LGBTQ+ Adult Individual Counseling

Living in a heterosexist society inevitably poses challenges to people with non-heterosexual orientations. Many LGBTQ+ folks face social stigma, heterosexism, racism, violence, and discrimination in various forms, in addition to the normal/daily stressors that are faced by folks in our current socioeconomic climate.

As a trained and licensed counselor who also identifies as a cisgender gay Latino man, Christian constantly attempts to understand the multiple dimensions of affectional orientation and gender diversity fundamental to LGBTQ+ clinically competent and affirmative counseling. 

Along with my interpersonal theoretical approach, a common treatment approach used is LGBT-Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, a therapeutic intervention adapted to address co-occurring health problems at their source in minority stress.  Other clinical interventions utilized include: mindfulness-based CBT & motivational interviewing.

Bisexuality***  Christian strives to recognize and honor the unique experiences of bisexual individuals.  Having witnessed the stigma that bisexual folks encounter not only in the heterosexual world, but also within the LGBTQ+ community, Christian wanted to highlight his views of bisexuality as a valid sexual orientation and not as a transitional state between heterosexual and homosexual orientations.

Adolescent Counseling

Whether they identify as LGBTQ+, do not know how they identify/questioning, struggling with gender identity, or are struggling with any LGBTQ+ related concern, folks who range 5 to 17 years of age are more than welcome at CLV Counseling.  With over three years of child therapy training and experience, we are confident we can assess and address most issues and concerns (with referrals available when needed).

Family Note: During individual counseling with adolescent clients, family members will be asked to participate further into treatment once trust & rapport has been established and maintained, with the focus of these family-joined sessions remaining on the adolescent.

Counseling for Parents/Guardians of LGBTQ folks

Parents and Guardians of LGBTQ+ or potentially LGBTQ+ children can often need and benefit from professional support and work on parenting skill enhancement. 

 This type of session specific/focused counseling can address common and unique needs of parents raising children who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or are questioning their identity.  Parents can learn enhanced skills in effort to support not only their family, but also themselves as individuals. 

Confusing and hurtful feelings can often arise during family conflict of any kind, and becoming aware and processing thoughts and emotions in a safe space at CLV Counseling