LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit

LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit Therapy & Counseling Montclair NJ

How Therapy Helps 2SLGBTQIA+ Individuals, Couples and Families

Identity Exploration & Support

Transition Support

Build Community & Connection

Navigate Familial & Societal Challenges

2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Practice

We are proudly owned by a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are deeply committed to supporting and serving the diverse needs of the community including Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual/Aromantic individuals. Therapists are trained in inclusive and affirmative practices, ensuring a safe. brave and welcoming environment where clients can explore their identities, discuss their experiences, and address specific mental health concerns related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expressions. The therapy sessions are tailored to respect and validate the personal journey of each client, with a focus on building resilience, fostering well-being, and promoting empowerment.

What are the benefits of 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming therapy?

Benefits may include and are not limited to:

  1. Enhanced Self-Acceptance: Therapy helps embrace your sexual orientation and gender identity, boosting self-esteem and reducing internalized stigma.
  2. Improved Relationships: Explore and improve your relationship dynamics with effective communication strategies for better interactions within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community.
  3. Coping with Discrimination and Trauma: Gain tools to handle discrimination, prejudice, and trauma, including responses to hate crimes and familial rejection.
  4. Support During Transition: Provides essential support for transgender or non-binary individuals during gender transition, addressing societal pressures and emotional complexities.
  5. Reducing Mental Health Disparities: Offers a safe space to tackle the higher prevalence of mental health issues like anxiety and depression within the community.
  6. Navigating Identity Issues: Assists in understanding and accepting complex feelings about your identity, promoting clarity and self-acceptance.
  7. Building Community and Support: Helps connect with wider LGBTQIA+ communities and resources for additional support and a sense of belonging.
  8. Dealing with Coming Out: Offers guidance and support for coming out, including strategies to handle various outcomes effectively.

What are the unique challenges that 2SLBGTQIA+ individuals experience?

Unique challenges may include and are not limited to:

  1. Increased Anxiety and Depression: Higher rates due to discrimination, rejection, and societal stigma.
  2. Trauma and PTSD: Caused by hate crimes, bullying, and familial rejection, with the potential to worsen without proper support.
  3. Substance Use Disorders: Stress from facing homophobia, transphobia, and other discrimination may lead to increased substance use as a coping mechanism.
  4. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Heightened risk among LGBTQIA+ youth and transgender individuals due to isolation and lack of acceptance.
  5. Internalized Negativity: Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia can lead to low self-esteem and poor mental health.
  6. Social Isolation and Loneliness: Difficulty in social acceptance can result in isolation, contributing to mental health issues.
  7. Identity Confusion and Stress: Challenges in aligning personal identity with societal expectations can create significant stress.
  8. Minority Stress: Chronic stress from daily experiences of marginalization can affect both mental and physical health.

What Type of Therapy is Used to support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples?

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps modify negative thoughts and behaviors, addressing issues like anxiety and internalized homophobia.
  2. Affirmative Therapy: Supports and validates 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, enhancing self-esteem and combating negative societal messages.
  3. Couples Therapy: Focuses on relationship dynamics unique to 2SLGBTQIA+ couples, such as discrimination impacts and transitioning challenges.
  4. Family Therapy:  Aids in improving family acceptance and communication, crucial for family support.
  5. Psychodynamic & Psychoanalytic Therapy: Therapy: Explores deeper emotional conflicts and past experiences, providing insights into behavior and feelings.
  6. Narrative Therapy: Enables individuals to reshape their life stories in empowering ways, fostering a positive sense of self.
  7. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Techniques to manage the stress and anxiety often experienced due to minority stress and discrimination.

What Are Outcomes of Therapy for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples?

Outcome may include and are not limited to:

  1. Improved Mental Health: Therapy can lead to reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, improving overall mental health.
  2. Enhanced Self-Esteem: Individuals often experience increased self-esteem and self-acceptance after addressing internalized stigma and identity issues.
  3. Stronger Relationships: Therapy can improve communication skills and conflict resolution abilities, resulting in healthier relationships with family, friends, and partners.
  4. Resilience Against Discrimination: Therapy provides coping strategies that enhance resilience against the negative effects of discrimination and prejudice.
  5. Better Emotional Regulation: Individuals learn to better manage and express their emotions, leading to improved emotional well-being.
  6. Clearer Sense of Identity: Therapy helps clarify feelings about sexual orientation and gender identity, aiding in a more cohesive sense of self.
  7. Increased Support Networks: Therapy can connect individuals to community resources and support networks, reducing feelings of isolation.
  8. Successful Navigation of Life Transitions: Provides support for navigating major life changes, such as coming out or transitioning, with positive strategies and support.
  • How do I schedule LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and counseling appointment?

