Why Queer Couples Benefit from a Queer Couples Therapist

Olive Branch Therapy Services:

Why Queer Couples Benefit from a Queer Couples Therapist in Seattle

Supporting queer and LGBTQIA couples as a queer couples therapist in Seattle, Washington has been some of the most fulfilling couples therapy work I’ve ever done. As the owner of Olive Branch Therapy Services, I cherish working with LGBTQIA couples to better their communication, heal from past trauma, and get underneath what is really coming up for them within their conflicts. I cherish this because I know having lived experience of being in a queer relationship helps me be able to uniquely understand the experience and feelings of my clients.

The majority of therapists out there are straight, white, and middle to upper class. While that doesn’t make them bad therapists or unable to connect or understand the experiences of clients who are different from them, I know that when I am talking to another queer individual, or another fat individual, I feel a sense of safety that is hard to replicate with people who are not living with similar experiences to me. I hear this from a lot of my clients as well, especially my queer couples who are going through or have gone through fertility treatment to try and create the families they want to have. That experience has inherent differences as a queer couple compared to cisgender, heterosexual couples.

Why Queer Couples Benefit from a Seattle Queer Couples Therapist

Understanding the Queer Experience

Picture this: You're sitting in a therapist's office, pouring your heart out about your relationship, and suddenly you hit a roadblock because the therapist just doesn't "get it" or need clarification on a word you’re using or experience you’re talking through. This is an example of how finding a couples therapist who is queer themselves, or LGBTQIA knowledgeable and affirming, can be really connecting and impactful of the experience you have in therapy. They speak your language, understand your struggles, and celebrate your triumphs—all without skipping a beat.

Navigating Unique Relationship Dynamics

Queer relationships come in all shapes and sizes, from monogamous to polyamorous and everything in between. Working with a therapist who gets the intricacies of queer love means you don't have to waste time explaining why your relationship doesn't fit into a neat little box. Instead, you can focus on building a relationship that feels authentic to you and your partner.

Breaking Down Barriers to Communication

Let's face it: communication can be tough, especially when you're navigating the choppy waters of a queer relationship. Whether it's dealing with internalized homophobia or finding the right words to express your feelings, a queer couples therapist can help you and your partner break down those barriers and communicate more effectively. Think of them as your relationship's personal cheerleaders, cheering you on every step of the way.

The Queer Couples Therapist Difference

So, what sets a queer couples therapist apart from their heterosexual counterparts? Well, we’ve walking in your shoes. They know first hand what it's like to navigate the ups and downs of queer love, and living in a world that is sometimes threatening and scary towards queer people. We bring that lived experience into the therapy room. Knowing this and experiencing this with your queer couples therapist can create integral safety into the therapeutic relationship.

Finding Your Perfect Match

This sounds great and all, but you might be wondering: how do I find the perfect therapist for me and my partner?

Start by asking for recommendations from friends or fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community. You can also search online directories specifically for queer therapists or reach out to LGBTQ+ organizations for referrals. Ask for a consultation, and don’t be afraid to ask your potential therapist if they are queer or queer affirming. And remember, trust your gut—if a therapist doesn't feel like the right fit, don't be afraid to keep searching until you find your perfect match.

By seeking out a queer couples therapist who understands and honors the unique experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, you and your partner can embark on a journey of growth, healing, and connection. At Olive Branch Therapy Services in Seattle and online across Washington, we aim to provide you and your partner the best queer couples therapy experience you could have. Take the plunge, and contact us today to set up a free consultation.