YOUTH
In my years working with youth in a therapeutic context as well as through my own personal experience, I have gained a deep understanding of the issues that children and adolescents face as they develop their identities and learn how to cope with life's ups and downs. LGBTQ+ youth development is further complicated by the discovery that there is something different about them. LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high suicide rates due to living in a world that, at times, refuses to believe or accept them as they are. Because of this, they can be more susceptible to being bullied, developing low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and experiencing trauma. I provide personalized support around sexual and gender identity development, managing gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational conflict, self-esteem, boundary-setting, and coping skill building. I am here to support your child in developing insight and understanding of themself, and to gain the tools needed to become a confident, capable adult.
In my years working with youth in a therapeutic context as well as through my own personal experience, I have gained a deep understanding of the issues that children and adolescents face as they develop their identities and learn how to cope with life's ups and downs. LGBTQ+ youth development is further complicated by the discovery that there is something different about them. LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high suicide rates due to living in a world that, at times, refuses to believe or accept them as they are. Because of this, they can be more susceptible to being bullied, developing low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and experiencing trauma. I provide personalized support around sexual and gender identity development, managing gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational conflict, self-esteem, boundary-setting, and coping skill building. I am here to support your child in developing insight and understanding of themself, and to gain the tools needed to become a confident, capable adult.
PARENTS & FAMILIES
For a variety of reasons, parents can experience feelings of grief and loss, fear, confusion, resistance, and discomfort when their child comes out as lesbian,
gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, or begins questioning their identity. I provide individualized support for parents and families who are struggling with their child's identity, wondering about next steps, or simply seeking guidance on how to best support, protect, and nurture their child's budding identity. As a family therapist, I can help your family navigate these difficult conversations. I am committed to holding space for parents and families to process all of the complicated emotions, and will be with you on your journey.
I can also provide education and support around parenting concerns such as:
Please check out the resources page for some more ideas on what to read, watch, and attend to learn more about gender-variance and ways to support your child and yourself.
For a variety of reasons, parents can experience feelings of grief and loss, fear, confusion, resistance, and discomfort when their child comes out as lesbian,
gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, or begins questioning their identity. I provide individualized support for parents and families who are struggling with their child's identity, wondering about next steps, or simply seeking guidance on how to best support, protect, and nurture their child's budding identity. As a family therapist, I can help your family navigate these difficult conversations. I am committed to holding space for parents and families to process all of the complicated emotions, and will be with you on your journey.
I can also provide education and support around parenting concerns such as:
- Advocacy and protection at school
- Navigating medical systems
- Medical transition: Hormonal and surgical options for transgender and gender nonconforming youth
- Social transition: Name change, pronoun changes, gender marker changes
- How to talk to other family members about your child's identity
- Reconciling your religious beliefs with your child's identity.
Please check out the resources page for some more ideas on what to read, watch, and attend to learn more about gender-variance and ways to support your child and yourself.