    You can choose the option to schedule an  LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and counseling  appointment that works for you below:

    1. Request Appointment Online
    2. Contact Form Complete the form online to send us a message.
    3. Email Us at info@mountainstherapy.com
    4. Call Us and Leave a voicemail at 201-588-3776

    MPORTANT info for Calls:

    • You will only receive a callback if you leave a voicemail. 
    • We do not return calls that do not leave a voicemail. 
  • What is LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy?

    LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy is a therapeutic approach that recognizes and respects the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It actively supports and validates clients' identities, fostering a safe space to discuss issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.

  • How do I find a therapist who is competent in LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit issues in Montclair, NJ?

  • What should I look for in a therapist if I am a Two-Spirit individual?

    Look for a therapist who is knowledgeable about and sensitive to indigenous cultures and the specific experiences of Two-Spirit individuals. It’s important they understand the cultural, spiritual, and historical context that impacts your identity and experiences.

  • Can therapy and counseling help with coming out?

    Yes, therapy and counseling can provide valuable support when coming out. A therapist can help you navigate your feelings, prepare for different reactions, and develop strategies to maintain your well-being throughout the process.


  • What kind of issues do LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit therapists help with?

    LGBTQIA+ therapists can help with a wide range of issues including identity exploration, dealing with discrimination and prejudice, relationship challenges, family dynamics, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and much more.


  • How can therapy and counseling assist with gender transition?

    Therapy can support individuals through their gender transition by offering emotional support, helping to manage the stress associated with transitioning, addressing any mental health concerns, and providing guidance on communicating needs to family, friends, and employers.

  • What are some strategies for managing anxiety related to social transitions for transgender individuals?

    Therapy can provide techniques for managing anxiety during social transitions, such as role-playing social interactions, developing affirmations, building a supportive network, and strategizing practical aspects of transitioning in daily life.

  • What are the signs I should seek therapy and counseling as an LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit person?

    Signs might include feeling persistently sad or anxious, experiencing issues related to self-esteem, struggling with your identity, facing relationship difficulties, or needing support dealing with societal discrimination or family rejection.

  • Can therapy and counseling help me deal with discrimination and minority stress?

    Yes, therapy and conseling can offer strategies to cope with the stress of discrimination and build resilience. Therapists can work with you to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and improve overall mental health.

  • How does Couples therapy and marriage counseling work for LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit partners?

    Couples therapy and marriage counseling for LGBTQIA+ partners focuses on enhancing communication, addressing specific relational dynamics related to sexual orientation or gender identity, and solving conflicts in a supportive environment.

  • Is online therapy effective for LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit individuals?

    Yes, online therapy can be highly effective, especially for those who may not have easy access to LGBTQIA+-affirmative therapists locally. It offers convenience, privacy, and the ability to choose a therapist who truly understands the unique aspects of LGBTQIA+ identities.

  • How do I address issues related to intersectionality in therapy?

    When looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone who understands intersectionality and how various identities (race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status) impact your experience. A competent therapist will consider all aspects of your identity in your treatment plan.

  • What should I do if I feel my therapist is not affirming of my LGBTQIA+ & Two Spirit identity?

    If you feel your therapist is not affirmatively supporting your LGBTQIA+ identity, it might be necessary to address this concern directly with them. Then you can request a new therapist at our practice who is better educated in LGBTQIA+ affirmative practices.

  • Can therapy help with issues unique to older LGBTQIA+ individuals?

    Yes, therapists can help address issues that may be particularly relevant to older LGBTQIA+ & 2 Spirit adults, such as dealing with late-stage coming out, navigating retirement, ageism within the community, and planning for long-term care with dignity.

  • How can therapy support LGBTQIA+ individuals dealing with spiritual and religious conflicts?

    Therapy can provide a space to explore conflicts between one’s LGBTQIA+ identity and religious beliefs. Therapists can help clients reconcile these aspects of their identity, explore spiritual trauma, and religious trauma  and find a path to spiritual peace or acceptance.

At Mountains Therapy in Montclair, NJ, we specialize in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and couples through a comprehensive approach. Our therapy private practice is proudly owned and by 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying psychotherapist, who is committed to providing culturally competent and affirmative care. We offer individual therapy focusing on identity exploration and discrimination, couples therapy to address unique relational dynamics, and group therapy for community support. Beyond therapy, we engage in community advocacy, host workshops, and connect clients to a broad spectrum of resources. We also provide specialized support for transitions, and tailored services for both youth and older members of the LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit community, ensuring that every individual receives the understanding and support they need.

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