Do you need a gay therapist? Or maybe a therapist that understands the ins and outs of the LGBT world? We got a few! And better yet, the owner of the company is in a same-sex relationship… and attends the drag queen story-time with her daughter. So if you are wondering ‘will my therapist get it?’ trust us… our therapy team really does get it! We take pride in helping individuals grow within themselves and helping couples grow together. We are here to support and guide you through life’s challenges and celebrate with you each success. There are unique obstacles LGBTQIA+ couples and individuals face. We are here for you.
Here at Estes Therapy, we have therapists across the spectrum and every one of us is an ally. We provide LGBTQ and GSRD (gender, sexual, or relationship diversity) affirmative therapy that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, and Queer identities and relationships. To us, being affirmative therapists means acting as advocates, getting involved, being self-reflective, and creating an affirmative setting both in our therapy office and within our community. We also understand and address the negative influences that religion, homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQIA and GSRD clients. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, we are here to get you the help that you deserve with compassion and understanding. Whether you are in need of relationship help or individual support, we’ve got your back. We believe all humans are capable and deserving of compassion and understanding. Whether you need help getting your same-sex relationship out of a rut, or want preventative work or premarital counseling, we will provide you with a research-based treatment plan to fit your unique needs.
Our LGBT counseling team provides both individual and couples therapy in San Diego. Together we will deal with your coming out experiences, coping with your family’s reaction, and how your sexual identity may influence your religious, cultural, ethnic, or other identities. We understand that on top of getting stuck in negative interaction cycles, ruptures in connection, relationship injuries, and patterns of miscommunication that most couples face, there are unique obstacles for LGBTQ couples. These include family isolation, social attacks, religious injuries, microaggressions, and rejection of your identity or sexuality from loved ones, peers, or your community. Together you and your therapist will work on strengthening your heart, healing the wounds that keep you stuck, improving your communication, and dealing with any outside factors that may be putting pressure on your life.
Ultimately, our gay and lesbian counseling team is here to help you navigate your problems so you can feel happier, healthier, and more accepted.
Need Gender Identity Resources? No Problem! Check out our Transgender, Non-bionary, and Gender Identiy Resources page.
Meet our therapists that specialize in LGBT issues:
Coming Out Counseling
You’re not alone in this. Coming out is a big step that often brings a lot of anxiety with it. We provide couples and individual counseling for LGBTQ clients who are coping with learning to live openly – coming out. We help our gay, lesbian, queer, and transgendered clients set strategies for coming out and processing the emotions that are tied to this. Together we will deal with the ripple effect coming out can cause among you, your family, friends, coworkers, and partner. There may be challenges that arise in some of these personal relationships. We can work on communication tactics that build healthy self-esteem in spite of potential negativity from other people.
If you’re in a relationship and considering coming out, that can present its own set of unique challenges, particularly if one person is out and the other is not. We are experienced at helping gay and lesbian couples adjust to coming out, whether it’s introducing their partner to family, addressing premarital concerns, or trying to build up the confidence to come out together. We are here for you.
Premarital LGBT Couples Counseling
Love is just the beginning. Whether it’s marriage, a domestic partnership, or a commitment ceremony, it’s important to set a happy tone for your future. You wouldn’t set out on a road trip without a map, would you? The same principle applies to the adventure you’re about to start in your relationship. In our LGBT premarital counseling sessions, your therapist will give you the emotional navigation equipment you need to stay connected, improve communication, handle family stress, manage finances, and more.
Considering counseling when you’re so busy and happy may seem odd, but it’s often the most important time to strengthen your bond with each other. Many couples become hyper-focused on the upcoming ceremony and can neglect some of their partner’s needs along the way. Our sessions will focus on bringing you and your partner closer, working as a team, and relaxing and enjoying the planning stages. If you want an even more relaxed atmosphere for your counseling sessions, consider trying telehealth counseling sessions for yourself or for your relationship, from the comfort of your own home!
Check out our LGBT Counseling resources and make sure to schedule your gay lesbian counseling in San Diego, California.
