About Queer Talk

Welcome to Queer Talk

No hiding, just real talk and new perspectives.

What Makes QT Unique?

Remote Sessions

I’ve come to appreciate the effectiveness of voice calls for remote therapy sessions. One reason in particular, is to help avoid what we call “screen fatigue.” It’s quite common nowadays, with so much of our time spent staring at screens. Voice calls remove that visual strain and distraction, allowing both of us to focus more deeply on the conversation, which really helps in digging into deeper emotional territories without the fatigue or discomfort.

Another benefit of using voice calls is the level of privacy and comfort they offer. Many clients find it easier to open up and discuss personal matters without the self-consciousness that sometimes comes with being on camera. It feels a bit more like a safe, private space where you can speak freely, which is so crucial for effective therapy.

Plus, without visual cues, we really hone in on listening. This can enhance our connection, as we pay closer attention to tone and emotion in each other’s voices. This often leads to a more nuanced understanding and a stronger therapeutic relationship. So, I find voice calls foster a more focused and emotionally attuned environment, which is great for our work together.

Your Therapist

I’ve dedicated the past eight years to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through my work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. My passion is helping individuals like you navigate the complexities of gender identity and mental health with an unwavering focus on embracing your true self. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to authenticity and living according to our deepest values, rather than conforming to restrictive societal norms.

Here at Queer Talk Therapy, everything we do is about making therapy accessible and affirming, all from the comfort and privacy of your own space through telehealth. My approach, which I’ve named the “Queer Talk Method,” draws on the principles of Adlerian psychology and the transformative insights of thinkers like Brené Brown. This method isn’t just about talking; it’s about discovering your courage through vulnerability, challenging outdated societal expectations, and celebrating who you are in a world that often tells us to be someone else.

Beyond therapy, I’m deeply involved in advocacy and education, particularly focusing on the unique needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and enhancing the competencies of social workers within our community. When I’m not engaged with clients or community work, I enjoy life in Chicago with my partner and our two golden doodles, finding joy in simple pleasures like cooking and thrift shopping. I’m also working on a memoir that reflects my journey through personal and professional challenges, aiming to inspire others to live authentically and reject societal norms. Through all these endeavors, my goal is to help forge a world that’s more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate.

The Approach

The Queer Talk Method is a specialized therapeutic approach that I developed, structured around an acronym that reflects key aspects of our work together: Questioning, Unveiling, Empowerment, Excelling, Reclaiming, Talking, Affirming, Liberation, and Kindred. Each component is integral to how we approach therapy, tailored to help you challenge societal norms and embrace your personal journey toward self-discovery and expression.

Questioning Narratives is where we start; this involves a critical examination of the stories and roles you’ve been assigned by society and yourself. Unveiling Authenticity follows, a process designed to help you peel back layers of conditioned identity to reveal your true self. Empowerment Strategies equip you with the tools to navigate and reshape your world, while Excelling Beyond Limits encourages you to push past perceived boundaries. Reclaiming Joy focuses on seizing back what brings happiness and resilience in your life, moving away from merely coping to thriving.

Talking Openly establishes a foundation where everything you wish to express can be explored without judgment. Affirming Identities celebrates all facets of your identity in a validating space. Liberation through Growth encourages active participation in broader societal changes, advocating for rights and recognition. Finally, Kindred Connections aims to deepen your ties with the community, fostering relationships that support and enrich your life. Each session is a step toward not just understanding these elements but integrating them into your daily living, creating a comprehensive, transformative experience.

Client Portal

This tool is designed to put you in control, streamlining how you manage your therapy sessions and communication. With just a few clicks, you can log in securely, view available slots, and schedule your appointments without the back-and-forth of emails or calls. It’s all about making your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

One of the key features of our portal is the ease of secure messaging. Say goodbye to missed emails, texts, and voicemails. Through the portal, you can send messages directly to me, ensuring that your questions and updates are addressed promptly and securely. This system not only protects your privacy but also ensures that our communication is clear and efficient.

Using the client portal means you have instant access to manage and view your therapy details anytime, anywhere. It’s designed to give you autonomy over your therapy sessions and enhance your overall experience by keeping everything organized and accessible. This way, we can focus more on your journey and less on logistics.

Advancement Consulting

Goal Setting and Achievement: Coaching provides a structured environment where you can define clear, actionable goals. Whether these goals are related to career advancement, improving personal relationships, or developing healthier lifestyle habits, coaching helps you set realistic milestones and develop strategies to achieve them. This process is guided by principles of accountability and motivation, which are central to making meaningful changes in one’s life.

Professional Growth: For many, professional development is a key aspect of personal satisfaction and success. Coaching sessions at Queer Talk Therapy are tailored to help you navigate your career path with confidence. From enhancing leadership skills and improving workplace communication to strategizing for a career transition or promotion, coaching can be an invaluable resource for professional advancement.

Lifestyle Management: Beyond career goals, our coaching sessions address broader aspects of lifestyle management which include time management, stress reduction, and work-life balance. These sessions are designed to help you cultivate a lifestyle that aligns with your values and long-term objectives, ensuring that each area of your life receives the attention it deserves.

Empowerment and Confidence Building: At the core of our coaching approach is the commitment to empower you to make informed decisions that reflect your true self. Coaching encourages self-reflection, which is crucial for personal growth, and fosters a sense of self-efficacy and confidence. It’s about transforming not just your actions but also your mindset, enabling you to approach life’s challenges and opportunities with assurance and agility.

Scope of Practice

Therapy Sessions: Available only in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Virginia, our therapy sessions are ideal for clients seeking professional mental health care that may include a psychiatric diagnosis. These sessions can be billed to insurance depending on client preference, or they can be handled via self-pay at a rate of $175 per session. This flexibility allows us to meet your needs in the most convenient way possible, providing support for a range of psychiatric conditions under clinical therapeutic care.

Coaching Sessions: For clients who are looking for guidance and personal growth without the need for a psychiatric diagnosis, coaching sessions are a perfect choice. These sessions are available nationwide and are strictly self-pay at a rate of $175 each. Coaching is focused on personal development, goal setting, and lifestyle management, providing a non-clinical approach to personal improvement and resilience building.

Gender Dysphoria Assessments and Letters: These assessments are available across the United States and are essential for clients preparing for gender-affirming surgeries. They involve a thorough evaluation of a client’s readiness to undertake significant surgical procedures, providing a necessary psychiatric diagnosis that supports their journey. Although primarily focused on preparing and supporting clients for surgery, these assessments are also pivotal in understanding the broader aspects of a client’s mental health in relation to their gender identity.