Top-Rated LGBTQ Therapists in Denver

The aim of queer affirming therapy is to provide support and guidance that is tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities. This therapeutic approach embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community, and offers a space for folks identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, or cisgender to explore their gender or sexuality and express themselves authentically. Queer affirming counselors understand the unique challenges that their clients may face due to their sexual and/or gender identities. The goal of this model of counseling is to empower clients to develop a positive and nurturing relationship with their sexuality or gender. The ultimate goal here is to help queer folks feel more confident in their own skin. With the help of a queer affirming counselor, individuals can gain greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and an increased sense of well-being.

For those of us in the LGBTQ community, finding a safe space to talk openly about our feelings and life experiences can be a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, which is why affirming therapy is so important. "23% of Individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) report experiencing four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACES) while 42% of gender nonconforming and trans individuals report the same," found Envision:You in their 2022 Impact Report. These experiences can be related to increased anxiety and feelings of depression. Moreover, research findings have shown that these adverse experiences can also impact our physical health as well. LGBTQ counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals and couples can discuss their unique challenges and stressors without fear of discrimination or judgment. Let's be real. This world is not always safe. The prevalence of homophobia, transphobia, and other hateful belief systems, means we experience high levels of anxiety and fear daily. Counseling can help individuals and couples cope with these feelings by providing tools and resources to navigate life stress experienced when facing society and/or our family's biases and stigmas. To be clear, being LGBTQ is not an issue; society's bias, stigma, and hate are the issues. There is nothing wrong with us! We are beautiful in all of our queerness. However, daily navigating these adverse situations, biases, and hate increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, fear, and stress in our queer community. Counseling can be particularly helpful for our mental health to build our self-esteem, overcome anxiety, and learn to love ourselves and live life authentically. Ultimately, LGBTQ counseling plays a vital role in promoting a healthy and happy life for us in the LGBTQ community.

Searching for an LGBTQ affirming therapist or therapy practice near you can be a daunting task, especially if you're unsure where to start. The first step is to talk to your friends and family members who may have done counseling in the past and can offer recommendations. You can also consult online directories, like The Center on Colfax or Inclusive Therapists, or contact local clinical practices, like Rooted Acorn Counseling, to check the availability of affirming therapists who serve the LGBTQ community. Once you've narrowed down your search, schedule an initial consultation call and a few initial sessions with a therapist to gauge their knowledge and experience in working with LGBTQ clients and their unique mental health needs. Don't be afraid to ask a therapist if they have experience working with clients who have similar sexual identities and gender identities as you. In life, it can take time to build a rhythm and build trust with a new person. That's normal in therapy too! Remember, finding the right therapist can be a process, and it's worth investing the time and effort to find someone who can support you in your life. Whether you are in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, at Rooted Acorn Counseling, we provide convenient virtual therapy sessions to join from the comfort of your home and have limited availability for in-person sessions as well.