LGBT Issues therapists in East Porterville, California CA
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LGBT Issues
Julie Anderson
Psychologist, Ph.D.
With over 20 years of non-profit work experience for the LGBT community, I can help you through the specific issues that arise from LGBTQI identities and those who care about someone who is LGBT.
24 Years Experience
Online in East Porterville, California
LGBT Issues
Jonathan Kruger Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Members of the LGBT community face unique and multifaceted challenges that add additional layers of complexity to the therapeutic process. It is vital that therapists working with LGBT clients have a deep understanding of these challenges in order to serve as an effective partner in the journey of self-discovery. My work with LGBT clients, as well as my own personal experience, have taught me that throughout each stage of life, LGBT persons are confronted with issues and prejudices that can be easily internalized, resulting in a profound struggle within themselves trying to maintain a healthy sense of self, self-confidence, and self-acceptance.
Indeed, for many LGTB persons, these issues begin early in youth: a significant portion of the LGBT community have faced down unaccepting parents and families, bullies, and, at times, a deeply prejudiced society that teaches from birth that LGBT persons are defective and unworthy. These are messages that wound at a fundamental level and, unfortunately, can reinforce an internalized message of unworthiness and defectiveness. Left unexplored, these external attacks on the self can manifest in many ways: shame which leads to substance abuse, reckless sexual behavior, an inability to sustain long-term intimate relationships.
Another unique aspect of my work with the LGBT community is the continued reverberation of the AIDS crisis that swept the community in the 80s and 90s. While we have made enormous strides in both understanding and the treatment of the HIV virus, learning of an HIV positive diagnosis remains a traumatic life event, where one’s sense of self may become gravely damaged or perhaps even destroyed. In addition, a large portion of the LGBT community directly experienced the peak of the AIDS crisis, and faced the untimely loss of beloved friends and colleagues, leading to intense bereavement, grief, and the relentless death of entire communities. The effects were and are ravaging; the trauma intense and enduring.
Furthermore another challenge facing this generation of openly gay men is that they are the first entering old age openly gay and out of the closet. How to not become invisible to the community, disappear and lose all sense of oneself becomes a vital priority. There have been few role models, no one demonstrating how to age in a successful, happy, purposeful way. So with age comes the loss of physical vitality and attributes, which for many gay men has been the leading currency of their lives. How does one reinvent oneself so as to stay vital and relevant, or risk slipping into the invisibility cloak that old age often brings upon gay men and people in general?
In treating the LGBT community, I strive toward creating and fulfilling a sense of completeness and wholeness within the self. Working empathically, slowly and deliberately to heal old wounds, and eradicate the innate sense of defectiveness. Always seeking to understand the sources from which that sense of defectiveness derived. With insights, understanding, processing and evaluating we then begin to reinstate a sense of enough-ness, perfection (even where there may be imperfection), wholeness, and completeness within and unto the self. It is a journey of self discovery which I have lived, understand and continually work on healing.
Slowly building understanding and conviction that the LGBT person is as complete and perfect as any other differently sexually identified person. The goal is to create and improve a strong, authentic sense of self, not one that needs to be propped up by the creation of a “false self” in order to be loveable or to feel adequate and enough.
11 Years Experience
Online in East Porterville, California
LGBT Issues
Sam Naimi
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Psychoanalyst
As a queer therapist, I believe in creating a safe and affirming space where individuals can explore their identity, navigate societal pressures, and address mental health concerns within a relational and psychoanalytic framework. My approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex interplay between individual experiences, relationships, and societal expectations.
By exploring the unconscious dynamics that shape our identities and relationships, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. This may involve examining themes of internalized homophobia, family dynamics, and societal discrimination. Through this process, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self, build healthier relationships, and live more authentic lives.
6 Years Experience
Online in East Porterville, California
LGBT Issues
Whole Wellness Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Whole Wellness Therapy is passionate about walking alongside our clients in their healing journey. We understand that LGBTQ+ clients may experience challenges that not everyone in their life is able to relate to. Whole Wellness Therapy keeps this perspective in mind while treating individuals and couples that may be dealing with additonal stressors from family, friends, and society.
6 Years Experience
Online in East Porterville, California
LGBT Issues
Samer Fawaz
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., LMFT #149147
As a gay man living in Los Angeles for over twenty years, I have experienced the challenges of cultivating and maintaining a genuine sense of self while being bombarded with body image issues, homophobia, gay shame, and the hyper-sexualized competitive nature of the gay community. As gay men, our sexual currency can sometimes become the focus of how we see and place value on ourselves. This can lead to addiction, self-loathing cycles, self-harm, anxiety, and depression. I am passionate about helping you dismantle what society, and the gay community has led you to believe about yourself. Together, we will get to the root of what makes you feel centered, authentic, and grounded. I am highly invested in creating a judgment-free space for you to feel safe to talk about anything you feel is relevant to your growth.
4 Years Experience
Online in East Porterville, California