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Well, it's not wildly different, but there are nuances that make it distinct enough for its own page! For me, it just implies there is an implicit understanding of that the therapist is knowledgeable about some of the more unique challenges and dynamics of same-sex relationships and gay men. 

 

The difference lies in an affirming approach and understanding of the developmental and socio-cultural differences between same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Gay couples come to see me about everything from sex, lack of desire, kink, and CNM to love and intimacy issues. As a graduate of Antioch University and the LBGTQ Specialization, I've gained some extensive training in working with same-sex couples and the gay community. As a result, I create a safe place for any lgbt person and members of the lgbt community. 

 

 

 

The Benefits of Marriage and Family Therapy

 

I have around ten years experience working with couples and individuals and am well-versed in lgbt issues, as well as some of the psychological experiences that might not impact heterosexual couples. Some of the common issues I help people in my practice with are:

 

• Transform Conflicts into Connection: develop effective communication skills and turn disagreements into opportunities for deeper bonding with your partner or spouse.

• Reignite the Sparks: Rediscover the passion, intimacy, and romance in your relationship.

• Foster Enduring Love and Respect: Work on rebuilding and nurturing your emotional bond, love, and mutual respect.

• Dream Together, Grow Together: Identify and support each other's dreams to cultivate a shared vision for your relationship.

• Break Free from Recurring Patterns: Minimize the risk of falling back into old habits, paving the way for a healthier, happier relationship.

• Life Transitions - helping people and couples with personal growth after changes and life events. 

• Sex / Sexuality and Sex Drive- In my therapy practice, help couples work through sensitive issues such as polygamy or creating rules around an open relationship. 

 

Please feel free to book a complimentary consultation call with me even if you don't see exactly what you're looking for on here; chances are, I can help or point you in the right direction if I'm not able to. 

 

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Therapy With Gay Male Couples and Me

 

As a gay therapist, a gay man, and an LGBTQ-affirmative therapists, I take a compassionate, comprehensive and holistic approach to psychotherapy. 

 

As a first step, I usually examine all elements of your relationship dynamic in a way that is sensitive to issues unique to same-sex partners, knowing that relationships in the LGBTQ+ community can be complex and some of the best and most loving. Once you and your partner have begun care, we will find time to have therapy sessions regularly to monitor progress and make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you both benefit fully from treatment. 

 

I strive to create a safe and a non-judgmental space in all sessions, and this allows relationship dynamics to be revealed so I can understand the specific needs your relationship might have. Throughout sessions, you and your partner will be guided to listen and learn from each other, and I will be able to understand any relationship issues and find new ways of helping you both connect, communicate or resolve conflict. 

 

Psychological insight into the dynamics of the relationship, support, practical communication tools and education around empathy have been the strategies that I utilize most in my work with intimate relationships. I draw on my extensive experience in psychodynamic principles, family systems theory and cultural competency to provide understanding and tools that meet the unique needs of each of my clients. 

 

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LGBT People and Therapy

 

Interpersonal same-sex relationships are often challenging because many LGBTQ couples do not expect another person to be responsive and supportive emotionally. As well as living with higher incidents of anxiety and depression, we often behave in distancing behaviors that make these expectations come true. Relationship therapy from an affirmative framework provides the often missing legitimization and support of their relationship in addition to practical techniques on how to communicate thoughts, feelings and emotional needs to a partner. Gay affirmative therapy also provides my patients the opportunity to strike a balance between ones need for autonomy and the conflicting need for emotional closeness. Helping partners understand these dynamics and assisting couples remove shame and stigma from their relationship has proven to be most beneficial.

 

Being our partners emotional support in life, their closest ally, their partner in the mundane of life and their sexual companion is a constant balancing act and negotiation. This form of therapy from a psychodynamic, culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirmative framework will help.

 

My office is in the heart of Los Angeles in West Hollywood, on Santa Monica Boulevard. I am thrilled to be able to help the community as WeHo has bee been a haven for LGBTQ folks for decades.  Although the population is becoming increasingly mixed today, I believe it's important to have LGBTQ+ certified business resources like family counseling, relationship counseling, group therapy, and other psychologists available.

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​Benefits of LGBTQ+ relationship therapy:

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• Develop ways to understand and respect one another

• ​Create healthy relationships and more importantly, satisfying relationships. 

• Identify and talk through conflicts

• Have a space to talk about complicated thoughts and emotions

• Consider the obstacles that may hinder your relationship

• Learn ways to enhance communication and problem-solving between you and your partner

 

Common challenges found in queer relationships:

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Vulnerability. It can be difficult to be vulnerable and mutually rely on a partner - Often LGBTQ+ individuals are heavily self-reliant, growing up with little support for their core identities. Through childhood and adolescence, they may have coped with feelings of shame by setting up emotional boundaries. It is normal for these walls to persist into adulthood, and become a barrier in relationships.

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Boundaries: Keeping boundaries between lovers and friends - Many friends may be of the same sex as their partner

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Differences In Desire : sometimes, when the honeymoon period ends there's a lack of sex and desire in couples which can be distressing 

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Coming Out - a couple can have differences in opinions on the openness of sexual identity and sexual expression. (i.e. comfort of being “out”) - For example, one partner may be less comfortable displaying affection in public due to social fears

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Family issues around acceptance and / or communication One partner's parents may not know about the partner's identity or are not supporting of an individual's

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Sex Kind and Intimacy - sometimes therapy is used to help talk through differing desires, kinks and expression of sex. 

 

Where to find me:

 

My private practice consists of myself and a group of couples counselors and therapists in the center of West Hollywood and serving all of Los Angeles. I provide individual therapy, couples counseling in person and in online therapy. We all provide personalized same-sex partners therapy, serving clients who are based as near as Westwood, WeHo, Los Angeles Beverly Hills, Hollywood to Park La Brea, and further.