LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Counseling in Silver Spring, Maryland & DC
A Safe and Affirming Space
For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, the world can feel like it’s full of questions, judgments, or assumptions. Maybe you’ve been told you are “too much” or “not enough.” Maybe you have had to come out over and over again, not knowing whether the person in front of you is safe. Or maybe you have carried the weight of shame, rejection, or silence for years.
At Grow Your Mind Psychotherapy, we want you to know: you don’t have to explain, defend, or hide who you are here. This is a space where your identity is not only respected, but celebrated. We see you. We believe you. And we are here to walk alongside you.
What We Offer
Our goal is to walk alongside you as you explore your journey, whether that involves gender identity, gender expression, gender dysphoria, or the complexities of relationships and family dynamics. We also recognize that many LGBTQIA+ individuals carry the weight of shame, guilt, rejection, or past trauma. Counseling provides a space to process those experiences, manage strong emotions, and learn healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Together, we can work on:
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Exploring and affirming your gender identity and expression
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Navigating the challenges of coming out or living authentically
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Managing shame, guilt, or internalized stigma
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Building resilience in the face of discrimination or rejection
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Strengthening relationships and connections within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community
Every person’s story is different. Some clients come to us in the middle of coming out; others are questioning who they are; others simply want a space where they don’t have to brace themselves for judgment. Whatever brings you here, your story matters.
Our Approach: Affirmative and Compassionate
We are not here to push an agenda, rush your process, or tell you who you should be. We are here to listen deeply, to honor your truth, and to help you find strength in your identity. With compassion and clinical expertise, we’ll work together to help you process pain, build resilience, and reconnect with your worth.
You Are Not Alone
No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Having an affirming therapist can make all the difference in learning to embrace who you are, manage life’s challenges, and build the kind of relationships and life you truly want. We would be honored to support you in your journey, whether that means healing from past hurts, exploring who you are, or simply having a space where you can show up fully, without apology. When you are ready, we invite you to reach out. This is a place where all of you are welcome.