LGBTQ Issues

I work with many different types of LGBTQ+ related issues. I will ensure that you feel safe, supported and without judgment.

I value all forms of diversity and am passionate about providing care for the places where your identity, ways of being, and desires have placed you at odds with majority culture.

When discussing LGBTQIA+/queer issues, I have sometimes leaned on my own queer identity to better understand clients' experiences, while still leaving space for the client to own their truth and share their experiences freely.

-Worked for 4 years as a therapist at Community health center focused on serving LGBTQIA population - Experience with folx who are from all sub-communities of the LGBTQIA community -I have written many letters in support of GAS surgeries and have helped transgender people navigate the process of starting horomones - Participated in TransECHO program aimed at educating health professionals on transgender issues

I work with you to understand and develop a positive identity around gender or sexuality in a world that doesn't always accept you. I’m well versed in the social challenges, complex identity questions, and marginalization that can accompany queer lived experiences. I can help you work through questions around gender and sexuality, find ways to navigate interpersonal relationships with people who struggle to understand your identity, and build self-worth in the face of oppression.

Through the coming out process, relationships are tested. Helping these relationships is what I specialization. Assisting families or partners have those hard conversations so that everyone can feel heard and understood while working towards love and acceptance.

I have personal and lived experience inside this community. I have experience helping others discover the beautiful varieties of queerness that they carry inside of themselves.

My expertise in the area of LGBTQ+ issues comes primarily from being a member of the community myself. I have experience with the process of coming out (from my own perspective) as well as with the phenomenon of bi erasure, in general as well as by the LGBTQ+ community specifically. (During college, I was openly accused by members of the undergraduate "Gay, Lesbian, and Allied Student Association" of being in a relationship with a heterosexual cisgender male solely for the purpose of "passing".)

Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career Courtney focused a portion of her studies on Human Sexuality and Education, including a graduate level study aboard of LGBTQ Health Promotion in the Netherlands.

I can help with a range of issues related to being a member of the LGBTQ community including exploring your sexuality, coming out, family issues, friends, workplace issues, gender affirmation treatment including letters for surgery if needed by insurance.

Regardless of where you are on your personal journey. You may be fully out and proud or questioning and feeling scared. Perhaps somewhere in between. Feel heard, validated, and understood by a professional from the queer community. Gender and Sexual Identification Oppression, Marginalization Discrimination, Social Rejection Abandonment Contemplating Coming Out or Coming Out Relationships, sex, Commitment Life Transitions and Milestone Changes Gender Transition Self-harm, self-hate Trauma

I approach my work with LGBTQ+ folx with the understanding that these identities may have wide-ranging influences on one's presenting symptoms from being the focal point of what is going on to having very little or no impact. I work to explore LGBTQ+ issues and identites with folx from an ecological perspective, where we consider how these identities are impacted by and manifest at varying levels within ourselves, relationships, community, and wider culture.

Not only am I a member of the community, I have served members of LGBT+ community in most every environment I have worked. I have acted as the LGBT Special Emphasis Program Manager at a federal government agency. I have sat on Indiana University's Transgender ECHO program as a hub member where other professionals and community members attend to grow their knowledge about this special population. I started a Mental Health and Substance Use Program at the largest HIV/AIDS organization in IN.

Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community I have gone through similar struggles over my lifetime when it comes to my sexuality and coming out. I understand the fears and anxiety you are experiencing. Having to hide who you are is exhausting and I will help you by working on self-discovery, esteem building, focusing on strengths, and reducing the fear that is keeping you from living your authentic life.

I’m here to support you in whatever you’re facing, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or relationship issues with an understanding of what it’s like to identify as a part of the LGBTQIAP2S+ community. You don’t always struggle with these issues because your identify at a part of the LGBTQIAP2S+ community and it doesn’t have to mean it’s the focus of your therapy. You are many parts that make a whole.

Many of my past clients identify within the queer community. My clients have found safety, unconditional care and non-judgement with therapy with me. I understand the complex dynamics of LGBTQ issues, including the potential impacts and challenges that can be faced in the home, with families of origin, work, school, and religion. I understand that folks who identify as LGBTQIA very often are faced with additional struggles and challenges that our cis and straight brothers and sisters do not.

As a gay man, I have faced many struggles related to being a sexual minority, even today as we have more rights and access than when I was coming out. Understanding yourself and your sexuality can be difficult if you're doing it alone or without support. The life issues related to being LGBTQIA+ are easily overlooked by some who do not share these identities. I certainly don't know your lived experience, but I might have had similar experiences to work from.

Sexuality exploration, sexuality acceptance, gender exploration, gender acceptance. WPATH letter.

This was my focus throughout my schooling as well as the focus of my continued education training. I am truly passionate about working with this population and affirming not only the person, but their family and community as well. As an active member of the community, I strive to provide support in as many ways as I can, including testifying in front of congress to change laws when necessary.