LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Oakland, CA
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships!
I practice body-based, mindful psychotherapy, which may include therapeutic touch and/or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. These powerful methods have been shown to cut through speech and story to help relieve symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression, help you feel more at home in your body, and come into fuller, more alive ways of being in relationship.
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships!
I practice body-based, mindful psychotherapy, which may include therapeutic touch and/or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. These powerful methods have been shown to cut through speech and story to help relieve symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression, help you feel more at home in your body, and come into fuller, more alive ways of being in relationship.
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.
Therapy is difficult enough without having to deal with stigma and a lack of understanding from your mental healthcare provider. I aim to meet my clients where they're at, supporting them with a warm, empathic, non-judgmental approach and delivering on functional and tangible strategies to navigate the myriad of challenges that life throws at them.
Throughout my work with adult individuals, common themes include anxiety, depression, mood volatility (at times correlated with bipolar diagnosis), LGBTQ+ and/or ethnic minority identity experiences, identity exploration, ADHD and autism, complex trauma, relationship and communication issues, codependency, significant life transitions, perfectionism, and burn out (especially in high-paced corporate or tech environments).
There is no "one size fits all" therapy approach. My aim is to meet you exactly where you are rather than where you or society thinks you should be. I will collaborate with you, challenge you, and offer nuanced perspectives to you.
Throughout my work with adult individuals, common themes include anxiety, depression, mood volatility (at times correlated with bipolar diagnosis), LGBTQ+ and/or ethnic minority identity experiences, identity exploration, ADHD and autism, complex trauma, relationship and communication issues, codependency, significant life transitions, perfectionism, and burn out (especially in high-paced corporate or tech environments).
There is no "one size fits all" therapy approach. My aim is to meet you exactly where you are rather than where you or society thinks you should be. I will collaborate with you, challenge you, and offer nuanced perspectives to you.
I often work with LGBTQ+, Queer, and/or Trans folks.
I work from a trauma-informed, relational, and client-centered lens. I integrate psychodynamic and attachment-based theoretical approaches. I believe the relationship we build as client and therapist is an important avenue for growth. You are the expert on your own life; I am here to listen to you and work collaboratively to empower your inherent strength and resilience. I use warmth, compassion, and humor to cultivate an affirming, non-judgemental, and trusting connection with my clients.
I often work with LGBTQ+, Queer, and/or Trans folks.
I work from a trauma-informed, relational, and client-centered lens. I integrate psychodynamic and attachment-based theoretical approaches. I believe the relationship we build as client and therapist is an important avenue for growth. You are the expert on your own life; I am here to listen to you and work collaboratively to empower your inherent strength and resilience. I use warmth, compassion, and humor to cultivate an affirming, non-judgemental, and trusting connection with my clients.
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.
As a registered drama therapist & somatic practitioner, I support queer creatives & nonconformists to find authenticity beyond the binary.
I embrace gentle honesty, humor, and courage in healing. Our sessions may include drama therapy, politicized trauma-informed somatics, and expressive modalities like writing & guided visualization. I often work w/ healers, empaths, artists, & those who may struggle with perfectionism, caregiver burnout, low self worth, or balancing self/community care.
As a registered drama therapist & somatic practitioner, I support queer creatives & nonconformists to find authenticity beyond the binary.
I embrace gentle honesty, humor, and courage in healing. Our sessions may include drama therapy, politicized trauma-informed somatics, and expressive modalities like writing & guided visualization. I often work w/ healers, empaths, artists, & those who may struggle with perfectionism, caregiver burnout, low self worth, or balancing self/community care.
I specialize in working with queer, gender-expansive kids and adults, and folx with ADHD (which I have too).
I love working with originals, outsiders, misfits and weirdos. I work with the whole person — mind, body, and emotions — exploring how experiences, identity, and societal pressures shape your thoughts and feelings. Together we reclaim agency, regulate emotions, and build clarity, insight, resilience, and liberation in your life.
I specialize in working with queer, gender-expansive kids and adults, and folx with ADHD (which I have too).
I love working with originals, outsiders, misfits and weirdos. I work with the whole person — mind, body, and emotions — exploring how experiences, identity, and societal pressures shape your thoughts and feelings. Together we reclaim agency, regulate emotions, and build clarity, insight, resilience, and liberation in your life.
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.
Claire Kohne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, LPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
I believe that lasting profound change in therapy relies on a relationship built on trust and respect. I listen to people without judgment and practice transparency about the therapeutic process. Together, we explore the shape of your distress - how it impacts you, how it came to be, and how to integrate it - so that you can remember your power, your tenderness, and your sense of meaning.
I believe that lasting profound change in therapy relies on a relationship built on trust and respect. I listen to people without judgment and practice transparency about the therapeutic process. Together, we explore the shape of your distress - how it impacts you, how it came to be, and how to integrate it - so that you can remember your power, your tenderness, and your sense of meaning.
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.
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.
LGBTQ focus on identity, sexuality, internalized homophobia, and nontraditional relationships.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to develop a new compassionate understanding of yourself and your relationship to others. Whether you are looking for symptom relief or personal growth, the work of psychotherapy begins with establishing a trusting relationship with the therapist who will be your guide, ally, and occasionally your nemesis in exploration. I encourage my clients to become relentlessly curious about themselves by carefully looking at their past and present relationships and the patterns of their emotional and psychological lives.
