LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 12308
Moonhawk River Stone
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Schenectady, NY 12308
I am an internationally recognized expert in transgender care with 25 years experience working with transsexual, transgender and gender variant people of all ages, especially young gender variant children, and their families. When someone is contemplating a gender transition it is my approach to work with the whole family as everyone transitions in a gender transition. I have a solid record of success in workplace transitions for clients My expertise lends itself to working with transgender clients from many varied racial, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
I also work with lesbian, gay, bisexual clients across the full spectrum of issues.
I am an internationally recognized expert in transgender care with 25 years experience working with transsexual, transgender and gender variant people of all ages, especially young gender variant children, and their families. When someone is contemplating a gender transition it is my approach to work with the whole family as everyone transitions in a gender transition. I have a solid record of success in workplace transitions for clients My expertise lends itself to working with transgender clients from many varied racial, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
I also work with lesbian, gay, bisexual clients across the full spectrum of issues.
Laurel Burns
Counselor, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Schenectady, NY 12308
Change is hard, whether you are trying to stop anxious thoughts, be a better parent, let go of eating disorder behavior, or save your marriage. If you wish to bring change into your life, and have been unable to do it on your own, I can help. I am an expert in the science of change and hold a certificate in the field of Positive Psychology. I am a strength based therapist. Collaboratively and creatively we can discover the tools to enable you to move from a painful state to comfort and resilience, where you can flourish and become the best version of yourself.
Change is hard, whether you are trying to stop anxious thoughts, be a better parent, let go of eating disorder behavior, or save your marriage. If you wish to bring change into your life, and have been unable to do it on your own, I can help. I am an expert in the science of change and hold a certificate in the field of Positive Psychology. I am a strength based therapist. Collaboratively and creatively we can discover the tools to enable you to move from a painful state to comfort and resilience, where you can flourish and become the best version of yourself.
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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.