I've never been to therapy before. What can I expect?
Therapy doesn't look the same for each person, however there are some general aspects therapy involves. There is some brief intake paperwork. Once we begin sessions, you can expect to meet on a regular basis to explore your presenting problem(s). Some areas of exploration might be: formative childhood experiences, trauma, identity exploration, emotion management, sexuality, relationships, stressors, life goals, depression/anxiety, and more. You can expect me to provide a safe, affirming, and nonjudgemental space to collaboratively explore, process, and take action in various aspects of your life. You can expect to begin implementing changes in your life such as new behavior patterns, new ways of handling emotions or stress, or new ways of communicating. I may suggest books, videos, or other activities to complete outside of therapy.
Who is therapy for?
Therapy is for anyone who feels their experiences, emotions, behaviors, or patterns are holding them back from who they want to be in life. I hold space for anyone with the courage to work towards new and better outcomes for their health.
Will anyone find out I am in therapy?
Everything talked about in therapy is kept confidential, except for a few exemptions. These include active intent to harm yourself (suicidality) or another identifiable person (homicidality), or child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. I provide an in-depth explanation of the limits of confidentiality to you at the beginning of therapy. Otherwise, no one will know you are in therapy unless you tell them, or choose to sign a release of information for me to coordinate with other care team members (ex. psychiatrist, case manager, insurance, etc.).
What is affirming therapy?
Affirming therapy seeks to affirm (never to change or "fix") clients' identities, in every aspect from gender identity, sexuality, relational style and status, sexual and erotic orientations, religion, faith, ability, citizenship status, race/ethnicity, and more. I provide affirming therapy to all client backgrounds, with a specialty in the LGBTQIA population.
What are the benefits of therapy?
The benefits of therapy are numerous and vary from person to person. However, some benefits my clients have noticed are:
- Increased emotion management/regulation
- Increased self confidence/love
- Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
- More effective communication
- More useful thought patterns
- Reduced self harm behaviors
- More satisfying relationships
- Increased decision making ability
- Reduced stress
- Identities/expressions that feel right for them
- Increased physical health through lifestyle changes
- Reduction/moderation in substance use if applicable
- Finding words/identities that feel right
How can Kai help me?
I can provide individual, couples/polycules, and family therapy to better assist you in understanding your mental health needs and best course of action. Occasionally, I hold group therapy sessions based on a specific topic (see "services" for latest group updates). I also provide familial LGBTQIA education sessions. Outside of therapy, I can provide additional affirming community resources or referrals to those seeking continued care, as well as LGBTQIA education. I also provide letter writing services for transgender clients needing HRT/surgery assessments, immigration evaluations, speaking engagements, consultations, and coaching.
What happens if, as a patient, I run into you outside of therapy (for example, at a store, event, or restaurant)?
Our community is small but mighty! This means we might run into each other in public. However, per confidentiality guidelines, I am not allowed to acknowledge my patients in public spaces in order to protect your privacy. If you decide you want to break confidentiality and acknowledge me, you're welcome to greet me in public (if desired and appropriate). You are welcome to follow my professional queer mental health educational and advocacy Instagram account @queer_therapist.
Therapy doesn't look the same for each person, however there are some general aspects therapy involves. There is some brief intake paperwork. Once we begin sessions, you can expect to meet on a regular basis to explore your presenting problem(s). Some areas of exploration might be: formative childhood experiences, trauma, identity exploration, emotion management, sexuality, relationships, stressors, life goals, depression/anxiety, and more. You can expect me to provide a safe, affirming, and nonjudgemental space to collaboratively explore, process, and take action in various aspects of your life. You can expect to begin implementing changes in your life such as new behavior patterns, new ways of handling emotions or stress, or new ways of communicating. I may suggest books, videos, or other activities to complete outside of therapy.
Who is therapy for?
Therapy is for anyone who feels their experiences, emotions, behaviors, or patterns are holding them back from who they want to be in life. I hold space for anyone with the courage to work towards new and better outcomes for their health.
Will anyone find out I am in therapy?
Everything talked about in therapy is kept confidential, except for a few exemptions. These include active intent to harm yourself (suicidality) or another identifiable person (homicidality), or child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. I provide an in-depth explanation of the limits of confidentiality to you at the beginning of therapy. Otherwise, no one will know you are in therapy unless you tell them, or choose to sign a release of information for me to coordinate with other care team members (ex. psychiatrist, case manager, insurance, etc.).
What is affirming therapy?
Affirming therapy seeks to affirm (never to change or "fix") clients' identities, in every aspect from gender identity, sexuality, relational style and status, sexual and erotic orientations, religion, faith, ability, citizenship status, race/ethnicity, and more. I provide affirming therapy to all client backgrounds, with a specialty in the LGBTQIA population.
What are the benefits of therapy?
The benefits of therapy are numerous and vary from person to person. However, some benefits my clients have noticed are:
- Increased emotion management/regulation
- Increased self confidence/love
- Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
- More effective communication
- More useful thought patterns
- Reduced self harm behaviors
- More satisfying relationships
- Increased decision making ability
- Reduced stress
- Identities/expressions that feel right for them
- Increased physical health through lifestyle changes
- Reduction/moderation in substance use if applicable
- Finding words/identities that feel right
How can Kai help me?
I can provide individual, couples/polycules, and family therapy to better assist you in understanding your mental health needs and best course of action. Occasionally, I hold group therapy sessions based on a specific topic (see "services" for latest group updates). I also provide familial LGBTQIA education sessions. Outside of therapy, I can provide additional affirming community resources or referrals to those seeking continued care, as well as LGBTQIA education. I also provide letter writing services for transgender clients needing HRT/surgery assessments, immigration evaluations, speaking engagements, consultations, and coaching.
What happens if, as a patient, I run into you outside of therapy (for example, at a store, event, or restaurant)?
Our community is small but mighty! This means we might run into each other in public. However, per confidentiality guidelines, I am not allowed to acknowledge my patients in public spaces in order to protect your privacy. If you decide you want to break confidentiality and acknowledge me, you're welcome to greet me in public (if desired and appropriate). You are welcome to follow my professional queer mental health educational and advocacy Instagram account @queer_therapist.
