What does LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy Mean?

LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy celebrates diversity and the unique sexual and gender identities of each individual. It also directly recognizes the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and heteronormativity on LGBTQ+ people. At mindfulSF, we believe that any and all sexual and gender identities are equal.

We also recognize the impact that discrimination, prejudice, and negative social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals can have on overall well-being. Our therapists identify as either LGTBQ+ or as allies.

As LGBTQ+ affirmative therapists we are committed to the following:

• Not making assumptions about your unique identity, experience, process, or relationships.

• Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

• Engaging in ongoing exploration into our own identities, biases, and assumptions.

• Educating ourselves on LGBTQ+ issues in an ongoing manner.

• Recognizing the impacts of discrimination, and social oppression, as well as how they intersect with other mental health concerns and life domains.

• Honoring your individual life experiences and acknowledging our own areas of gender/sexuality privilege. 

• Respecting and supporting you wherever you are at in your individual processes.

Our goal is to help you live your life fully. Some areas that we assist LGBTQ+ individuals with include connecting to queer affirming communities, pursuing and sustaining meaningful relationships, identifying strategies for living authentically, and learning ways to integrate mindfulness, self-compassion and other self-care activities into daily living.