LGBTQIA+ Inclusive and Affirming
At The Inner Path I provide inclusive, trauma-sensitive therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages, including providing referral letters for gender affirming care and connecting clients to community resources.
My work is rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and hope.
As a counselor, school advocate, ally, and LGBTQIA+ parent I recognize the beauty and struggle to live authentically in a world that too often marginalizes queer voices. The LGBTQIA+ community often faces unique challenges involving identity exploration and the anxiety of coming out; discrimination and internalized shame; fear for one's safety; depression, self-harm, and a higher risk of suicide; limited access to gender-affirming care; social isolation; and lack of acceptance. This is especially true in our polarized political times right now. I know that many of you feel afraid and are not sure where to turn for support. For those whose identities intersect with other marginalized experiences, these struggles can be even more complex, but there are people like me who do care!

Day-to Day Challenges
From facing biases at school or work; to navigating strained family relationships; to managing the toll of gender dysphoria, microaggressions, and outright discrimination, LGBTQIA+ individuals often carry a heavy emotional load in their daily lives. Additionally, systemic barriers and the political and legislative threats to essential rights and healthcare create real obstacles to safety, equality, and well-being.

Understanding Intersectionality
Our identities do not exist in isolation. Being LGBTQIA+ often intersects with other parts of who you are, such as race, gender, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, ability, environment, and family background. These overlapping identities can create added layers of stress, misunderstanding, and exclusion. I recognize how complicated this can feel and work with clients to process this struggle with the utmost care and respect while helping clients find ways
to thrive as their authentic selves.

My Commitment
My practice is rooted in harm reduction and I approach my work with curiosity, cultural humility, and compassion. I am deeply committed to providing an inclusive, non-judgmental, and empowering space free from shame where you feel fully seen, respected, and supported. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or your family, my role is to offer the guidance and tools you need to build confidence, self-acceptance, and resilience.

Services Offered
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Individual & couples therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and elders
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Identity exploration for those questioning or coming out
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Letters for gender-affirming care for transition-related treatment
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Help finding community resources and connections
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Caregiver support to help affirm and strengthen connections with queer children
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Resilience & coping skills for managing discrimination, stress, and life transitions
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Youth support groups offered along with educational support for parents
*Please reach out to learn more about my gender-affirming services and how we can work together, especially if you are need of therapy for medical care.

LGBTQIA+ Resources
Hotlines:
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Trans Lifeline - 877-565-8860, translifeline.org
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National Suicide Hotline - 988
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Emergency Mobile Crisis Services - 211
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The Trevor Project - call 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678, thetrevorproject.org
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LGBT National Help Center - 888-843-4564, lgbthotline.com
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The 988 Lifeline - Call 988 and press 3 for an LGBTQI trained crisis counselor, text PRIDE to 988, 988lifeline.org
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Crisis Text Line - text "HOME" to 741-741, crisistextline.org
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INARA Helpline: 71-QTM-INARA - an LGBTQ+ Muslim helpline
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Blackline: 800-604-5841 - a helpline that prioritizes LGBTQ+ BIPOC.
Resources:
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LGBTQ+ Center Directory - lbgtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters
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Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - portal.ct.gov
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PFLAG - a great resource for members and families - https://pflaghartford.org/
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Queer youth groups in CT for ages 9-24 - https://www.qplusct.org/groups
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West Hartford Pride - https://westhartfordpride.org/
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Southington Pride - https://southingtonpride.org/
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Middletown Pride - https://www.middletownpride.org/