LGBTQ focus on identity, sexuality, internalized homophobia, and nontraditional relationships.
Psychotherapy is an opportunity to develop a new compassionate understanding of yourself and your relationship to others. Whether you are looking for symptom relief or personal growth, the work of psychotherapy begins with establishing a trusting relationship with the therapist who will be your guide, ally, and occasionally your nemesis in exploration. I encourage my clients to become relentlessly curious about themselves by carefully looking at their past and present relationships and the patterns of their emotional and psychological lives.
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.
Many queer men share these challenges shaped by childhood, past relationship wounds, internalized shame, stigma, and the weight of social pressures.
As an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgemental space where you can reconnect with yourself and build healthy, fulfilling relationships. Together, we’ll explore what might be holding you back, so you can gain self-awareness, practice more effective communication, and set boundaries that honor your needs.
Many queer men share these challenges shaped by childhood, past relationship wounds, internalized shame, stigma, and the weight of social pressures.
As an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgemental space where you can reconnect with yourself and build healthy, fulfilling relationships. Together, we’ll explore what might be holding you back, so you can gain self-awareness, practice more effective communication, and set boundaries that honor your needs.
Some of those groups include immigrant families, families impacted by incarceration, and those included in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and Spanish speaking communities.
We would be a great fit if you are looking for an exposure therapist to work on anxiety/OCD or a talk therapist to support you manage your nervous system & learn coping skills. I value spirituality, practice energetic hygiene, and believe in continuing to do ongoing inner personal work. I love working with all ages and especially with kids and teens.
Some of those groups include immigrant families, families impacted by incarceration, and those included in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and Spanish speaking communities.
We would be a great fit if you are looking for an exposure therapist to work on anxiety/OCD or a talk therapist to support you manage your nervous system & learn coping skills. I value spirituality, practice energetic hygiene, and believe in continuing to do ongoing inner personal work. I love working with all ages and especially with kids and teens.
I work with queer, trans, and nonbinary people, healers, activists, postpartum people, parents, twins, and those longing for deeper relationships with themselves and others.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
I work with queer, trans, and nonbinary people, healers, activists, postpartum people, parents, twins, and those longing for deeper relationships with themselves and others.
We all deserve to feel safe and connected. Sometimes, overwhelming things happen that prevent us from feeling safe and settled in the world. In therapy, we support the strengths that have helped you survive and grow your capacity to move towards the life you long for. Whatever you are experiencing, be that anxiety, depression, or the pain of trauma or oppression, together we will collaborate to tend to what hurts and to nurture the vitality that exists inside you.
I am a good fit for people who are nervous about therapy, people working on boundaries, self love, finding their voice, embodiment, healing from trauma/complex trauma as well as folks from all parts of the LGBT+ family.
As a strengths-based therapist I encourage Clients to tap into their own power and truths. I use a carefully crafted blend of somatic experiencing, genuine encouragement and engaging talk therapy to get to know my Clients and collaborate towards their goals. Having my clients feel safe, seen, embodied, validated and joined is of primary importance to me.
I am a good fit for people who are nervous about therapy, people working on boundaries, self love, finding their voice, embodiment, healing from trauma/complex trauma as well as folks from all parts of the LGBT+ family.
As a strengths-based therapist I encourage Clients to tap into their own power and truths. I use a carefully crafted blend of somatic experiencing, genuine encouragement and engaging talk therapy to get to know my Clients and collaborate towards their goals. Having my clients feel safe, seen, embodied, validated and joined is of primary importance to me.
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Relationships, Radical Love, LGBTQIA+ and Transgender/Gender-Diverse Identities.
Are you tired of having the same fight over and over, without feeling heard or understood? What would change if your relationship felt loving, authentic, and deeply connected again? Choosing therapy is an act of courage and hope. In a culture that values productivity over connection, deciding to prioritize your mental health and your relationship is nothing short of revolutionary.
I specialize in Couples Therapy, Relationships, Radical Love, LGBTQIA+ and Transgender/Gender-Diverse Identities.
Are you tired of having the same fight over and over, without feeling heard or understood? What would change if your relationship felt loving, authentic, and deeply connected again? Choosing therapy is an act of courage and hope. In a culture that values productivity over connection, deciding to prioritize your mental health and your relationship is nothing short of revolutionary.
As a Vietnamese-American transgender man, I understand that stress, violence and oppression can significantly impact our lives.
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
As a Vietnamese-American transgender man, I understand that stress, violence and oppression can significantly impact our lives.
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Facing a crossroads? Exhausted by endless responsibilities? Relief may seem impossible when you are faced with chronic stress or extreme difficulties... but it is possible. My name is Lotus and I may be able to help. I am a Licensed Therapist and Gender Specialist with a decade of experience specializing in Gender Dysphoria, complex trauma, depression, anxiety and disordered eating across the entire lifespan. Whether you are seeking support for you or your child, no topic is "too much" for me. I have supported hundreds of children and their families and adults build balanced, joyful lives.
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.
See more therapy options for Oakland
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Oakland
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Kensington
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Piedmont
- San Leandro
- San Lorenzo
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.