LGBTQ Issues

I've worked for over a decade within different agencies and organizations providing support to LGBTQ+ folks. Currently, I'm a staff therapist and supervisor at IHI (Institute for Human Identity), where I run a gay men's therapy group. Additionally, I've worked with and supported trans and nonbinary individuals, including exploring emotional experiences and addressing issues around transition. I also have years of experience helping LGBTQ+ and questioning youth, especially in school settings.

I am a LGBTQ therapist. I have experience working with gender dysphoria, "coming out", identity exploration, and relationships challenges surrounding LGBTQ folks.

As queer identifying individuals we often experience a gambit of risk factors that increase the likelihood of encountering mental health issues. Some common experiences that our work together can address include, but are not limited to: uncertainty/exploration, internalized homophobia, self identifying, “Coming Out,” as a continuous experience, family discord, self-made/chosen families, building community, discrimination/marginalization, synthesizing identity into other identities, and more.

I identify under the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. My practice has a special focus on serving this community and while it is not a requirement to be one of our clients, many of our clients are LGBTQ or are questioning in some way.

I am experienced in helping others explore, accept, and thrive with their unique identities. I’ve had the honor of writing many referral letters for clients interested in hormone treatment and other gender-affirming care. I also help clients work to create and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships with others who are not accepting.

As part of the LGBTQ community our issues are near and dear to my heart! I love working with "family." Minority stress is real! Many of us have suffered trauma of one kind or another. I believe the "work" that we do to figure out who we are (and how to survive an environment that is often hostile) contributes to our resilience. My internship was at Affirmations LGBT Community Center, where I learned a great deal about the issues we face as a community and how to overcome them,

From my own experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ and also working with many members as clients, I have a strong understanding of many common issues that we face both individually, in our relationships, and in a community as a whole.

LGBTQ+ issues are ones which are close to my heart as I am a gay-identified man. LGBTQ+ people share many unique experiences (e.g., stigma, rejection, alienation) due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The symptoms that result from those experience are often more accurately understood by a psychologist who has shared in those experiences. Together, we will also share the goal of helping you develop into the LGBTQ+ person you want to be.

I've been fortunate to have two terrific children, one gay and one bisexual. They (along with PFLAG) taught me so much about minority stress, resilience and advocacy. It was more than a decade ago but it mobilized me to learn how to be an effective political advocate for marriage equality in Maryland. I learned so much. Now the trans/nonbinary community is under an organized political attack and needs our support. I hope I can help.

I've been working in the HIV and LGBT communities for over 20 years. I have a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths inherent in all of these communities.

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".)

Services are designed to provide a safe, affirming, supportive environment where individuals can explore their unique experiences and challenges. I understand the complexities of identity, relationships, and societal pressures that may impact mental health. I am skilled in addressing issues such as coming out, relationship dynamics, self-acceptance, and stress related to discrimination. I prioritize a strengths-based approach, helping clients build resilience and foster a sense of community

If you’re navigating LGBTQ+ challenges, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself without judgment. Whether you’re working through identity questions, relationship concerns, or facing discrimination, I’m here to listen and support you. Together, we’ll celebrate who you are and find ways to build confidence, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being.

Whether you need help with gender identity and expression, coming to terms with sexuality, or need a nonjudgmental space to explore these, Let's Talk Solutions can provide that space. Sex-positivity, kink-positivity, and sex-worker positivity are all acknowledged and respected here.

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.

As an LGBTQ+ advocate, I focus on education and community support. I develop inclusive policies and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Through workshops, I help organizations understand challenges faced by the community. I partner with local groups to provide direct support services and expand our impact. My work aims to build a world where everyone can live authentically, regardless of orientation or identity.

I work *almost* exclusively with queer and trans folks and their families. I literally wrote the book on this (two, actually, and one of them won an award!): Queering Your Therapy Practice (2021, AASECT book of the year) and Therapeutic Conversations with Queer Youth (2013). Just what are "LGBTQ issues"? The effects of capitalism, lack of access to housing and healthcare, white supremacy, ableism, state violence..these are some of the issues our community faces.

Shannon provides a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients to explore their identities, address discrimination, and navigate challenges related to self-acceptance and relationships. She helps clients process trauma, build resilience, and develop coping strategies to live authentically while fostering a sense of empowerment and self-worth.