Photo of Alan Thompson, LCAT, MT-BC
Alan Thompson
Creative Arts Therapist, LCAT, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11226
I have experience working with a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationships, addiction, and life changes/ transitions.
Your decision to enter therapy is an act of self-compassion, which demands that I meet you with the utmost respect and commitment to your growth and self-actualization. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are trying to find a better way of approaching life's challenges, gaining insight into patterns and behaviors, developing healthy coping strategies, and breaking down barriers to creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I approach therapy from humanistic, existential, and client centered perspectives using an integration of music, talk therapies, breath & body awareness, and sound meditations.
I have experience working with a myriad of issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationships, addiction, and life changes/ transitions.
Your decision to enter therapy is an act of self-compassion, which demands that I meet you with the utmost respect and commitment to your growth and self-actualization. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are trying to find a better way of approaching life's challenges, gaining insight into patterns and behaviors, developing healthy coping strategies, and breaking down barriers to creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I approach therapy from humanistic, existential, and client centered perspectives using an integration of music, talk therapies, breath & body awareness, and sound meditations.
(929) 552-6480 View (929) 552-6480
Photo of Karen Karopkin, MA, MS, CASAC-T, Counselor
Karen Karopkin
Counselor, MA, MS, CASAC-T
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11226
As a retired school counselor with extensive background in dealing with substance abuse issues, I am best positioned to assist clients with difficulties related to social, academic or behavioral issues. I am particularly attuned to the ways in which parenting styles impact upon the functioning of children and to the most efficient ways of creating change to promote the likeliness of a person's or family's success and happiness. At times, these are most effectively addressed through an examination and fostering of an individual's goal-setting and motivation and how these may encumber his or her movement on the path to future satisfaction.
As a retired school counselor with extensive background in dealing with substance abuse issues, I am best positioned to assist clients with difficulties related to social, academic or behavioral issues. I am particularly attuned to the ways in which parenting styles impact upon the functioning of children and to the most efficient ways of creating change to promote the likeliness of a person's or family's success and happiness. At times, these are most effectively addressed through an examination and fostering of an individual's goal-setting and motivation and how these may encumber his or her movement on the path to future satisfaction.
(347) 282-5219 View (347) 282-5219
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.