LGBTQ+
LGBT+ Affirmative Therapy
I stand by and advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+. I’m committed to learning and growing to meet the needs of marginalized groups so that mental health is not a luxury reserved for the privileged few.
Everyone deserves access to quality care.
Your mental health and well-being are important, and sometimes, the best way to take care of your mental health is with the support of a professional. We all deserve mental healthcare that is culturally competent in providing treatment for gay, queer, lesbian, bisexual, and trans people’s experiences. LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists not only offer the tools one may need to overcome any challenge but can help you live your most authentic life.
Here at AtReef, I strive to provide friendly and exceptional healthcare service to the LGBTQ+ community.
Meet Your Therapist 🪴
Ehsan Adib Shabahang LPC
As a compassionate licensed professional counselor, I've worked with more than thousands of clients nationwide.
I'm honored to support your journey toward self-discovery and understanding your values. My goal is to help you enhance your well-being, strengthen connections, and appreciate yourself in harmony with AtReef Counseling's mission. I'm committed to accompanying you on this transformative path, nurturing growth, and celebrating milestones.
My Assistant
In addition to being a therapist, I am a proud dog dad. Although Pe-Pe has no formal training, I consider him my “therapy dog” because he really likes to make his presence known and has become a familiar face. In our downtime, Pe-Pe and I enjoy snuggling on the sofa, reading Stephen King novels, and watching the Doctor Who series.
WHY WORK WITH AN LGBT-SPECIALIZED THERAPIST?
A therapist who specializes in LGBTQIA+ clients is what I like to call an active activist. This basically means that it is my responsibility, as your therapist, to keep up with current events and issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, whether they themselves are a part of the community or not. You should be able to trust that your therapist not only to have your best interests in mind but also to looks for new and innovative ways to connect with your community in order to understand how our world and its needs is impact it.
Some of the most common LGBT issues addressed in our Therapy sessions:
Coming out
Communication with family, friends, or professional peers
Discrimination in the workplace and personal life
Dealing with shame regarding romantic life
Blending families and parenting
Dealing with differences in sexual issues
Dealing with trauma from bullying or abuse
Couples counseling
Dealing with prejudice and bigotry
Fear of being discovered even where it should feel safe
Not feeling like yourself or like you are at home in your body
Anxiety or depression treatment
Individual Support With LGBTQIA+ Therapy
Many LGBTQIA+ individuals faced discrimination in some form or shape during their lives. Discrimination can take on many shapes, such as social rejection, bullying, or even personal or family-related challenges linked to gender identity and sexual orientation. Discrimination also can be in the form of verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse that can be internalized via homophobia and transphobia, making it difficult to love and treat yourself with compassion truly.
Some LGBTQ+ individuals also encounter challenges with friends and family. They may experience confusion about gender roles and expectations, as well as higher rates of substance abuse, eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety, or depression.
It is important to recognize that you may not directly face rejection, but your self-esteem can be affected by growing up around individuals who discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.
My therapy approach will help you to validate your emotions and experience, helping you to build a healthy belief system and impower you and your relationships, let go of feelings of shame that you may have or low self-worth, and thrive to be your authentic self.
Contact me.
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Texas, Florida, North Carolina
I support clients in Texas and Florida. Currently, I only see my clients through HIPAA-compliant platform such SimplePractice. If you are interested, you can schedule a free consultation via this Link and start your journey with AtReef therapy.
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If you have any quesitons you can always reach me no matter the time or day and I will do my best to respond to you as soon as possible.
Call me today at: (832) 850-1283 or email me at: info@atreef.com -
Please note that I do NOT provide emergency/crisis counseling. If this is a mental health emergency, please call 911. For free and confidential support 24/7, you can call 512-472-4357 (crisis hotline), or for a Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255. For a Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741. You can also visit my Get Help page to find immediate support.