If you’re asking, “Where can I find a mental health professional who offers affirming therapy for relationship challenges in LGBTQ+ couples?” — you’re not alone. At Expansive Therapy, we’re passionate about helping LGBTQ couples to heal and grow together.

As a 100% LGBTQ-owned mental health practice, we specialize in creating affirming, inclusive, and empowering spaces for queer individuals and couples navigating life’s complex relationship dynamics.

Whether you're working through communication issues, identity transitions, or navigating open or polyamorous relationship structures, you deserve affirming support that validates your experience.

What Is LGBTQ+-Affirming Relationship Therapy?

Affirming therapy means that your therapist not only respects but actively affirms and celebrates your identity and relationships. For LGBTQ+ couples, this is especially important — therapy must account for the layered impact of societal bias, identity development, and cultural norms on your relationship.

At Expansive Therapy, affirming couples therapy includes:

• A deep understanding of LGBTQ+ relationship dynamics, including same-gender partnerships, trans/nonbinary experiences, and non-monogamy.

• Tools to navigate external pressures and internal conflicts stemming from minority stress, coming out, family rejection, and gender transitions.

• A judgment-free space where every aspect of your relationship is welcomed — including your pronouns, sexual orientation, boundaries, and chosen family.

Where to Find an LGBTQ+-Affirming Couples Therapist

While Expansive Therapy offers services to clients across multiple states through virtual therapy, here are broader ways you can find affirming care if you're outside our network:

🌈 Use LGBTQ+-Inclusive Therapy Directories

• Inclusive Therapists

• Psychology Today – Use filters like "LGBTQ+ Allied" and "Couples Counseling"

🏳️‍⚧️ Contact LGBTQ+ Resource Centers

Universities, LGBT community centers, and nonprofits often maintain trusted referral lists for affirming mental health professionals.

💬 Ask in Queer Community Spaces

Online platforms like Reddit (e.g., r/lgbt, r/askgaybros), Facebook groups, or Discord communities often offer therapist recommendations based on firsthand experiences.

Why Choose Expansive Therapy?

At Expansive Therapy, our practice is:

• 100% LGBTQ-owned and operated

• Rooted in affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. We have trained with the top trauma therapists in the world including Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk and Dr. Richard Schwartz.

• Committed to relationship diversity, including queer monogamy, polyamory, open relationships, kink-aware dynamics, and blended family systems

• Committed to high quality therapy - our therapists graduated from top schools and undergo rigorous training.

We serve couples and individuals in California, New York, and beyond via HIPAA-compliant teletherapy.

We believe LGBTQ+ couples deserve therapy that’s liberating, not pathologizing — where every session helps you reconnect with your values, your partner(s), and your emotional safety.

Ready to get started? Contact us here to book a free consult with one of our affirming therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is the difference between LGBTQ+ affirming and LGBTQ+ friendly?

Great question! While “LGBTQ+ friendly” may indicate basic acceptance, “LGBTQ+ affirming” goes further — it means the therapist has specific training, lived experience, and clinical understanding to provide effective, identity-affirming care. At Expansive Therapy, affirming isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation of everything we do.

❓ Do you only work with LGBTQ+ clients?

While the vast majority of our clients identify as LGBTQIA+, we welcome all individuals and couples who value inclusive, nonjudgmental, progressive therapy. However, our practice is especially tailored to those who identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella or are in relationships with LGBTQ+ dynamics.

❓ Can you help with non-monogamous or polyamorous relationship challenges?

Absolutely. Many of our clinicians specialize in working with polyamorous, open, and nontraditional relationship structures. We approach these dynamics with respect, curiosity, and affirmation, not judgment or assumptions.

❓ Do you offer virtual therapy?

Yes! We offer secure, virtual couples and individual therapy sessions to clients in New York and California. Teletherapy makes it easier to connect from wherever you are — with flexibility and comfort.

❓ How do I know if couples therapy is right for us?

Couples therapy can be helpful for any stage of a relationship — not just in crisis. Common reasons LGBTQ+ couples seek therapy with us include:

• Communication issues

• Trust repair

• Conflict resolution

• Navigating open relationships

• Planning for family or co-parenting

• Supporting gender transitions

• Coping with discrimination or family rejection

If you’re unsure, a free consult is a great place to start.

❓ How do we get started?

Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll match you with one of our affirming therapists and answer any questions you have about next steps. You can also check out our therapist bios on our homepage here.

You Deserve Affirming, Queer-Centered Relationship Support

Whether you’re newly dating or years into a committed relationship, navigating queer partnership is powerful — and sometimes complex. With the right therapist, your relationship can grow stronger, deeper, and more connected than ever.

📍 Based in New York & California
🌐 Virtual sessions available
💻 www.expansivetherapy.com

Text 917-426-1521 or email info@expansivetherapy.com.

Still wondering, “Where can I find a mental health professional who offers affirming therapy for relationship challenges in LGBTQ+ couples?”
Now you know: You can find them right here.