LGBTQ+ Friendly Counseling
Are you looking for an LGBTQIA+ friendly therapist? Have you been treated unfairly or misunderstood because of your gender or sexuality? Do you need a space to share, explore, and understand your identity?
My name is Michelle Webber, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I provide therapy for the LGBTQ+ community for people throughout Los Angeles. I recognize that many LGBTQ+ people struggle with acceptance from family members, friends, their communities, and even from within themselves. If you are suffering because of prejudice, facing the stress of coming out, or simply looking for support, I want to help.
If you are interested in learning more about my therapy and how it can help, below are some answers that may address some of your concerns. You can also reach out to me at (323) 301-0083.
Learn about what sorts of LGBTQIA+ clients I see.
- A young person transitioning from a male to a female and dealing with angry and unaccepting parents.
- A Lesbian couple who were living together and had different parenting styles and differences in money management.
Additionally, I have dealt with major medical issues throughout my life and because of this, I work with clients coping with long-term chronic illness and help them to live their lives in the healthiest way possible.
I love my work and welcome you to contact me with any life issues you would like to discuss.
What is LGBTQ+ friendly counseling?
Unfortunately, not all therapists are trained to support the LGBTQ+ community. Some gender or identity diverse clients may feel (at best) misunderstood or (at worse) stigmatized and shamed by those who are trying to help them. Research shows that the most powerful therapeutic tool is the relationship between client and therapist, which means trust is everything.
Over the past three decades, I have worked with clients with diverse identities (queer, gay, bi, lesbian, femme, non-binary, questioning, trans, poly, pan, and more), and I also specialize in working with individuals living with HIV and AIDS. I practice sex-positive and gender-affirming therapy that incorporates humor and focuses on your needs.
How can therapy help me?
First, therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space for you to express and explore your thoughts and feelings. Therapists can help you feel accepted and understood as you learn to do the same for yourself. Therapy can also help those who are questioning or looking to understand their own sexual orientation and or gender identities more fully. As you make progress, you can unlock new insights and develop a stronger sense of who you are and where you are headed.
Second, therapy offers a chance to feel affirmed and supported. This is especially important for those who have been marginalized, rejected, or disowned by friends or family. Fear can keep us from making authentic choices, which means you may not feel safe enough to truly accept yourself. Therapists can offer a sense of safety and empowerment so that you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
And third, therapists can help you practice essential coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. For example, you can learn to use self-compassion to deal with criticism and harshness, exercise mindfulness for stress management, set boundaries with toxicity, and discover strategies for balancing your work, life, and relationships.
It’s about making a commitment not just to therapy, but to yourself. You deserve a life full of meaning and hope, and I want to help make that happen.
What does therapy look like with Michelle?
All of my sessions are completely confidential and held online or in the privacy of my office here in Los Angeles, California. Our first session is dedicated to finding out what brought you in to see me. You can expect me to ask lots of constructive questions. What are you looking to get out of therapy? How can I best support you as you navigate your world? Are you looking to get a better sense of your identity, or do you already feel integrated with who you are? I’ll ask about your story. You can get a sense of how I work and whether you feel connected with me.
As we work together, you can:
- Learn to navigate coming out to friends and family
- Develop a stronger sense of who you are
- Find confidence and safety
- Feel supported when facing loneliness
- Discover new aspects of your personality
- Build better coping strategies
- Make progress towards life goals
I believe in creating a space that feels supportive, incorporates humor and laughter, and helps you become your best self. If you feel alone or rejected, we can help you reconnect. If you are questioning, we can work to find answers. If you are wrestling with anxiety, depression, or dependence on drugs or alcohol, we can help you find freedom.
Interested?
I would love to hear from you.
Phone: (323) 301-0083
Email: [email protected]
1600 Vine Street, #902, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Mistreatment, marginalization, and abuse
- Dealing with rejection from family and friends
- Coming to terms with one’s identity
- Coping with stigmatized illnesses (e.g., HIV)
- Body or sex shaming
- Conformity pressures (e.g., heteronormativity)