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While we ensure that all of our New York therapists are affirming of and skilled in working with the nuances of your gender and sexual identities, the majority of our therapists also have lived experiences as LGBTQ+ people. No need to guess what our therapists’ identities are and we don’t hide them. You can learn more about our therapists’ identities, specialties, and lived experiences by browsing the bios on our Therapists page.
An LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist is specifically trained to create a safe and judgment-free environment where you can discuss all aspects of your identity and lived experience.
Opening up with a therapist can be challenging, and knowing that you have an affirming therapist at Kip can put you at ease.
Kip has been dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community in NYC for over 10 years. Kip, founded and run by members of the LGBTQ+ community—is grounded in practice, education, and research focused on LGBTQ+ health and mental health.
While we recognize that growing up and living in a society as a marginalized person can be traumatic, there are many clients who come to us from all backgrounds that have experienced trauma and stress in their lives.
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes the many ways that trauma can impact all aspects of your life and gently helps you tune into the ways that emotions and experiences can feel stuck, unprocessed, and isolating.
Our diverse team of NYC therapists participate in ongoing training and consultation on how to understand, identify, and treat trauma in the many ways it can manifest in our clients’ lives.
But I’m Not LGBTQ+? We’re Cool With That!
In fact, we think there are good reasons to see an LGBTQ+/affirming therapist. Therapy through a queer lens means that a Kip therapist thinks outside of the box.
Too often the cultures that we live in don’t allow space for the expression of our true selves and the expansion into our full potential. What you’ll get in a Kip therapist is someone who is non-judgmental about all aspects of your life, will be tapped into the ways your experience and thinking keep you stuck, and help you find out who you were meant to be.
Finding the right LGBTQ+ therapist can be difficult for anyone whose lived experience does not fit with the expected societal norms of sexual and gender identity and expression. Our New York City—based therapists are here to provide a supportive, inclusive and safe space for individuals who fall anywhere under the LGBTQ+ umbrella (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or transgender people). We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our approach is all about honoring your unique experiences and providing affirming care that validates what makes you, you. We are here to help you navigate life’s challenges, feel comfortable in your own skin, celebrate your authentic self, and empower you to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Kip’s LGBTQ+ affirming therapists will guide you on your journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, self-love, and growth in a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment. Our therapists at Kip have the necessary training and professional experience to take any LGBTQ+ affirming stance, regardless of their own identity, which allows the full range of your own self-expression, discovery, and potential without judgement. 🌈
LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy strives to create a safe environment where clients can focus on the reasons bringing them to therapy without fear of rejection or judgment. At Kip, our approach is largely informed by queer theory—a field of study that challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality. It aims to deconstruct binary gender and heteronormativity, and challenge assumptions about what is “normal.”
Because the LGBTQ+ community typically experiences stressors and traumas related to their identities, the development of a queer therapy around these lived experiences is beneficial for anyone who has felt misunderstood, marginalized, or doesn’t feel like they have a place in the world. Feeling safe, supported, and understood is important not only for LGBTQ+ people, but for ALL of our clients
Many LGBTQ+ people struggle with mental health issues—like anxiety disorders, depression and low self esteem, suicidal ideation, substance use, disordered eating or body image issues—that can stem from the discrimination, trauma and stress that society and culture inflicts upon them. As an LGBTQ+ individual, seeing an a Kip LGBTQ+ therapist in NYC can provide you with specialized care that validates your unique experiences. Our LGBTQ+ therapists can reassure you that you don’t have to explain yourself or educate your therapist on LGBTQ+ issues. Kip’s therapists can create a safe and inclusive space where you can talk about issues related to your identity, or talk about other areas of your life without feeling pressured to talk about your LGBTQ+ identity. They can provide supportive advocacy, promote self-acceptance, and help you build resilience in navigating the unique challenges of being LGBTQ+.
We also understand that there is so much diversity and variations in the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. This is why, at Kip, we specify the particular identity of our therapists so that you can further tailor your therapy to your particular experiences. For example, transgender people are experiencing unprecedented national attacks on their very beings, and getting professional support from a trans therapist who uniquely understands these traumas may feel more comforting and safe to you.
