LGBTQIA+ Counseling

In-person therapy in Charlotte, NC
Online therapy throughout NC, SC, and CO

Therapist offering inclusive support for LGBTQIA+ clients, creating a safe and affirming space for mental health and emotional well-being.

Understanding LGBTQIA+

At Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting, our practice is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

We understand that LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges, including identity exploration, discrimination, and the impact of societal stigma.

Our therapists are experienced in working with clients on issues such as coming out, gender dysphoria, relationship dynamics, and mental health concerns related to the LGBTQIA+ experience.

We are committed to offering compassionate, non-judgmental care tailored to each person's individual journey, ensuring that clients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Some common LGBTQIA+ issues include:

  • Coming out and identity disclosure to family, friends, and colleagues

  • Coping with rejection, discrimination, or marginalization based on identity

  • Internalized stigma that can lead to shame, self-doubt, or self-criticism

  • Finding affirming healthcare providers who understand LGBTQIA+ specific needs

  • Navigating relationships and dating challenges unique to LGBTQIA+ experiences

  • Gender dysphoria and accessing gender-affirming care and resources

  • Family planning and parenting concerns within LGBTQIA+ contexts

  • Workplace discrimination and navigating professional environments

  • Anxiety, depression, and trauma unique to your community

  • Building community and finding supportive connections while addressing feelings of isolation

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We Can Help

Through our work together, you can:

  • Embrace your authentic self in a space that celebrates your identity, helping you move from self-doubt to genuine self-acceptance and pride in who you are

  • Break free from harmful thought patterns that may have developed in response to discrimination or stigma, allowing you to build resilience and respond to challenges with confidence

  • Find peace in the present moment through mindfulness techniques that reduce anxiety, manage stress, and help you stay grounded when facing difficult situations

  • Navigate gender exploration and transition with knowledgeable support, whether you're questioning, beginning your journey, or seeking assistance with specific aspects of transition

  • Heal from experiences of rejection or discrimination by processing painful memories in a safe environment and reclaiming your narrative with strength and dignity

Our goal is to help you thrive as your authentic self.

Together, we'll build a life where your identity is a source of strength rather than struggle, where relationships feel authentic, and where you can move through the world with greater ease and confidence.

Our Approach to LGBTQIA+ Counseling

Therapist Natalie Thomas in a gray long sleeve shirt and necklace looking at the camera

Natalie Thomas, LCSW, LISW-CP, ACS
Founder of Resilient Roots Counseling & Consulting

I understand that LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique challenges, including identity exploration, discrimination, and the impact of societal stigma.

My approach is rooted in respect, understanding, and a commitment to creating a space where you can fully express and explore all aspects of who you are without judgment.

We offer a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to meet the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. These include:

  • Affirmative Therapy: Providing a supportive environment that validates and honors your identity, fostering self-acceptance and empowerment.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies, particularly around anxiety, depression, and stress related to your experiences.

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Supporting emotional regulation, reducing stress, and enhancing self-awareness through mindfulness practices.

  • Gender-Inclusive Therapy: Assisting with gender identity exploration and transition-related concerns, including supporting you through gender dysphoria, social transition, or medical decisions.

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addressing past trauma, including experiences of discrimination, rejection, or internalized stigma, with sensitivity to its impact on your mental health.

My goal is to provide a compassionate and empowering therapeutic relationship where you feel fully supported in your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and well-being.

Whether you're navigating coming out, addressing relationship concerns, or simply seeking a therapist who truly gets it, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

What to Expect in Our Therapy Sessions

Hands holding a rainbow-colored heart-shaped object with rainbow stripes, symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride.

When working with us for LGBTQIA+ counseling, you can expect a direct, affirming style of therapy that honors your full identity.

We create a space that genuinely celebrates and supports of who you are.

In our sessions, we'll work on:

  • Understanding your unique experiences related to your sexual orientation and/or gender identity

  • Exploring the intersections of your identities and how they shape your experiences in the world

  • Developing strategies to navigate challenging situations, from coming out to handling family dynamics or workplace issues

  • Building a stronger sense of self-acceptance and pride in your identity

  • Processing experiences of discrimination or rejection while strengthening your resilience

  • Connecting with community resources and support that can complement our therapy work

We believe that your sexual orientation and gender identity are vital parts of who you are, but they don't define the entirety of your experience.

Our approach addresses your whole self while recognizing the unique challenges and strengths that come with being LGBTQIA+ in today's world.

Client Successes

"As a therapist, I've had the privilege of witnessing remarkable transformations in my LGBTQIA+ clients.

One client who arrived uncertain and guarded about their identity gradually blossomed into someone who could confidently express themselves both in our sessions and in the wider world. The shift from self-doubt to self-assurance was visible not just in their words, but in their posture, voice, and confidence.

Another discovered what healthy relationships could actually feel like after years of settling for connections where they felt they needed to hide parts of themselves. Together, we identified patterns from their past and built a new template for relationships founded on authenticity and mutual respect.

Perhaps most moving was working with someone who had experienced significant trauma related to their identity. Watching them reclaim their narrative, process their experiences, and gradually move from survival mode to actually thriving again reminded me why this work matters so deeply."

— Natalie Thomas, LCSW, LISW-CP, ACS

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Embrace Your Authentic Self Today

Imagine living freely as your whole, true self without apology or fear. Our affirming, evidence-based therapy can help you build a life where your identity is a source of strength, not struggle

Frequently Asked
Questions

About LGBTQIA+ Counseling

  • No, a therapist doesn't need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to provide effective, affirming care. What's essential is cultural competence and a genuine commitment to understanding the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. As an allied therapist, I've dedicated myself to ongoing education about LGBTQIA+ issues, including completing specific training on topics like:

    • LGBTQIA+ history

    • Pronouns

    • Best support practices

    • Working with caregivers of LGBTQIA+ youth

    • Gender-affirming care, including Gender Affirming Letter Writing

    I approach this work with humility, respect, and a deep appreciation for the trust clients place in me when sharing their experiences.

  • While many therapists can provide helpful support, working with someone who specializes in LGBTQIA+ concerns means you won't have to educate your therapist about basic aspects of your identity or experiences. I bring both professional training and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, allowing us to focus immediately on your specific needs.

  • Absolutely not. I practice from an affirmative stance, meaning I view diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as normal variations of human experience, not as disorders or problems to be fixed. The focus of our work together will be on challenges you identify—whether they're related to your identity or to other aspects of your life and well-being.

  • Questioning and exploration are welcome in our therapy space. Many clients come to therapy uncertain about aspects of their identity, and I provide a supportive environment for that exploration without pushing toward any particular outcome. My role is to walk alongside you in your journey of self-discovery, offering tools and perspectives that might be helpful, while honoring that only you can determine who you truly are.

Ready to embrace your authentic self?

From the Blog

Posts on LGBTQIA+ Topics