Meet Your LGBTQ Therapist: A Personal Welcome From Troy
Welcome—You’re In the Right Place
Have you ever wished someone would just get it—without you having to explain everything first? If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking not only for therapy, but for a space that feels safe, affirming, and real. I’m Troy, a gay therapist based in San Francisco, offering LGBTQ-affirming online therapy across California. I know the courage it takes to even consider this step. So first, welcome, and you can reach me here if you need anything.
This isn’t just a bio. It’s a way to begin building the trust that good therapy needs. Let me share a little about what drives me—and what you can expect.
Why I Became a Therapist for the LGBTQ Community
I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a therapist. I grew up trying to understand where I fit, how to navigate a world that didn’t always feel built for people like me. Therapy was where I learned I didn’t have to fold myself up to be accepted. It gave me language for my feelings, and permission to take up space.
My path led me through rigorous clinical training and my background and approach supporting clients navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and trauma. But it’s my lived experience as a gay man that informs how I show up. I don’t just work with LGBTQ clients because it’s my niche—I do it because I believe everyone deserves a space where they don’t have to translate themselves.

What LGBTQ-Affirming Therapy Means to Me
Affirming therapy means you walk in and feel seen. No explanations required. It means we talk openly about your relationships, identity, and fears—without tiptoeing around them. It’s therapy that names systemic issues and validates your anger, grief, joy, and complexity.
Clients often come in carrying messages they’ve internalized for years: “I’m too much,” “I should just be grateful,” or “Something must be wrong with me.” My job isn’t to correct you. It’s to hold space for you to unfold, at your own pace, with care.
I believe that healing happens in relationship—not in isolation. And when a client tells me, “This is the first time I’ve felt like I didn’t have to explain myself,” I know we’re on the right track.
What to Expect in a Session
Therapy with me is conversational. It’s warm. It’s structured, but flexible. Our sessions happen online—so you can join from the privacy of your home, your car, or wherever you feel most at ease.
You can expect:
- A safe, grounded space
- Room to share at your own pace
- A collaborative, relationship-focused process
- Practical tools rooted in evidence-based approaches like communication in LGBTQ relationships
You’re not just a list of symptoms or goals to me. You’re a whole person. And together, we’ll work toward what feeling “okay” or even “great” could look like for you. Let’s connect and explore your needs.
If you’re exploring inclusive counseling for LGBTQ adults or want to better understand anxiety in queer spaces, these sessions are designed with that context in mind.
Is Therapy Right for You?
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Many of my clients weren’t sure either. Some worried they wouldn’t be “good” at therapy. Others had bad experiences before.
Here’s what I believe: therapy isn’t about being fixed. It’s about feeling met. It’s about offering care where there’s been hurt, clarity where there’s been confusion, and self-compassion where there’s been shame.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck—or just ready for something different—this space is here for you. You can reach out anytime—it starts with a simple message.
Learn more about LGBTQ-affirming therapy
A Few Things About Me (Outside of Therapy)
When I’m not in session, I’m probably going to live music concerts, nerding out over sci-fi shows, or exercising at the gym. Music, movement and community keep me grounded.
I bring my full self into this work. And I believe it matters that you know a bit about who I am.
FAQs About Working With an LGBTQ Therapist
What is LGBTQ-affirming therapy?
Quick answer: It’s therapy that centers LGBTQ identity as valid and important. It’s not just “welcoming” — it’s informed, intentional, and grounded in real-world experience.
How do I know if you’re the right fit?
Quick answer: Fit matters. That’s why I offer a free 20-minute consultation. You get to decide if it feels right—no pressure, no obligation.
Is online therapy confidential?
Quick answer: Yes. I use secure, HIPAA-compliant video platforms to make sure your sessions are private and protected.
Can therapy help with anxiety and identity struggles?
Quick answer: Yes. Many LGBTQ folks carry anxiety that stems from both internal and external stressors. Therapy can offer a place to process and develop tools to cope—and even thrive.
Ready to Talk? Let’s Meet.
If something in this post resonated, trust that instinct. You deserve support that honors who you are—without conditions.
Whether you’re ready to start therapy or just testing the waters, I’m here to connect. Let’s find out together if this feels like the right fit. Book a free consultation or explore LGBTQ therapy services with me