it. I use a model called Internal Family Systems, which helps us welcome, get to know the different parts of you, understand what they’ve been trying to protect, and what weight they've been carrying.
I work mostly with gay and queer men and people who’ve lived through trauma, especially in childhood.
If you’ve spent a long time feeling like you had to hide parts of yourself to belong or be loved, I get it. I use a model called Internal Family Systems, which helps us welcome, get to know the different parts of you, understand what they’ve been trying to protect, and what weight they've been carrying.
I proudly support the LGBTQ+, genderqueers, and BIPOC communities.
Welcome! I assist people on their healing journey in the form of psychotherapy. My work includes increasing awareness, processing relevant past events, and building a life that is aligned with one's values. I guide people to calm into their bodies, regulate their breathing, and tune inward to better understand themselves. I have an open, curious, and nonjudgmental presence, but will also be direct and provide guidance when needed. Let's talk about culture, traditions, and ancestral lineage. We can peel aways layers of conditioning and faulty beliefs so that you can connect and express your authentic self.
I proudly support the LGBTQ+, genderqueers, and BIPOC communities.
Welcome! I assist people on their healing journey in the form of psychotherapy. My work includes increasing awareness, processing relevant past events, and building a life that is aligned with one's values. I guide people to calm into their bodies, regulate their breathing, and tune inward to better understand themselves. I have an open, curious, and nonjudgmental presence, but will also be direct and provide guidance when needed. Let's talk about culture, traditions, and ancestral lineage. We can peel aways layers of conditioning and faulty beliefs so that you can connect and express your authentic self.
You are feeling overwhelmed by life and are curious about how you can create a sense of calm and safety in your body and mind. You are seeking a professional that will accompany you and empower healing from within.
You are feeling overwhelmed by life and are curious about how you can create a sense of calm and safety in your body and mind. You are seeking a professional that will accompany you and empower healing from within.
Many are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, creative, spiritually curious, or in roles of holding space for others.
Therapy, for me, is not about fixing, advising, or offering clear paths forward. It's about being-with what's unresolved, tangled, or still becoming—a kind of map-making that unfolds as we go. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and attuned to complexity, contradiction, and the questions that resist easy answers.
Many are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, creative, spiritually curious, or in roles of holding space for others.
Therapy, for me, is not about fixing, advising, or offering clear paths forward. It's about being-with what's unresolved, tangled, or still becoming—a kind of map-making that unfolds as we go. My approach is relational, depth-oriented, and attuned to complexity, contradiction, and the questions that resist easy answers.
Are you interested in holistic therapy? Looking for more direction to address what's most important to you? As your guide, I pay attention to the whole of you and not just the surface dilemmas. We will investigate all of your parts that need attention and healing from emotional wounds and harmful patterns, empower you to create changes you want to feel and see, transmute your pain, and learn what safety within yourself and w/others can feel like. We all need guidance in this human life. With me, you will learn to integrate your wholeness, and remember your blueprint of wellness. Imagine what it might be like to feel more free!
Are you interested in holistic therapy? Looking for more direction to address what's most important to you? As your guide, I pay attention to the whole of you and not just the surface dilemmas. We will investigate all of your parts that need attention and healing from emotional wounds and harmful patterns, empower you to create changes you want to feel and see, transmute your pain, and learn what safety within yourself and w/others can feel like. We all need guidance in this human life. With me, you will learn to integrate your wholeness, and remember your blueprint of wellness. Imagine what it might be like to feel more free!
See more therapy options for El Granada
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for El Granada
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Pacifica
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- San Mateo
- Woodside
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.