Lesbian Therapist in Los Angeles, California
Lesbian identity is complex, and it often comes with unique relationships to gender and a persistent feeling of isolation due to the lack of attraction to men. Lesbian or sapphic relationships also bring their own specific challenges, and it can be tough to feel fully seen from people outside of the lesbian / sapphic community. Feeling like you need help processing these issues specific to the lesbian experience? You're certainly not alone.
What does therapy with a lesbian-identified therapist look like?
I'm a nonbinary lesbian therapist based in Los Angeles, CA and I work with my lesbian and sapphic identified clients on issues unique to their experiences. In the course of both individual therapy and couples / partnership therapy, I work with my clients to explore the complexities of gender and when gender-affirming care might be helpful, feelings of isolation tied to lesbian identity, being "out" and different statuses with respect to being "out" in a partnership, experiences of lesbophobia from family and society more broadly, lesbian sex and intimacy, and more. More specifically, this might look like:
-
Addressing all the stereotypical jokes that can feel a little too real -- feeling like your ex is everywhere you go (hello being a small community within a small community), U-hauling (the emotional intensity can make us jump ahead a few steps sometimes), and the lesbian friend groups that start to feel a bit incestuous.
-
Exploring gender subversion through the femme identity or gender-non-conformity as a nonbinary, butch, masc, or stud (term exclusive to Black lesbians) lesbian and how to know when exploring options such as testosterone or different forms of top surgery (e.g. radical reduction, full mastectomy) might be helpful in your gender journey.
-
Processing feelings of isolation related to so much of womanhood being bound up in attraction to men, and identifying opportunities to build lesbian community to counteract isolation.
-
Exploring desires to be out, barriers to being out, and conflicts in partnerships where one partner may be fully out or have familial support and another partner may not. Identifying paths forward that respect both individual needs and the needs of the partnership.
-
Navigating concerns related to lesbian or sapphic sex and intimacy, including addressing barriers to comprehensive sex education and tackling discrepancies in desire within a partnership.
Looking for Community-Based Support from other Lesbians?
I also facilitate lesbian support groups in-person in Los Angeles to help you get to know other lesbians, discuss shared experiences, build community, and get feedback on challenges you're facing. If this sounds like something you're needing, contact me for more information by sending an email to gabby@therapybeyondthebinary.com, or by setting up a free consultation time at the link below!
