Heya! Thanks for being here.
If you’ve come this far, you probably already know that my name is Alexina.
What you may not know is that I am also part of the 2SLGBTQ+ club, although I haven’t always understood exactly how I fit in there.
I’ve always been an ally - growing up in the music and theatre crowd means I had friends who were somewhere in the LGBTQ mix, and I have a strong sense of urgency about standing up for others when it comes to intolerance.
I also don’t believe that shoving people into a predetermined box is a benchmark society should be striving for.
What "affirming" actually means
I take this seriously in the therapy room as well. Many therapists label themselves as “LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists,” but it’s more than a rainbow logo on their website or a sticker on the office door.
To me, it means:
01
You don’t have to explain or justify your identity to me
02
You don’t have to educate me about how you fit in the world or the community (unless you want to!)
Your pronouns, name, and identity are all important aspects of who you are, and I respect them from the moment you share them with me
03
I don’t make assumptions about or pathologize relationships or family structures that are different from the mono/hetero/cisnormative examples in our society. There is no right way to love or exist in this world
04
Who I Work With
So, with all this in mind, who may be drawn to work with me?
Some of my past clients have included queer and/or gay individuals, lesbian and bisexual people, non-binary folx, people who are questioning or exploring their identity, and gender non-conforming individuals, and the family members and loved ones of many of these people.
SOME OF THE TOPICS WE'VE EXPLORED TOGETHER:
Gender expression
Exploring and building their sense of identity (both internally and externally)
Grief related to queer experiences (not being able to be “out” in certain areas of their lives, having to hide certain experiences because the aren’t accepted, collective community grief due to oppression, unlived queer childhood/opportunities, missed milestones, rejection over identity, etc.)
Relationships within queer communities
Intersectionality — being queer and BIPOC, queer and disabled, etc
Coming out
Navigating workspaces and relationships that don't feel affirming/supportive
General mental health — anxiety, depression, life stress — through a queer-affirming lens
My Role in the 2SLGBTQIA+
Community
As I said earlier, I’ve been an ally to the community for most of my life, and I’ve spent the last few years trying to figure out my own identity and where I fit into the community.
As one half of a heteropassing couple, it is easy for people to assume that I am a cis-het woman, but that’s not the entire story. I share the same identity exploration as many of my clients.
I try to use my privilege to advocate for those who don’t have the spoons or safety to do so 🩵
Your Privacy Matters Here
Speaking of safety, I understand that sharing your true self with everyone is not always an option, and I take confidentiality very seriously.
Other than the required situations where I am bound by my code of ethics to break confidentiality (imminent risk of harm to self or others, abuse of a vulnerable person, subpoena, etc.), everything shared in session is only between us.
That means I won’t talk to others about your identity, relationships, pronouns, sexuality, or anything else you bring into the room unless you give me written permission.
2SLGBTQIA+
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to explain my pronouns or identity before we start?
No, I don’t need to know this info before we get together, but I do have an optional space for this on my intake form. If you want me to know this info, it is handy for me because I want to make you comfortable and use correct pronouns. But if you’re not comfortable sharing, it’s alright :)
Do you have experience working with trans clients specifically?
To my knowledge, I have not had any trans clients, but I have worked with family members/partners of trans folx, and I have supported several trans friends through various experiences.
Is everything I share about my sexuality
and relationships confidential?
Yes, everything shared with me is confidential, unless there is imminent danger to yourself or someone else, abuse of a vulnerable person or I am legally requested to supply information.
What if I'm still figuring out my identity — is that okay?
Absolutely! As humans, we are constantly changing who we are and how we float through the world. Therapy is a space for you to be able to explore these aspects of yourself and show up however you need to in that moment. Together, we can figure out what’s important to you and help to create a life you want to live!
Do you work with queer couples or just individuals?
I work with both individuals (on single person stuff or relationship stuff) and couples!